In an effort to create a stronger network between local food providers and needy families, Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine is providing a grant to fund a  connection coordinator. Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission is one of eight Maine agencies pursuing a two-year grant which will fund a community connector to bridge the gap between food providers and food seekers. On July 6, Project Manager Sandy Galbreath received county commissioners’ approval to apply for the grant.

Galbreath explained if LCRPC receives the lone grant it would coordinate efforts to maximize better, more equitable food distribution throughout the county. “In Maine, there are many groups providing free food to needy families, but often there is no connection between the two. The community connector would bring the two together towards reaching a goal of ending food insecurity,” she said.

Galbreath explained the purpose is to connect families with local agencies and resources without requiring people to navigate a confusing maze of programs.

On June 24, Galbreath attended an informational Good Shepherd webinar explaining the grant’s details. She told commissioners seven other Maine non-profit agencies attended. Grant administrators explained the community connector would coordinate collaborative connections across the region (Lincoln County) for food insecurity programs, projects and initiatives. The connector would also work with a cross section of organizations dealing with adverse effects of poverty. Good Shepherd suggested several activities a community connector would facilitate. These include building trust and nurturing relationships between suppliers and clients, food availability and nutrition resources, and coordinating surplus food movement.

Applicants have until July 23 to submit their proposals. Good Shepherd will award one recipient the two-year grant on Aug. 20. In year one, the recipient receives $50,000 to hire additional support staff for the community connector. The host organization receives an additional $25,000 towards funding local ending hunger initiatives.

In year two, the recipient receives $35,000 in sustaining funds supporting administrative costs. “It is expected the host organization provides additional financial support needed to sustain the community coordinator’s position. So there is some fundraising responsibility included in the position,” Galbreath said.

Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine is a non-profit organization located in Auburn and Hampden.