Dear Editor:

Recent advertisements from the New England Consumer Alliance misrepresent Hannaford and undermine the very communities they claim to protect. In the Boothbay Region and across rural Maine, Hannaford is more than a grocery store—it is a cornerstone of our local economies. It provides stable jobs and benefits where year-round opportunities are scarce. These employees are our neighbors and friends, and their livelihoods matter.

Hannaford’s commitment to fighting hunger is unmatched. Maine stores donate millions of pounds of food annually to local food banks and nonprofits, ensuring families have access to nutritious meals, especially during harsh winters. Here in Boothbay Harbor, Hannaford supports the Community Resource Council’s Community Fridge and other vital programs that keep food on the tables of those who need it most. This is a real, tangible impact.

The Center’s narrative is not only misleading; it is harmful. Hannaford invests in Maine, supports local farmers, strengthens rural economies, and is a welcoming place for all of us. These are values worth defending.

I urge each of us to reject these false claims and stand with Hannaford. Let’s show that we value truth, fairness, local jobs, and the businesses that make Maine stronger. Together, we can ensure that our local Hannaford continues to thrive, and that our neighbors do too.

Holly Stover

Director, CRC

Boothbay Harbor