Culturally Relevant Food Downeast

At the end of May, Mano en Mano received a $10,000 grant from the Good Shepherd Food Bank to buy culturally relevant foods that are difficult to find in Downeast Maine. In partnership with the Maine Seacoast Mission, we were able to distribute 165 boxes of food to 347 people, including the culturally relevant food items, as well as meat, bread, and local vegetables. Vazquez Mexican Takeout facilitated and ordered the culturally relevant food. And through Downeast Community Partners, we were also able to provide families with a $50 gift card. Altogether, families were able to receive two to three weeks of food through this program.

People came from as far as Bangor to collect the food. Some community members shared that they had not been able to have these kinds of food in a while, and having them again made them feel at home.  Welcoming Immigrant Neighbors - Bangor posted a touching message on their Facebook, that we would like to share with you all:

Finally, we would like to extend a special thanks to all the community members who volunteered to make this happen. And thanks again to Good Shepherd Food Pantry, the Maine Seacoast Mission, Vazquez Mexican Takeout, and Downeast Community Partners!