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REMEMBERING ZANDER SHAW:
AIO'S NEW BUILDING ARCHITECT & FRIEND
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We were saddened to learn that Zander Shaw passed away on September 4th. While we note with sadness the regular loss of former volunteers and members, Zander was the architect of the AIO building. His involvement with AIO didn’t just end with a set of plans and an invoice for services rendered. He was a true AIO friend and supporter, always ready to answer questions and offer ideas about how to best use our space and aspects to watch out for. His involvement with AIO won’t soon be forgotten.
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ARTFEEDS: Artists in Action Against Food Insecurity
EXHIBITION & SILENT AUCTION SUCCESS!
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We are thrilled that the 3rd year of this collaboration between AIO, our community’s vibrant artists, the Page Gallery, and the Maine State Correctional Facility culminated in another amazing exhibition of work and support for AIO. There were 32 bowls and 181 registered bidders. It was a lot of fun with several very competitively bid on bowls. This event is such a strong illustration of the community coming together to feed each other. From the Prison Woodshop making the bowls, to 32 local artists who donate their time to decorate them in their own creative style and community members buying them, we were successful in raising nearly $21,000 in support for AIO's programs. For context, $20,000 provides food in the AIO market for approximately 350 households for about 7 weeks. Said differently, that is approximately 5,250 people during that 7 week period. As challenging as the next few months will be for many of our neighbors, ArtFeeds will truly live up to its name and immediately make a significant difference for families and individuals.
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As much as we need food donations and volunteers sorting food, we also need to raise funds to support the food purchases, diaper purchase, energy assistance payments and the market operations.
Our Fall Appeal raises about 1/3 of our annual budget. This fall our goal is to raise $330,000 by December 31. Will you help us reach our goal?
Double Your Impact!
When you give by November 15,
your donation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $17,500
thanks to matching funds from Fisher Engineering,
Machias Savings Bank, Maritime Energy, and Rockport Steel
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Will you consider making a donation to help us reach our goal?
You can donate online via the button below, mail a check,
or visit our website to earn about other ways to give.
THANK YOU!
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FOOD TRANSPORT VAN UPDATE
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We picked up our new van in late August and in just a few short weeks, we’ve successfully made about 10 trips to the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn. For just the operating cost of the van, we’ve secured more than 35,000 pounds of FREE food. We never know what will be available, but each trip we bring home 3+ pallets of food. Over time, this will amount to about 15-20% more food than we usually receive. We’ll shortly lock in a “Christening” event and invite everyone for the occasion.
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We just finished our fiscal year and here are the past 12 months results:
- collection of over 668,000 pounds of food
- distribution of food, diapers and energy assistance with:
- 14,657 market visits, feeding 33,980 family members
- 62,000 weekend meals for school children
- 227 households receiving 35,000 gallons of fuel oil and 300,000 KWH
- At least 30,000 diapers for families
Across the board, these results represent about a 29% increase over the previous year. From the AIO Board and Staff, to food providers and volunteers, to donors and community members, thanks for your help. It’s been a busy year!
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A NEW PET FOCUSED ADDITION TO AIO
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We are so excited to be the beneficiary of Kloe Maldonado's recently completed Pet Food stand for the lobby of the market as a part of earning her Silver Award, the highest achievement for a Girl Scout Cadette. From time to time we’ve had pet food in the market and frequently members ask if we have any on hand, now there is a designated place and we hope it will encourage donations and we’ll keep it as well stocked as the rest of the market.
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened” ~ Anatole France
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THE FUTURE OF THE OLD AIO MARKET
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We are grateful to the 28 people who attended the five focus groups held in July and August to offer ideas and input on the best future use of the space. While there were literally dozens of program options suggested, they grouped under five primary uses. AIO's board and staff are now synthesizing those ideas and weighing the implications of pursuing one versus another. Look for an update in the next newsletter.
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WEEKEND MEALS PROGRAM EXPANSION
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The value of help the Weekend Meals program offers to the students of Knox County has grown. This year we have seen a 10% increase from 500 to 550 elementary school students receiving 4 weekend meals every weekend. But that’s not all, this year we are offering different food. In an attempt to find the right balance between nutritious and appealing this year we are offering more refrigerated and frozen foods (GoGurt, fruits, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc).
Getting these upgrades and growth assimilated has been a challenge for Sara our program director who has not only done a great job with this, but has also started our long hoped for addition of the Vinalhaven School and the land-based middle and high schools. The model for the older students is a food pantry with bins of food instead of pre-set bags of food. It’s early days and there is much room to adapt and adjust as we go, but we’re very happy to now offer a weekend meal program to all students in Knox County!
