The Lincoln Medical Partners Family Care Center on the Lincoln Health-St. Andrews campus is continuing its tradition of collecting food near the holidays to help those in need.

The project is spearheaded by Connie Faulkingham, advanced certified medical assistant and health and wellness coach at the center. Faulkingham started a food shelf at the practice five years ago and last year, nearly 100 pounds of food was collected and donated to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.

“We appreciate the generosity of our patients and community members,” Faulkingham said. “Our goal is to continue to grow the number of donations that we receive. Maine has a challenge with food insecurity and this program offers an opportunity to help those who are hungry during the holidays.”

Some of the current items needed at the Boothbay Region Food Pantry include: peanut butter, jelly, baked beans, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, pasta sauce, cooking oil, spices, flour, sugar, baking soda and baking powder. Every item must be unopened and have an expiration date.

The food shelf is located in the lobby at the Family Care Center at 19 St. Andrews Lane in Boothbay Harbor. Food can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The donations will be collected until the week of Thanksgiving.