LEWISTON — Androscoggin Bank’s MainStreet Foundation recently announced that St. Mary’s Nutrition Center has been named the 2017 recipient of its annual $25K for Kids grant.

The award was presented at the foundation’s annual meeting in November.

Focused on using access to healthy food as an entry point to leadership development, community building and making longterm change, the $25,000 award was presented to the nutrition center to help it strengthen its youth leadership programs so it can better support teens who have limited opportunities or are living in poverty.

St. Mary’s Nutrition Center supports the Lewiston-Auburn region by placing a value in strengthening community connections, addressing root causes, nurturing a sense of place, and facilitating a deeper commitment to equity across the community.

“It’s hard to put into words the importance of MainStreet Foundation’s efforts to fund vital programs that support the children of Maine who need them the most,” said Kirsten Walter, director of the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center. “Their work helps to ensure that Maine youth and kids remain safe, are provided with healthy meals, and have fair access to essential services, such as health care, counseling and education.”