Summertime in Maine brings most of us outdoor fun, family barbeques, and an all-around good time. For many of our medically homebound neighbors, especially our seniors, the struggle with food security and accessing appropriate groceries is a year-round reality. Out of site and out of mind for most, this population of people in our community struggle to obtain groceries due to money, health, and transportation issues. It is our responsibility as a community to help and protect those who are the most vulnerable.
Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program (MCHPP) works to alleviate this struggle through its Pantry to Pantry Program, which has served community members in Topsham and Brunswick since 1998. The program currently serves 52 households in Brunswick and Topsham, with room for new households to join. Pantry to Pantry is a free grocery delivery service for medically homebound individuals. It is customized, to the best of our ability, to meet each person’s specific needs. Each box of groceries can include nonperishable goods, meat, dairy, fresh produce, baked goods, and bread.
Every Thursday, MCHPP volunteer delivery drivers bring boxes to participants. These drivers are dedicated and often deliver to the same participants of the program every other week. This allows for connections to be built between volunteers and participants, along with the grocery service. Bill, a longtime volunteer and veteran, expressed how he enjoys hearing stories from the senior veterans who participate in the program.
Another driver, David, spoke about the benefits of getting to know the participants and their neighbors as well. He said, “once you know them well enough you see how they all help each other out, how they share with one another, and you even see their willingness to receive and put away a delivery for their neighbor.” These interactions can be just as important as the food itself for participants.
Due to recent updates in the program, we now have the ability to expand this service to Harpswell. Sixteen qualifying residents can be added to Pantry to Pantry on a first come, first served basis. The requirements of enrollment include income eligibility, and a doctor’s note confirming medical homebound status.
Participants must also be willing to complete a 20-minute phone interview about food preferences with an MCHPP staff member or volunteer. Currently, there are several open spots for Topsham and Brunswick residents as well. If you or someone you know meets the requirements above and could benefit from this service, please call MCHPP at (207) 725-2716 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Haley Dolloff is the program coordinator for Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. The author of “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals — New England,” Ron Chase resides in Topsham. Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or he can be reached at ronchaseoutdoors@comcast.net
