As classrooms in Maine welcome back their students, an alarming reality comes to light: a significant number of these pupils return undernourished. The specter of hunger looms over countless children in the state, even as we push into 2023.

“Shockingly, one in six Maine children grapples with food insecurity. In more affluent areas like Cumberland County, the rate of child food insecurity stands roughly at 10%. Yet, in historically disadvantaged locales such as Piscataquis and Somerset counties, the numbers are twice as high,” warns Jim Lemieux, incumbent president and CEO at Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union of Maine.

Hunger in Maine is a pervasive issue, affecting more than 144,000 individuals, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of the state’s population. Among them, almost 37,000 are children.

A significant percentage of children in the state rely heavily on school meals, with 43% of students depending on school provided nourishment daily. There is a considerable necessity for us to band together as a state and tackle this severe hunger problem. But how exactly do we initiate the change?

Addressing the hunger issue in Maine involves sufficient funding. It’s estimated that those grappling with hunger in the state need an additional $100 million annually to secure their food needs. A combined effort from large conglomerates, SMEs, local nonprofits, and statewide charities can bring about a significant stride in ending hunger, thereby improving the lives of children and other Maine residents.

Merely raising funds isn’t the solution to combat hunger. These organizations must invest wisely and focus on creating interventions that directly benefit those most vulnerable. Thankfully, many Mainers are already dedicating themselves to this cause, among them Full Plates Full Potential and Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, organizations that deserve our financial commitment due to their continued work in ensuring access to healthy meals for residents in need.

But the fight against hunger extends beyond financial resources; it deeply relies on the strength of community bonds. Notably in tightly-knit states like Maine, the sense of unity, pride, and common purpose can bring communities together to effect notable change right where they live.

Whether you’re situated within the private or public sector, there is always a place for you to contribute and make a difference. While state legislators consider effective reforms in Augusta, a number of Maine credit unions are joining the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. The campaign has contributed over $12.3 million towards hunger eradication since 1990. Last year alone, Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union, along with allied credit unions, collectively contributed over $1 million.

However, raising money is just one part of the solution, the efficiency in utilization of these funds is equally crucial. One hundred percent of the funds raised through the campaign are utilized for combating food insecurity, as the graveness of the issue cannot afford wastage.

In a state where countless children return to school on an empty stomach, it’s our collective responsibility to make a change. Combatting hunger and food insecurity can be achieved if we stand together, harnessing the power of community that has been the bedrock of credit unions and other successful initiatives across Maine.

The silver lining here is our potential. We have enough healthy food to feed every Maine child. Despite the challenges, we are making progress, thanks to initiatives like the Campaign for Ending Hunger. So, while there is plenty of work to be done, there are also victories to be recognized.

Progress will continue. By encouraging more collective action and broader community involvement, we will maintain our financial aid to those in need for years. As another academic year commences, Maine’s crusade against hunger continues. The problems are numerous, but together, we have the power to surmount them.