WESTBROOK — Demonstrating the power of cooperation and a commitment to helping Maine families, the Maine Credit Union League, Synergent and nearly every Maine credit union — including two headquartered outside of Maine — have joined together to raise $100,000 for Good Shepherd Food Bank through the 48 to Feed the State initiative.
The statewide effort encouraged each of Maine’s 48 credit unions to contribute $1,000 to the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger in support of Good Shepherd Food Bank. Credit unions contributed a combined $48,800, and the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent, the League’s credit union service organization, matched those contributions and rounded up the total to an even $100,000 donation. League associate members headquartered outside of Maine also participated, further demonstrating the cooperative spirit that defines the credit union movement.
The initiative was launched to help address the rising challenge of food insecurity across Maine. With food pantries experiencing record demand, the funding will help Good Shepherd Food Bank and its network of community partners meet the growing need.
“When communities face challenges, credit unions come together to help,” Elise Baldacci, president of the Maine Credit Union League, said. “This initiative is a powerful example of what makes the credit union movement so special. Each individual contribution mattered, but together we created an impact that none of us could have achieved alone.”
The donation continues the longstanding partnership between the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger and Good Shepherd Food Bank. Since 1990, the Campaign has raised more than $16 million to help combat hunger across Maine, supporting hundreds of local organizations, as well as the Food Bank, to ensure no Mainer goes without a meal.
“At Synergent, we believe our success is measured not only by how we serve credit unions, but also by how we strengthen the communities they serve,” Tyler Hudson, president of Synergent, said. “Matching these contributions was an easy decision because collaboration is at the heart of the cooperative model. We’re honored to stand alongside Maine’s credit unions in helping our friends at Good Shepherd Food Bank.”
“Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is among a very small and prestigious group of our most generous donors,” Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank, said. “They have contributed over $1.3 million to the Food Bank alone and millions of dollars to help end hunger in our state since their Campaign began in 1990. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and partnership.”
The 48 to Feed the State initiative reflects the cooperative philosophy that has long guided Maine’s credit union system. While each credit union serves its own members and community, they regularly work together to address statewide challenges and support causes that improve the lives of all Mainers.
“Time and again, Maine’s credit unions demonstrate that when there is a need, they are ready to respond,” Baldacci said. “Helping people is at the heart of what credit unions do. Whether it’s fighting hunger, improving financial well-being, or supporting local communities, credit unions are a trusted resource that people can count on.”
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to the Campaign are tax-deductible. Funds raised by the Campaign remain in Maine, supporting local organizations such as food banks, pantries, schools, colleges, and meal sites. You do not need to be a member of a local credit union to donate to the Campaign.