Food pantries playing larger role as local economy tightens

Rising inflation and soaring gasoline prices have resulted in
an increasing number of individuals and families seeking
help from the Raymond Food Pantry and the Windham Food
Pantry. The need is compounded by RSU 14 not being able
to provide a summer lunch program this year. Food pantry
donations are being welcomed and more volunteers are 
sought to staff the facilities. COURTESY PHOTO  

By Andrew Wing

Over the last few years, there is no denying that we as a country have faced some incredible economic challenges. And in 2022, we are faced with another hardship, catapulted inflation resulting from soaring gas and food prices that are unlike anything our country has seen in decades. Many families in the towns of Windham and Raymond are experiencing trouble just putting food on the table for their children.

For the past couple of years, the RSU 14 Summer Food Service Program has been an outlet for many parents in alleviating some of the hunger children face because they did not have enough food when school was out for the school year. This was a great program that made a huge difference in our community, but unfortunately this summer there has been no RSU 14 Summer Food Service program.

According to Jeanne Reilly, RSU 14 Director of School Nutrition, there are a lot of reasons for this ranging from COVID-19 waivers that were set to expire to not having enough time to put a plan in place for summer meals, but she said a key reason was one that almost every business has been experiencing as of late, and that was not having enough staff to operate a summer meals program.

Despite not having the RSU 14 Summer Food Service program, Reilly said she is hopeful that the program will be back next year to deliver food to the hungry children in need in Windham and Raymond.

There are still a number of resources available to area families in need, the biggest one being town food pantries in both Windham and Raymond.

The Windham Food Pantry’s hours of operation are by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, while Raymond’s Food Pantry is open from 4 to 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.

As for donations to the pantries, this year has already been an incredible year following the “Feed the Need” initiative which raised more than $25,000 for distribution to the 11 food pantries in eight Lakes Region towns including Casco, Gray, Naples, New Gloucester, Sebago, Standish, Raymond and Windham.

One of the big players in the “Feed the Need” initiative is Robin Mullins, the Executive Director of the Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Mullins has served as the chamber’s executive director for over two years now, and she works closely with our town’s food pantries.

She said that she believes that this summer’s rampant inflation and high gas prices are making the need for food larger than in past years.

"Starting with the pandemic, the need for food has been there,” said Mullins. “But now with inflation and high gas prices, I believe the need is greater than ever.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices across America are now 10 percent higher than in 2021 and that rapid increase is driving many who are food-insecure to visit food banks for help.

Another person who has witnessed a growing rise in food insecurity first-hand is Gary Bibeau of the Raymond Food Pantry.

Bibeau, the volunteer director of the Raymond Food Pantry, was honored with the 2021 Spirit of America award for his above-and- beyond dedication to the food pantry.He has been in charge of the facility since February 2021 and he says he’s has definitely noticed an uptick in the need for food this year because of rising inflation and higher gasoline prices.

“Yes, the rising inflation and soaring gas prices have had an impact,” said Bibeau. “I see more and more new people coming into the food pantry by the day.”

Bibeau suggests that any families in need of food for themselves and their children should simply come to the Raymond Food Pantry to get food provided they are Raymond residents and meet the state’s income levels.

He said that the biggest necessity at the food pantry currently is the need for additional volunteers to help, so if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, do not hesitate to reach out and call the Raymond Food Pantry at 207-655-4334.

