Hunger in Washington County
I’m Sarah Craighead Dedmon. Welcome to Way Downeast, where I’ll share small-town stories and big conversations -- about the people, communities, struggles and successes of Washington County, Maine.
In this episode, we’re talking about hunger in Washington County — how the Machias Food Pantry and other food pantries are addressing it and, later in the episode, ways in which community gardens and even home gardens could make Washington County more food independent in the future.
Food insecurity is a challenge Way Downeast.
Listen to hear how local organizations are working to solve it.
In September 2023, The Machias Area Food Pantry opened in this new location, 43 Kennebec Road, Machias.
David Cale
An experienced fisherman, clamer and diver, David serves the town of Machiasport as Harbor Master.
Ken Warner & Nancy Lewis
Machias Area Food Pantry Co-Directors.
Regina Grabrovac
Washington County Food Programs Manager for Healthy Acadia.
Washington County Food Pantries
Healthy Acadia has put together this resource for Washington County food pantries and their contact information. To read more, and learn about other food resources in Hancock and Washington Counties, visit Healthy Acadia’s Food Security Networks webpage here.
CALAIS
Irene Chadbourne Ecumenical Food Pantry
Location: 513 Main Street
Days & Hours: Mon 3p-5p, Thu 10a-12p, & Fri 1p-3p
Notes: Two at a time in the pantry building until further notice. Some home delivery.
Contact Info: 207-532-8734 or icefoodpantry@gmail.com (Steve Farrar)
Website Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089940760102
CHERRYFIELD
Maine Seacoast Mission Family Food Center
Location: 6 Weald Bethel Lane
Days & Hours: Tue-Fri 9a-3p
Notes: In-person pantry option or pick-up. Online order form for customizing pick-ups and deliveries. Commodities are available 3rd Wed of the month. Backpacks go out weekly to children during the school year. Food cupboards at Narraguagus Jr/Sr High School and Cherryfield.
Contact Info: 207-546-7424 or msmith@seacoastmission.org (Megan Smith)
Website Link: https://seacoastmission.org/downeast/food-security/
DANFORTH
Danforth Food Pantry
Location: 85 Bancroft Road
Days & Hours: 1st & 3rd Thu of the month, 10a-11a
Notes: N/A
Contact Info: 207-538-6954 or brooks7.island@yahoo.com (Marilyn Stoddard)
Website Link: https://www.facebook.com/DanforthFoodPantry
EASTPORT
Labor of Love (Garrapy) Food Pantry
Location: 137 County Road
Days & Hours: Fri 2:30p-6:30p
Notes: Register for assistance by calling the Food Pantry Manager, Patti Loring. Leave a message for emergency assistance and someone will get back to you ASAP. Emergency food is available the 3rd, 4th, & 5th Tue of the month, 9a-11a.
Contact Info: 207-853-0812 or manager@eastportlaboroflove.org
Website Link: https://eastportlaboroflove.org/
INDIAN TOWNSHIP
Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township Food Pantry
Location: 197 US Route 1
Days & Hours: Mon-Fri 10a-2:30p
Notes: N/A
Contact Info: 207-796-6134 or 207-796-2841 (Jesse Stevens)
Website Link: https://www.foodpantries.org/IndianTownshipFoodPantry
JONESPORT
Jonesport Food Pantry
Location: 28 Sawyer Square (Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church)
Days & Hours: Wed 9a-11a
Notes: N/A
Contact Info: 207-497-2294 or smcc28@myfairpoint.net (Pastor Phyllis Merritt)
Website Link: https://www.facebook.com/SawyerMemorialCongregationalChurch
LUBEC
Lubec Community Food Pantry
Location: 44 South Street (Lubec Community Outreach Center)
Days & Hours: 3rd Wed of the month, 1p-3p & 3rd Sat of the month, 8:30a-10a
Notes: Distribute emergency food upon request.
Contact Info: 207-733-5262 or director@lubecoutreach.org (Jennifer Bristol)
Website Link: https://www.lubecoutreach.org/programs/LubecCommunityFoodPantry
MACHIAS
Machias Area Food Pantry
Location: 43 Kennebec Road, Machias
Days & Hours: Mon 1p-6p
Contact Info: 207-255-6665 or machiasfoodpantry@gmail.com
Website Link: https://machiasareafoodpantry.org/
PLEASANT POINT
Passamaquoddy Food Pantry
Location: 9 Sakom Road
Days & Hours: Mon-Thu 12p-4p
Contact Info: 207-853-2600 (Diane Libby)
Website Link: https://www.foodpantries.org/PassamaquoddyFoodPantry
WOODLAND / BAILEYVILLE
Woodland Community Food Pantry
Location: 55 Broadway Street
Days & Hours: 1st & 4th Thu, 9a-11a
Notes: Patrons are not allowed in the building until further notice. Please make your presence known when you arrive. Delivery available based on need assessment. Baileyville school district residents only. Emergency food available as needed.
Contact Info: 207-427-6518 or musicalsunset@yahoo.com (Tonya Scott)
Website Link: N/A
Woodland Junior Senior High School
Location: 14 First Ave
Days & Hours: Tue & Thu 2:30p-3:30p (after school)
Contact Info: 484-639-7314 or hicks.h@su107.org