Community Corner: A Community that Works Together

GSFB Community Resource Representative Sarah Fuentes writes of a recent experience from her work out in the field, celebrating the contributions a third grade class raised for its community in Monmouth, ME. 

The third grade class at Henry L. Cottrell Elementary hosted a food drive during the month of March where they raised more than 400 pounds of food! During the food drive, their teacher Mary Ellen Guimond recognized the importance of having the students learn the basics of food insecurity and how many people it affects every day. She asked me to come and speak to the class and I took the opportunity with open arms! It was such a refreshing experience to hear how passionate these children are about hunger relief so early on in their life. There were a few students who were even happy to share their personal experiences and how those experiences framed their thoughts on food insecurity and hunger.

When the food drive was over and all of the food was collected, it was donated to the North Monmouth Food Pantry. Pastor Ed Spencer and his volunteers were so thankful for the donation! Their low barrier access to food makes their pantry a warm and welcome place in their community. 

“Everyone needs a hand at some point in their life, and it’s our job here to be that when its needed” –a long-time volunteer leading the distribution.