The Windham Food Pantry, managed by Collette Gagnon, is also eager to receive more donations and volunteers, so if you interested in either, call them at 207-892-1931. <

2021 Spirit of America Award humbles Raymond Food Pantry volunteer director

Impressed by Gary Bibeau's above and beyond
dedication to the Raymond Food Pantry as its 
volunteer director, Raymond's Deputy Fire
Chief and Health Officer, Cathy Gosselin, left,
nominated Bibeau for this year's 'Spirit of America'
Award. The Raymond Select Board approved the
nomination and here she presents the plaque to
Bibeau on June 10 at the Raymond Food Pantry
to honor and reward him for his exceptional 
volunteer efforts. PHOTO BY KAELA GONZALEZ  

By Lorraine Glowczak

For the past four years, the Town of Raymond has presented the Spirit of America Foundation Award to honor individuals in the community who have demonstrated a strong sense of civic responsibility and volunteerism. Gary Bibeau is this year’s award recipient, and he was presented a plaque on Thursday, June 10 by Raymond’s Deputy Fire Chief and Health Officer, Cathy Gosselin at the Raymond Food Pantry, where Bibeau is the volunteer director.

Bibeau, who refers to himself as ‘just a do-gooder doing his own thing,’ was quite surprised to have been nominated by Gosselin and fellow Raymond Lion Club members, Caryl Gilman and Laurie Wallace. The nomination was accepted and announced by the Raymond Select Board at their Tuesday, May 11 Zoom/online meeting. His reaction to the news was one of disbelief.

“Cathy asked me to attend the select board meeting and I thought I needed to prepare a report about the food pantry, but she told me not to worry about it,” Bibeau said. “It turns out that I [and the award announcement] was on the agenda. My jaw dropped. I was speechless.”

According to the Spirit of America Foundation’s website, the idea of awarding those who give their time freely began with the inaugural address of Maine Governor, John McKernan in January1987 when he said, “I will create within the Executive Department a program to promote volunteerism in Maine.” Within three years, the Spirit of America Foundation became a reality on Oct. 16, 1990. The foundation, located in Augusta, continues to promote and honor volunteerism in Maine to this day.

Gosselin, while working with Bibeau during the pandemic to establish grants for the food pantry, was impressed with Bibeau’s level of commitment and was determined that he receive recognition and honor for a job well done.

“I have been so impressed with Gary’s dedication and how much ‘above and beyond’ he works to make sure the pantry is a success. That is the reason why I decided to write the nomination letter and reached out to Caryl and Laurie for their input as they both agreed that he was deserving of the award.”

The Raymond Food Pantry, originally located in the basement of the Raymond Town Hall, was relocated in the early 2000s to the Lakes Region Baptist Church, 1273 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond where it continues to operate today. Wishing to assist and be a part of the volunteer efforts, Bibeau reached out to the Pastor of Lakes Region Baptist, Rev. Elmer Young, in 2015 to see if he could be of service.

“Pastor Young and his wife were directors of the food pantry at the time and needed all the help they could get and quickly accepted my assistance,” Bibeau said. “The pastor took me under his wings and off we went. I’ve been volunteering ever since.”

About two years ago, Pastor Young passed away. It was then that Bibeau unofficially took over Pastor Young’s role of the food pantry’s leadership, but he was officially offered the role of volunteer director in February 2021.

Bibeau’s work at the food pantry is recognized by his fellow Lion Club members, who assist him in the day-to-day operation.

“That place works like clockwork,” Lion Club member and food pantry volunteer, Gilman said. “Gary is very efficient in the way he manages the pantry – everything from food pick up at local grocery stores, the sorting of the product and the distribution to the customers. Most importantly, everyone is treated very fairly. Although this is a volunteer position, he works there full-time to make sure everything runs smoothly.”

In addition to the food pantry, Bibeau is a member of the Lions Club, the Oakledge Hills Road Association and volunteers his time to help the elderly with yard work and minor repair of their homes. He said that volunteering has always been a part of his life.

“There is a need out there,” Bibeau said. “There are those who are less fortunate and less capable, and someone needs to help them. I guess it is just in my nature to help.”

As for others who are looking to volunteer their time, the Raymond Food Pantry needs your assistance. “It’s tough right now. Currently, my only source of volunteers are members of the Raymond Lions Club. The problem is that most of us are in the upper age group, and we can’t be doing this forever.”

