University of Maine Raises $23,000 for Student-Led Food Pantries

The University of Maine (UMaine), a Council member, has raised nearly $23,000 for food pantries across Maine’s college campuses through its third annual Ending Hunger on Campus in Maine campaign.

The months-long fundraiser, conducted by the University Credit Union (UCU) established at UMaine, t highlights the important role of student-run food pantries across the UMaine system. It also seeks to raise awareness of the problem of food insecurity for college students and its prevalence across the state. UCU matched every dollar donated to the campaign and distributed the funds between eight campus food pantries throughout Maine.

“Moments like this remind us that Maine is truly a ‘big’ small town, where businesses, neighbors and strangers don’t hesitate to step up for those in need. Student food pantries are a particularly great example of Mainers seeing a problem and taking it on, as these campus food pantries are almost entirely self-funded and run by volunteers who themselves are students,” said Renee Ouellette, president and CEO of University Credit Union.

The Council congratulates UMaine for another successful fundraising and advocacy campaign to address this important problem. The Bangor Daily News reports.