Thanks From Feed Our Scholars

The Wiscasset Feed Our Scholars Committee wishes very much to thank all who participated in the fundraising dinner on Saturday, March 12 at St. Philip’s Church. Members of Wiscasset faith communities: St. Philip’s Episcopal, Wiscasset First Congregational, and Freedom Fellowship teamed up to raise funds for the program’s mission of aiding local students living with food insecurity.

Thanks to all who donated dinner components, prepared soups, baked breadstuffs, served and cleaned up, as well as to those who attended, partaking of the chowders, soups and such. Particular appreciation is extended to Sarah’s for a wonderful fresh salad and dressings, as well as Treats for some of their great coffees. It is heartening to have the help of town businesses in investing in the future of our area.

Many amazing desserts were donated by the three church groups, as well as by teachers and students in both Wiscasset’s Middle High School and Elementary School. An entertaining time was had by all as auctioneer, Suzanne Rankin, and her aides worked to control the heated bidding for this cake or that batch of cookies.

Thanks, too, to Matt O’Donnell, guitarist, who also lent his sound equipment for the auction. Gratitude, moreover, to the elementary school for the use of their microphone.

Feed Our Scholars is all about changing the failure equation at its most elemental level. One out of every four children in the target towns is living in a food insecure situation. The number experiencing an inconsistent food supply in pockets of Wiscasset, Westport Island, and Alna climbs to two — or even three — out of every four.

Research indicates that children living in food insecure homes are less able to learn than their well-fed peers, experience greater absenteeism, have more behavior problems in the classroom, and are more prone to health issues, all of which impede potential growth and development.

Thanks to all involved, the evening generated $1200 to be used for the purchase of weekend food packs through Good Shepherd Food Bank’s program, support of the WMHS pantry, and supplies for other sustaining measures next year and in years to come.

Feed Our Scholars Committee,

Wiscasset