Brownie Troop 1289, on Nov. 13, visited the Community Outreach Services food pantry for an educational session about food insecurity and its impact on local families.

According to a news release, the food pantry hosted the session, called Hunger 101 for Kids, which helped troop members, all of whom are third-grade students at Sea Road School in Kennebunk, gain insight into the difficult choices families make to cover essentials like food and utilities. The Brownies also created cards for families who visit the food pantry and contributed a donation of 38.7 pounds of shelf-stable items — enough to provide support to families for the week.

“Troop 1289 gained valuable perspective on the challenges of food insecurity,” said troop co-leader Meghan Burchianti in an email.

“Our Brownies were excited to play a part in supporting their community,” said troop co-leader Bridget Babcock. “Their enthusiasm for giving back was inspiring to see.”

In 2023, Community Outreach Services provided food assistance to several hundred families across Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel through its full-service, four-day-a-week pantry.

“We were thoroughly delighted to host Brownie Troop 1289 at the Community Outreach Services food pantry,” wrote Mark Jago, executive director of Community Outreach Services, in an email. “Their visit and generous spirit highlight the positive impact young people can have in raising awareness and helping neighbors in need.”

Leaders of groups and schools interested in participating in a Hunger 101 for Kids session should email Jago at Mark@coskennebunks.org. Area businesses that are interested in sponsoring the events should also contact Jago.

Since 1990, Community Outreach Services has been extending a helping hand to our neighbors in the towns of Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel who face challenges with food insecurities. Over the years, the program offerings have expanded to include fuel and specific needs assistance to continue to meet the growing needs of the community. The organization currently serves several hundred of its neighbors at the food pantry in Kennebunk each month and says that, “demand is now increasing considerably. We cannot do the work we do without the generous support of our community.”