AUBURN — Good Shepherd Food Bank recently announced that it will present the 2017 JoAnn Pike Humanitarian Award to Hannaford Supermarkets in honor of the company’s service to the community. The award will be presented at a celebratory dinner at the food bank on April 6.

Each year Good Shepherd selects an award recipient in honor of its founder, JoAnn Pike.

Nearly 16 percent of Maine households face hunger, according to USDA statistics, including almost one in four of Maine children.

“It’s difficult to calculate Hannaford’s impact on hunger relief efforts in Maine and across their footprint — their support is immeasurable,” said Kristen Miale, Good Shepherd Food Bank president. “It’s safe to say that the food bank would not be the organization we are today without Hannaford. We’re honored to give this award to Hannaford in recognition of decades of community support.”

Hannaford has formalized its community efforts under a program called “Hannaford Helps.” Under this program, the company donates several million dollars a year and provides in-kind support to schools, hospitals, children’s programs, community wellness initiatives and more.