Since the recent announcement that the federal government is refusing to distribute SNAP benefits in November, MCHPP has received an outpouring of support from our community. It has been incredibly heartening to see how many people are truly invested in the fundamental human right to food. Everyone is asking the same question: “How can we help?” The answer is fairly simple.

First, donate to MCHPP or one of our partners in this work that serves the communities in which you live, work and care. Your dollars will be used to buy food and build critical infrastructure to meet a need larger than anything we’ve seen before.

Second, buy extra groceries and drop them off at your local food pantry. Let your errands do double duty, feeding both your family and others.

And third, help each other — cook an extra meal and drop it off with an elderly neighbor in need, or invite your kid’s friends over for dinner. This not only reduces food insecurity but builds community.

Behind the scenes, we are working diligently to build up our food supply and develop contingency plans, anticipating record-breaking visits to our pantry sites. We are connected with partner organizations, churches, town offices, farms and schools to create opportunities to leverage our relationships in this critical moment for our community.

Please know that we are here, we are working relentlessly towards our mission and we are so grateful that our friends continue to join us in this work.

If you are in need of food assistance, MCHPP is here to help. Find up-to-date program information on our website at mchpp.org/find-food or call us at 207-725-2716.

Hannah Chatalbash is the executive director of Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.