The Lincoln County Food Initiative launched their fundraiser, “25 Days to $25K” this week on Giving Tuesday. The Initiative received a pledge for a $25,000 donation from a community member with a matching challenge. 

“Every donation we receive up to $25,000 will be matched by this generous donor, so we have the potential to raise $50,000 to support local food relief efforts,” said Kate Martin, Director of Healthy Lincoln County.  

Lincoln County Food Initiative began as a collaborative emergency relief effort to feed community members in need of food assistance in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a volunteer-based initiative that relies solely on monetary donations, they provide a Meal Delivery Program out of Camp Kieve. 

“As we approach winter, and we are seeing an increase in local Covid-19 cases, we know more people may need our assistance with prepared meals and groceries,” said Charlie Richardson, Director of Kieve Wavus Education.

The initiative focuses on individuals and families who are high risk, have no mode of transportation or have job loss due to the pandemic. The Meal Delivery Program began on March 23, and by March 27, Kieve Wavus Education prepared, packaged, and delivered 864 meals to 72 people in 30 homes. Since then, the effort has delivered meals and groceries twice a week to upwards of 95 people in 48 homes. Tuesday, December 1 marked the 72nd delivery day. 

“Our goal is to give those in need of food assistance a hand up. Through the changing ebb and flow of people's unique situations during the pandemic, we have worked hard to try and meet their needs,” said Richardson.

Residents of Lincoln County can learn about the program and request food assistance from the Lincoln County Food Initiative by calling 207-563-6658 and leaving a message, or visiting the LCFI Facebook page, facebook.com/lincolncountyfoodinitiative

Donations can be given online here: www.healthylincolncounty.org/donate/lcfi.php  or checks can be mailed to Healthy Lincoln County, attn: LCFI, PO Box 1287, Damariscotta, ME 04543. 

As a collaborative partner, Healthy Lincoln County is receiving and processing donations on behalf of LCFI. Healthy Lincoln County is a project of MCD, Inc. which is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit and all donations are tax deductible.

The core LCFI collaborative team is made up of Sandy Gilbreath of Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, Jane Gravel of Main Street Grocery, Karen-Ann Hagar of the CLC-YMCA, Kate Martin of Healthy Lincoln County, Marianne Pinkham of Damariscotta-Newcastle Rotary Club, Sumner and Moira Rose Richards of S. Fernald’s Country Store, and Charlie Richardson of Kieve Wavus Education.

Additionally, dozens of individuals, local organizations and businesses have contributed and donated resources to the LCFI since forming in March 2020.