University of New England students and volunteers packed 100,000 nonperishable meal kits across campuses in Biddeford and Portland to tackle food insecurity in Maine, according to the University of New England. The volunteer effort, held as part of September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance events, doubled the output of the university’s previous year’s drive.
University of New England Expands Volunteer Meal Packing
Hundreds of volunteers gathered across the Biddeford and Portland campuses to assemble the meal kits for Meals for Maine, according to the University of New England. University of New England President James Herbert joined students on the floor to pack the meals. Charlotte Hosterman, a student in the class of 2027 studying Occupational Studies, helped recruit volunteers and spread information as vice president of the Hunger Initiative club after learning about the initiative through an email. According to Hosterman, the event brought the campus community together and removed the stress of food procurement for individuals in need.
The University of New England was one of a handful of schools nationwide to receive funding for the meal-kit initiative, according to Office of Service Learning Director Trisha Mason. Funding support came from the 9/11 National Day of Service organization, the Pack Shack’s “Feed the Funnel” grant program, AmeriCorps, and MyGoodDeed, according to university reports. Mason noted that the institution is among the smallest recognized for nationwide efforts to end hunger.
Food Insecurity Rates Across Maine Communities
The packed meal kits will be distributed across Maine, targeting vulnerable groups including older adults, children, and new Mainer families, according to university statements. Data from Feeding America cited by the University of New England places Maine’s food insecurity rate at 13 percent in 2022, affecting close to 200,000 state residents. A 2017 study by Preble Street indicated that one-third of food-insecure residents live in Penobscot County and Cumberland County, with the remaining two-thirds residing in rural areas.
Mason emphasized that access to nutritional food remains vital for public health. By engaging students in service learning, the institution aims to address food insecurity as a significant public health challenge while empowering students to drive community change, according to university announcements.