Storm Policy for Good Shepherd Food Bank

One thing we can count on in Maine is messy winter weather, and it will be coming quickly!  Here's a reminder of Good Shepherd Food Bank's winter storm protocol:

• Staff will consult on statewide conditions by 5:30 am the day of the storm;
• Staff will decide on closures based on current weather and weather predictions;
• Any warehouse closures will be posted on all major television stations (not our website);
• Not all warehouses may be closed -- news reports will give locations of closures (Auburn, Biddeford, Brewer) or say "all locations."

If your program is scheduled for a delivery, and we are NOT going to deliver, we will call you. Please make sure we have your best contact information.

One Further Note:  On occasion, storms can change in intensity and direction within a short period of time.  Continue to check local television stations before venturing out (or sending volunteers) if there is any doubt as to whether Good Shepherd Food Bank is open.

Holiday Side Dishes Available Online for Food Pantries Only

Holiday side dishes are now available for FOOD PANTRIES to order through our online ordering system. These products must be ordered within the window required of any online order.  In addition, there are limits set on the holiday sides so all pantries can have access to these products. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Agency Services Field Rep.

Getting the Most Out of Media Attention

Even though Good Shepherd Food Bank and our partners know hunger is a year-round challenge for our consumers, the issue of hunger gets the most attention as winter approaches. With that in mind, we have come up with some suggestions on how to respond if news reporters ask you for details on how your program is coping this holiday season.

Do:

1. Invite them to visit your pantry during a distribution or take pictures of the waiting lines (protecting consumers’ privacy)
2. Write a letter to the editor or an article about your program to your local paper
3. Speak with them about the increased demand for services over last year and/or last holiday season
4. Explain the needs your program has for year-round support
5. Collect and share stories from consumers you’ve met recently – stories are compelling to potential donors
6. Speak about how appreciative you are of the support of so many in your community, especially long-time donors of food and funds, and how hunger is a community problem that we can solve together
7. Explain how SNAP (food stamp) benefit cuts are putting an even bigger strain on families’ finances and increasing the demand on your pantry or meal program
8. Tell them how far you can make financial donations go by shopping smart and getting a lot of free produce at Good Shepherd Food Bank
9. Use statewide statistics to show the prevalence of hunger in Maine: 200,000 Mainers face hunger every day, including 1 in 4 Maine children.
10. Need data on your county?  Go to http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies/map-the-meal-gap.aspx
11. For rates of free and reduced lunch in your school district (an indicator of child hunger), go to https://portal.maine.gov/sfsr/sfsrdev.ed534.ed534_parameters
12. Need more help?  Contact us!