Each April, nonprofits around the country recognize National Volunteer Appreciation Month! This year, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program had even more reason to celebrate. We are honored to share that the Volunteer Program at MCHPP has won the 2025 Governor’s Award for Outstanding Nonprofit Volunteer Program by the Maine Commission for Community Service!

This award recognizes our inspiring volunteers and staff who are dedicated to the success and vitality of our community by providing access to healthy food. Volunteers are the backbone of our community and their service at MCHPP is critical to ensuring that we successfully achieve our mission. From board members to volunteer drivers, chefs, sorters and more, MCHPP could never accomplish the same impact without our volunteers.

We are delighted that this award not only celebrates the physical work of our volunteers but represents that our agency is more than a food resource — it is a place of friendship, belonging and community for everyone involved. A massive thank-you to all those who make MCHPP a joyful and fulfilling place to be every single day!

Volunteers assist in a variety of ways, and different roles fit a range of schedules, including evenings and weekends. We encourage new volunteers to try shifts in more than one program and find the best fit for you. Once registered, volunteers can self-schedule online and come as often as their availability allows.

If you are interested in joining MCHPP as a volunteer, please visit mchpp.org/volunteer to complete a volunteer application. If you prefer a paper application or need assistance completing the form, please contact Eden at 725-2716 ext. 307 or come by MCHPP’s Food Access Center (12 Tenney Way) weekdays between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Eden Martin is a volunteer and the community outreach manager at Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.