Boothbay Region Food Pantry is reporting visits from clients have tripled in two years, from about 900 in 2022 to nearly 3,000 this year, according to board member Betsy Wing. As a result, the pantry, in the lower level of Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church, is seeking donations and volunteers to help area families keep food on their tables.

Founded 40 years ago by a group of church and community leaders to address food insecurity, every week since the all-volunteer organization has quietly provided food for those in need, relying on donations of funds, food and time from concerned neighbors, businesses and organizations.

The goal of weekly food pantry items, Wing explained, is to supplement groceries for families receiving SNAP benefits.

Wing told the Register, thousands of pounds of food valued at $93,855 was distributed last year, the result of items donated by Hannaford, Town Village Food, Veggies to Table, food drives and individuals dropping off donations. One local resident donates all of his home grown vegetables to the Boothbay and other food pantries, she added. Chef Amy Ronan makes soups that are donated by Rotary.

In addition to donated food items, Wing said all cash donations are spent on food. "Last year we spent $72,640." For Thanksgiving and Christmas, those who have been clients of the pantry during the year will be mailed vouchers to purchase a turkey or ham. 

While the pantry is non-denominational, Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church provides a large area in its fellowship hall for the pantry's use. This space houses the freezers, refrigerators, pantry shelves, rolling carts and other items needed for its efforts. In addition, the church covers the cost of utilities, Wing said.

A container outside the door at the lower level of the church is provided for those wishing to donate food items. Containers must be unopened and within or near their sell-by date.

The pantry relies on volunteers to help with weekly duties.Although it's only open Fridays between 11 and 1, volunteers are needed throughout the week to pick up groceries at Hannaford and from the Rotary, restock shelves and carts and answer phones. On Fridays, five volunteers are needed during the two hours the pantry is open.

"One ... does intake on the computer and the others fill orders as they come in from clients who are attending that day. There is also a volunteer who helps set up, greet the clients and take their lists and clean up at the end," Wing explained.

Saying how much the volunteers enjoy their participation, Wing said, "People are good and we're feeding our neighbors."

Use of the pantry is income-based and to receive its assistance clients must first qualify. One of the ways to qualify among others is if they qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which provides a monthly benefit to help low-income households purchase nutritious food. "Food amounts from the pantry are based on the size of the family," Wing said.

According to the My Maine Connection website, those qualifying for SNAP benefits must have a gross household income below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) or net income below 100% FPL to qualify. With certain exceptions, those receiving SNAP benefits must also be registered to work.

The Boothbay Register reported in November 2023 that, according to a United Way of Maine report, 44% of income-earning households on the peninsula struggle to afford the cost of living.

Food pantry clients are welcome once each month, "But it is important to emphasize that if anyone is short of food — at any time — please call the pantry at 207-350-2962, and we will arrange to provide food for you," its website advises. Volunteers are needed and welcome and those interested can call the same number.

To donate funds, send a check to the pantry at PO Box 63, East Boothbay, ME 04544.