Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program was recognized as the 2019 Service Enterprise of the Year at the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism. The program started the certification process in 2017 when the agency was growing to meet the needs of the community, but struggled to harness the skills and knowledge of volunteers to meet new goals, according to a news release. 

The Service Enterprise model encouraged the program to improve volunteer onboarding, training, and stewardship. Additionally, the nonprofit identified new and innovative ways to utilize volunteer energy every day. In 2018 MCHPP’s volunteers donated over 38,000 hours sorting and processing food, preparing and serving lunch, distributing groceries, delivering or picking up food, and more. 

“Thanks to Service Enterprise strategies staff are able to focus their time on program management and growth,” the release states. “The support of volunteers ensures the agency is able to meet the growing need of food insecure households in Midcoast Maine.” 

The release continues: “The Service Enterprise certification signifies that MCHPP is an organization that leverages the skills, expertise, and time of volunteers to achieve operational efficiency and have a greater impact on the community it serves. MCHPP was honored to accept the Governor’s Service Award on Oct. 15, 2019 during the Maine Volunteer Leadership Conference.”