Food Studies Program

The Food Studies Program is fortunate to have numerous community partners working to address the hunger and nutritional needs of our community. With these profiles, we hope to highlight the work of those partners.

 

 

 
PORTLAND – The Maine Hunger Initiative (MHI) is an advocacy program of Preble Street, a human service organization working throughout Maine to meet urgent needs, empower people, and create solutions to homelessness, hunger, and poverty.

Created in 2008, MHI addresses systemic food supply and access problems, and advocates for policies and programs to end hunger. This collaboration has developed into regional food pantry meetings providing technical assistance, training, and community organizing.

The MHI focus on federal nutrition programs involves reducing stigma associated with breakfast and summer meal programs for children, and increasing access to federal economic and food programs through statewide awareness raising and community organizing.

In a recent report, “Hunger Pains” (link), MHI partnered with the Good Shepherd Food Bank to increase awareness of hunger in Maine. Through numerous joint efforts, MHI has worked to educate and advocate for anti-hunger programs and legislation in Maine.

To learn more about the work of the Maine Hunger Initiative at Preble Street, visit their website.

 

At the Preble Street Food Pantry emergency grocery meals are distributed to up to 190 households every week to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families.

 

Volunteers at the Preble Street Food Pantry...

 

...assemble boxes of fresh and non-perishable food.