The Raymond Food Pantry is looking for volunteers who can make fresh food retrieval runs to local supermarkets on Saturday mornings (Hannaford in Windham beginning at 8 a.m.) and Wednesdays (Shaw’s in Windham beginning at 9 a.m.). For more information, contact Bibeau by phone at 207-635-4334.

Raymond Town Manager Don Willard said that small towns like Raymond depend upon volunteers and hopes that Bibeau will inspire others.

“The Raymond Food Pantry has always operated on a volunteer basis,” Willard said. “Gary has continued that tradition and has done so with remarkable effort. He is an extraordinarily giving person and without people like him, our community would certainly struggle to meet the ongoing needs of those facing food insecurity. In that regard, the food pantry is now looking for additional volunteers and we hope people will step up and help out.”

Bibeau, who spent 35 years in the semi-conductor industry has lived in Raymond since 1990. Originally from Connecticut, he and his young family moved here when Bibeau accepted a job in Maine.

“I chose to make Raymond my home for its rural atmosphere and the fact that Jordan-Small Middle School was rated with high marks – a school of excellence at that time. I believed it would be the best place to raise my family – and I was right.”

When asked what he does in his spare time, Bibeau, who retired in 2012 responded.

“I mow my yard, then I mow my neighbor’s yard – I guess I don’t do a lot of spare time. I’m always busy.”

Bibeau seems to lead an eventful and happy life, ‘just being a do-gooder, doing his own thing’ with his wife, Rhonda by his side. <

Year-round charitable giving more important than ever during holidays

Collette Gagnon, Social Service Administrative
Assistant at the Windham Food Pantry, accepts
a Thanksgiving check from the Lake Region
Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) in the amount
of $885. In December, the organization will
sponsor students at the Katahdin program for
Christmas. Each student will be given presents
off their request list, approved by the school,
totaling $50. SUBMITTED PHOTO    

By Lorraine Glowczak

Whether it is toys, turkeys or time - there is something about the holidays that motivates us to give of ourselves and be there for those who face many struggles. It matters not if it is karma or being of service that innately motivates humans, the fact is – the holiday ignites the need to serve.

For some organizations, the inspiration to offer necessary life sustaining gifts 365 days a year is a part of their everyday mission and purpose.

It is true that there are a many individuals and establishments give all year and those works go unseen and there are those who prefer no recognition.

However, other organizations rely on community support to provide the much-needed services they provide to families and individuals all year long.

These groups that work quietly behind the scenes include St. Ann’s Essential Pantry, Lakes Region Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Windham and Raymond Food Pantries.

St. Ann’s Essential Pantry

For approximately five years, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church at 40 Windham Center Road in Windham, has been serving families by providing personal and household items that cannot be purchased by an EBT debit card. The pantry also provides commodities that are not available at local food pantries.

“We provide personal hygiene and cleaning products that are acceptable to donate and are not provided by local food pantries, like liquid laundry detergents and liquid deodorants,” Deacon Wendy Rozene, of St. Ann’s said. “Toilet paper is essential, especially now during the pandemic when it is cleared off the shelves. Hand lotion is another needed item now that people are washing their hands and using hand sanitizer more frequently.”

Other much needed items include: Shampoos, conditioners, bars of soap, stick deodorant, paper towels and hand lotion to name just a few important everyday items. Toothpaste and toothbrushes, although an abundant item at the moment are still being accepted and will be put to use.

The pantry, which serves over 100 families, with about 25 to 30 being served at a given time, is open the last Saturday of every month from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. During non-pandemic times, families and individuals were able to select the items they needed in the lower level of the church; however, the pantry has made special accommodations to adhere to Maine CDC guidelines.

“We now bag items separately and have them prepared as people drive up to the door, remain in their car with masks on and we put the bags in the trunk of the vehicle,” Rozene said. 

The pantry is open to all people from Windham, Raymond, Casco, Standish and the lakes region. The
first time they come they need proof of residency such as a CMP bill with their name and address on it. That is all that is required.

Rozene said that the Essentials Pantry collaborates with both the Windham Food Pantry and Faith Lutheran Church, also of Windham which helps keep the pantry stocked and running.

