BIDDEFORD — Anyone suffering and in need as a result of the government shutdown is welcome to visit the Biddeford Food Pantry, the organization’s director said.

Biddeford Food Pantry was established in 1981 and is the oldest food pantry in the state of Maine. It can be found at 162 Elm St. in Biddeford.

According to Don Bisson, Biddeford Food Pantry director, government workers who are struggling during the shutdown will not be refused assistance.

“It’s deeply troubling to see what is happening and we want these people to know we can help,” Bisson said.

The food pantry is open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, and is staffed by a team of 38 volunteers from throughout the community.

Many local businesses such as Hannaford Supermarket, Walmart, Target and others donate perishable food items to the food pantry while numerous restaurants such as Dunkin Donuts, Biscuits & Co. and Reilly’s Bakery also contribute to the program. Most of the food it dispenses is purchased and then stored for distribution at the Elm Street site.

“It is our mission to serve our community and we stand ready to help anyone in need,” Bisson said.

Food pantry participants often receive three weeks of food monthly including a large grocery bag of non-perishable items such as canned soups, canned veggies, canned fruits, pasta sauce, rice, and beans, a large banana box containing assorted breads, frozen meats, yogurts, potatoes, oatmeal, juices, hotdogs, muffins and other items, a large grocery bag of pastries, juices, oils, condiments, marinades, two gallons of bottled water and a gallon of milk. The actual quantity of food given out is determined by the number of people that are being fed.