Rachel Paquet of Lyman, left, and Sheila Cote of Sanford were among volunteers who packed Thanksgiving food baskets at First County Food Pantry in Alfred last week.
Photo: Tammy Wells
By Tammy Wells
First County Food Pantry volunteers distributed Thanksgiving food baskets – including turkey, vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and more – to 715 families, representing about 2,145 people, over the three days leading up to the holiday.
The team of volunteers came in early on those days and selected foods for each basket, ferried grocery carts heaped high with frozen turkeys to the assembly line and then handed them off to customers who began lining up at 6:45 am for the 8 am opening.
In all, the Thanksgiving distribution numbers at the pantry, at the intersection of Swett’s Bridge Road and Route 4 in Alfred, were up from 2024, when 618 families stopped by to pick up a food basket. Pantry coordinator Rob Boyd said he was thankful the distribution went well, and he appreciates all those involved.
“We’re thankful for all those who stepped up to help – those who donated food or wrote a check, including small businesses and large corporations, individuals and families,” he said. “We’re thankful for all of our dedicated volunteers who sorted food, packed food baskets, directed traffic and so much more. There is a lot of need in York County, and all of you helped make Thanksgiving better for 715 families.”
According to a state report Ending Hunger, issued last February, food insecurity has been on the rise in Maine in recent years. In 2024, one in eight people in Maine, or 13.1 percent, lived in households that struggle to afford enough food. Among children, one in five, or 18.7 percent, live in food insecure households – the highest rate of child food insecurity in New England, according to the report.
At the pantry, volunteer Rachel Paquet lined up cardboard boxes on a conveyer and began collecting stuffing, canned vegetables and other foodstuffs to go with the turkeys that would be distributed. “I’ve volunteered for a long time, at least 20 years,” she said, bending to her task.
“I enjoy it,” said Shawn Hubbard of Shapleigh as he transferred frozen turkeys from the freezers. He volunteers twice a week during regular pantry days (Tuesdays and Fridays, open to the public noon to 3), but came in especially for the Thanksgiving distribution, as all the volunteers did.
“I enjoy what I do,” said Sheila Cote of Sanford. “I’m always here.”
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