Maine Community Bank Commits $62,000 to Support Hunger Relief, Launches Community Food Drive

Maine Community Bank Commits $62,000 to Support Hunger Relief, Launches Community Food Drive

Foundation increases annual contribution to $45,000; branches collecting food through November 20

PORTLAND, Maine - November 9, 2026 - Maine Community Bank and its Biddeford, Gorham, and Mechanics Savings Foundation are providing more than $62,000 to support hunger relief in Maine this year. The bank is also holding a branch food drive now through November 20 to help stock local food pantries ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Foundation has increased its contribution from $40,000 last year to $45,000 in 2026. Together with $15,000 in support for Good Shepherd Food Bank and $2,100 for branches to donate locally, this funding will help hunger relief organizations provide essential support to local individuals and families in need.

Customers and community members can participate by bringing nonperishable food donations to any of Maine Community Bank's branches across Central and Southern Maine through November 20. Branch teams will deliver the collected food, along with donation checks, to their local food banks before Thanksgiving.

"Local food pantries are there for our neighbors throughout the year, and we want to be there for them," said Steve deCastro, president and CEO of Maine Community Bank. "By combining financial support with a community food drive, we're giving our employees, customers, and neighbors an opportunity to come together and help address food insecurity. We encourage anyone who is able to join us."

Hunger relief is one of the Foundation's four focus areas, alongside health, housing, and aspiring youth. Its work helps address the basic needs of our communities and foster financial empowerment to make a meaningful and immediate impact in the lives of Mainers.

Photos from branch food and check donations in 2025