YORK COUNTY – As the school year comes to an end, students and families in need count on food pantries for support.

During the school year, programs are provided for food support to help students. When summer begins, children and families find themselves searching for other resources due to these programs ending.

Local food pantries in Biddeford, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach are opening their arms to provide help for families.

The Biddeford Food Pantry, at 162 Elm St. assists low income Biddeford residents. The pantry is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 a.m.

Don Bisson, President and Manager of Biddeford Food Pantry, says the pantry becomes busier during the summer when kids are provided less meals.

“We are looking for any donations that are kid friendly,” he says. “Foods that are able to stretch a meal for a mother and her children are especially helpful, such as cereal, pasta and sauce, and box meals.”

Bisson says he provides each child that comes in a coloring book and crayons. He provides visitors with children a welcoming and helpful experience. 

“When parents come in, they are given a sheet providing them with locations of available free meals during the summer,” says Bisson. “Parents still have to pay for themselves, but we are working on local business’ providing funding for the parents.”

Another food pantry in Biddeford accepting donations and offering help to those in need is the Stone Soup Pantry at 180 Main St. and open Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon.   

Old Orchard Beach Community Food Pantry, located on 155 Saco Ave, is also providing assistance for those in need year-round. The pantry is open Monday from 2 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Old Orchard Beach and Ocean Park residents are the pantry’s priority, but during the summer resources are extended to others.

Carol Davis, Old Orchard Beach Community Food Pantry President, says donations are fundamental to help run the pantry year-round.

The pantry is always in need of shelf stable milk and eggs, she said.

During the summer, kid friendly foods are most important.

“Non-perishable donations are the best,” said Davis. “We are looking for foods that are healthy and high in protein for the children.”

The Old Orchard Beach Community Food Pantry also offers programs during the summer that extend past regular clients.

During the summer bread and produce are offered to anyone, she said. At the local library, a table is put out for visitors to pick up the products on their way out.

The Saco Food Pantry is another resource that provides short and long term assistance to Saco residents. Located on 67 Ocean Park Road, the pantry is open Monday through Friday, 9 to 11 a.m. and the last Tuesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m.

On average, the pantry provides food for more than 275 families a month. Clients can select items they want, rather than receive packages of selected foods.

John Reynolds, Corresponding Secretary of the Saco Food Pantry, says the individuals, groups, and businesses in Saco are a big help.

“We are very fortunate to work in a community that is so supportive,” he said. “Food drives, donations, both financial and food, and volunteers allow us to be open five days per week.”

Currently the Saco Food Pantry is most in need of cereal, jelly, pasta and sauces, soups, and personal hygiene items.

Donations to all pantries are welcome during operating hours. Please consider donating to help those within the community.