Since 1999, Maine State CU members, employees and friends have raised over $160,000 for Maine Credit Unions' Campaign for Ending Hunger.
Not only do the food banks and shelters in Kennebec & Somerset counties receive 100% of all funds raised, they also get 12X the buying power per dollar. This equals total purchasing power of $1.92 Million Dollars in the last 10 years!
Our largest annual fundraisers include our Walk to Stop Hunger (Spring) and a Spaghetti Dinner & Auction (Fall). Grill raffles, Candle sales & BBQs also play a part in making our campaign a success.
- More than 40% of Maine kids under the age of 12 show some evidence of hunger
- 19,375 Maine children are hungry
- An additional 64,087 children are at risk of hunger
- New data shows that 12% of Maine households, representing 161,000 people, experience food insecurity
- Hunger and the risk of hunger are widespread among Maine's low-income families with children
- The likelihood of experiencing hunger or the risk of hunger is directly related to income
- Children living in households which experienced hunger or the risk of hunger are more likely to experience health or school-related problems.
- Several groups are found to be at greater risk of hunger in Maine; children, adults in low income families, disabled persons, persons with special needs, the elderly, those living in rural regions and the inner cities of Maine's largest urban places.
- Several factors contribute to hunger in Maine; including income growth that is outpaced by cost of living; high level of underemployment; widening gap between rich and poor; illiteracy; and lack of consumer information on nutrition.
In April 2006, Maine State Credit Union started our Annual Walk to Stop Hunger in support of the Maine Credit Unions' Campaign to End Hunger. The 5k walk, now held at the Kennebec River Augusta Rail Trail, raised more than $18,000 in 2008, $21,000 in 2009 and $22,800 in 2010. All proceeds raised are distributed to local food banks and shelters. Any food bank or kitchen who registers and walks the course automatically qualifies for an extra bonus.
The Walk is held in the Springtime each year and anyone is eligible to register. For the past few years, First Lady Karen Baldacci has kicked off the event; she actually joined us in the walk in 2008. Following the Walk are activities in Capitol Park such as a children's fun run, temporary tattoos, games, a live band and a barbeque. There is no entry fee, but we ask that you bring a nonperishable item to donate to a designated pantry. Want to help support this great cause but don't want to walk? Or, do you want to do more than walk? We are always looking for volunteers to help with promotion, event coordination and community outreach.
Our next Walk will be on Saturday, April 30th, 2011. Prior to the Walk, we will post registration materials on the website. Check out a video from the 2008 walk!
Click here to download a registration form for this years walk, or visit the Event Registration Section to register online.
Click here to download a sponsor sheet to collect pledges for this year's walk!
Music: You Know That (Is Nothing New) - Bill Mallonee