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WHAT'S YOUR AIO Story? Testimonials from our Members
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Lest we ever wonder if our efforts are worth it, that is if the hours you work in the garden to bring zucchini to the market, or if the time you spend in the freezer sorting meat, or the time you spend driving to pickup food from Hannaford, or the time you spend at the intake desk…are all these efforts worth it? YES! And here are a few stories of the impact of our efforts:
“My family and I are so grateful to have all of you! You make it so we have food and a meal and snacks and right down to being able to clean my house with everything you amazing people do for our community. Thank You!” … Anonymous Member
“Been attending AIO for a few years now, and it's been such a blessing for my family, like a gift from heaven. Seriously, not sure my family would have made it through some hard times without it. I believe it’s because of AIO that we have been able to become 1st time home buyers."
My wife thanks you. I thank you. My one year old son thanks you. My sincere and heart felt appreciation.” …Anonymous Member
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SAVE THE DATE: 5th ANNAUL FILL THE STRAND
Monday, January 20, 2025
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Plans are coming together for our 5th Annual Fill the Strand event, which will take place at the Strand Theatre in Rockland on Monday, January 20, 2025, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Fill the Strand has become a critical food and fundraiser to help AIO provide services during the most challenging time of the year. In its first four years the event has raised $125,000 to support AIO's programs.
How can you help?
- This is a great opportunity for families to help children learn about giving. A list of MOST NEEDED ITEMS will be available on our website starting Dec.1.
- We have a variety of SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES available. If you're interested visit our website or contact Alan. Deadline is Nov 1.
- If you are you a service organization or church congregation that would like to hold a food/fundraiser or be a COLLECTION LOCATION and help gather food please let us know.
Contact Alan at alan@aiofoodpantry.org or 207-596-1043 to discuss ways you'd like to be involved. Visit the Fill the Strand event page
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PIES ON PARADE RETURNS MARCH 14-16
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This great community event had a successful 16 year run before the Covid pandemic stopped tradition. We are excited to announce the return of Pies on Parade in 2025, a weekend long event where individuals buy a fixed fee ticket and can visit more than 25 venues in Rockland and Camden and sample sweet and savory pies. All ticket sale proceeds will benefit AIO.
In 2025, we’re reviving it on “Pi Day” – March 14-16 – with all sorts of pie-centered activities, including the signature pie tasting….
How can you help?
We need volunteers to bake pies.
We need businesses to host pie tasting.
We need volunteers to help plan and organize.
Please contact Alan Kearl if you'd like to find out more about volunteer opportunities.
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That’s right AIO will be celebrating the big 35 in May 2025. We’ll be planning a number of events to recognize the years of service many have given and benefitted from. You’ll be seeing the number 35 show up in a lot of places, from the van wrap, to our website, to our printed materials and signage in the market. We know more than ever that all that AIO represents, stands on the shoulders of so many who came before and helped make AIO what it is today. This is a major milestone for AIO and we’ll work hard to honor it.
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People often ask, “What can I do to help?” Well now that you asked...
- Since mid May we’ve experienced a steady stream of new Mainers with limited English language skills. We’d love to develop a volunteer base with Spanish language skills to work during the hours the market is open and help with verbal and written translation. For anyone with this skill/experience who has time to help, we’ll be very appreciative.
- Drivers on standby for various pickups and deliveries as needed.
- Pickers and Packers for order ahead and delivery program.
- Van drivers – this is a new volunteer opportunity and we need volunteers with good driving records and up to 6 hours of spare time.
- Weekend Meals Program – we need a home-based volunteer to help monitor and track the program
- The Market – most needed items include
- boxed cereals, spaghetti sauce, ground beef, and packaged sweets like “Little Debbies”
- Baby Wipes, size 6 diapers, and 2T/3T training pants
- Personal care items like toothpaste, shampoo, and feminine pads
For more information about volunteering please contact Keisha Beal or call the office at 207-596-1043.
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THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP TODAY:
1. MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION. Your dollars go further as AIO is able to purchase food at a discounted price. When you make a financial gift you are helping to provide food, energy and diaper assistance to families who need help. You can donate online here.
2. VOLUNTEER. Volunteering at AIO is a great way to help people in your community, meet new friends, and be part of one of the most innovative food pantries in Maine. Whichever opportunities you choose, you will be an important part of the work we do.To get started click here.
3. DROPOFF DONATIONS. There is a wide variety of food, household and personal items that the families we serve need. To learn about our most needed items check here. |
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You could also...
Share this newsletter with your friends, family and colleagues
Follow us on social media to stay updated on our activities.
Hold a Food or Diaper drive!
The majority of the food and diapers we distribute come from donations. Hold a fundraiser in honor of your birthday or anniversary.
Other Ways to Give
Learn more at our website
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