Member-owned cooperative businesses such as Rising Tide operate by a group of shared principles which include being welcoming to all and showing care for the community. Rising Tide’s donation of shopping carts and financial assistance captures the responsiveness of Rising Tide to Lincoln County’s issue of persistent food insecurity during COVID-19.

Each month, Rising Tide donates a percentage of Wednesday sales to an organization nominated and voted on by its member-owners. November Co-op for Community Days recipient was the Ecumenical Food Pantry. On Tuesday, Dec. 15 Rising Tide Facilities Coordinator Walker Reed presented a check for $598.59 to the Ecumenical Food Pantry and four shopping carts. The much needed carts will aid operations as the Pantry adapts to meet the needs of residents during the pandemic.

Rising Tide General Manager Heather Burt remarked: “Rising Tide’s motto is “Everyone is welcome” and we take that seriously. At the same time, we know that more and more of our neighbors are relying on food pantries to meet basic needs. As part of our outreach, we are happy to support local food security and sustainability efforts such as those by the Ecumenical Food Pantry. We want to reach beyond our walls to make sure everyone has the food they need.”

Started in 1989, the all-volunteer Ecumenical Food pantry is co-managed by Ellen Dickens and Linda Sandefur. Co-Manager Ellen Dickens commented: “Rising Tide’s generosity couldn’t have come at a more critical time. We started using the carts immediately. Four people were able to quickly pack and send out groceries for one patron at a time. We recently moved back to curbside service for families and these carts made operations more efficient, less confusing, and safer for everyone.”

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one in six Mainers is food insecure, meaning they live without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. In 2019 the Ecumenical Food Pantry’s clients included 3,718 family visits, which was an 11% increase over 2018. The pandemic has resulted in even greater need.

The Ecumenical Food Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday at the Second Congregational Church, UCC, 51 Main Street, Newcastle, ME 04553. You can learn more about service, get involved, or make a donation by visiting https://newcastlefoodpantry.org.

Rising Tide Co-op is a cooperatively-owned natural grocery that has been serving southern Midcoast Maine since 1978 and has a strong commitment to providing our community with the best local, natural and organic foods and products. Everyone is welcome.