SOUTH PORTLAND — With food insecurity remaining a critical challenge for many Maine families, Town & Country Federal Credit Union is beginning 2026 by taking action beyond financial services. The credit union announced a contribution to the Preble Street Food Security Hub that will fund 7,500 meals, ensuring access to food for individuals and families during New Year’s Day and the remainder of the holiday weekend — one of the highest-need periods of the year.
Demand for food assistance remains elevated at the start of the year, when household resources are often stretched thin. Town & Country’s contribution delivers immediate support at a time when reliable access to meals is especially critical.
“This gift arrives when the need is real and urgent,” said Melanie McKean, development director at Preble Street. “Support like this allows us to meet people where they are and ensure no one starts the new year without access to a meal.”
Jon Paradise, senior vice president at Town & Country Federal Credit Union, said the contribution reflects the credit union’s long-standing commitment to local helping local. “As we enter 2026, we know financial stress and food insecurity often go hand in hand,” Paradise said. “While we help members plan for the future, it’s equally important to support partners like Preble Street who are addressing immediate needs. Providing 7,500 meals at the start of the year is one way we can make a meaningful impact right now.”
Preble Street Food Security Hub serves more than 1 million meals annually, providing essential support to individuals and families across Southern Maine.
Town & Country is a full-service financial institution with nearly 40,000 members offering a wide range of financial products and services to people who live, work, go to school or worship in Cumberland and York counties. For the past three years, Town & Country has been named “Best Credit Union in the 207” and “Best Mortgage Lender in the 207” and was named “Best Credit Union” in the Best of Portland competition in 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well. The credit union has approximately $620 million in assets and is part of the largest branch network in the country. To learn more, visit www.tcfcu.com.