“There are times we have a lot of food donated to us which we can’t easily store,” Rozene said. “So, we give some of that to the Windham Food Pantry and the toiletry items they can’t give out, they give to us. It is a win-win situation.”

Rozene also said that Faith Lutheran Church, at 988 Roosevelt Trail, has been contributing monthly stipends and volunteers for the past couple of years.

“It is important to mention that we’ve have received generous financial donations as well as workers from Faith Lutheran Church to help us distribute the much-needed items each month. We do appreciate their contributions,” Rozene said.

Food, essential items and monetary donations can be made in person or sent via snail mail to: St. Ann’s Essential Pantry, 40 Windham Center Road in Windham. If delivered in person, the office is open Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Lakes Region Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) #4352

Located at 456 Roosevelt Trail location, FOE #4252 is a part of an international, non-profit organization that was established in Seattle, WA in 1898 to “unite in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice and equality. To make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.” The mission is to serve others, as often as possible, all year long.

FOE #4352 is exceptionally motivated to do what they can to provide help for those in need throughout the Lakes Region. Although they provide help in many ways to individuals and organizations all year round, the holiday season is a perfect time to introduce the community to FOE #4352 as well as promoting the importance of giving year-round.

The organization gives a monthly financial donation to local food pantries and they made their Thanksgiving donation of $885 to the Windham Food Pantry on Monday, Nov. 23. Even though it is a season of giving, the trip to the food pantry is a way to ceremonially show their appreciation by presenting their check in person.

But their deeds for the holiday season are not quite complete.

“Although The Eagles will continue their monthly donation to the pantry in December, we will also be sponsoring all the students at the Katahdin program for Christmas,” FOE #4352 President Frank Farinelli said. “Each student will be given presents off their request list totaling $50. We are also collecting food and winter clothing for programs at the high school.”

Although FOE #4352 is a membership-based organization that raises funds and distributes their gifts privately, they welcome financial donations from the public, of which 100% is distributed toward their gift giving efforts.

To assist FOE #4352 in their efforts or to learn more about the organization, contact Frank Farinelli by email at francescojfarinella@gmail.com or by phone at 207-310-4197.

To learn more about the Katahdin Program, an alternative educational curriculum located at 406 Gray Road in Windham, contact Program Director, Craig Haims at (207) 893-7377.

The Windham and Raymond Food Pantries

The Raymond Food Pantry, 1273 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond, is located in the building of the Lake Region Baptist Church. They are open the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m. The return of banana boxes, used to carry food with, will help to keep costs down. For more information, contact the pantry at 207-310-1419.

The Windham Food Pantry, located at 377 Gray Road in Windham, is open to Windham residents with proof of residency. Residents are provided with food on a monthly basis and are asked to call and schedule an appointment. Food and non-food donations are accepted Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monetary donations are accepted 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at the Town Manager's Office or by mail at 8 School Road, Windham. <

Water skiing Santa helps bring Christmas in July to Raymond Food Pantry by Walter Lunt

Skiing Santa on Thomas Pond

Donations to the Raymond Food Pantry are typically down during the summer months. This year, however, an unexpected and unlikely, good samaritan in a red suit, showed up at just the right time. It was Santa! In July! On water skis!
 

“Donations dip during the summer months,” stated Raymond Lions Club volunteer and Food Pantry director Gary Bibeau “This is going to get me over the hump this season.”

He was referring to a sizable load of food and paper goods from the Thomas Pond Terrace Road Association which arrived quite unexpectedly last Sunday.

Bibeau and other pantry volunteers seemed a bit perplexed over the source of their good fortune until Santa’s helpers arrived with a pickup truck full of pantry donations, and an explanation.

It seems about ten years ago several families decided to have an off-season lakeside Christmas celebration, including a traditional turkey dinner, holiday music, festive clothes and Yankee gift swap. Christmas in July.

One year, a celebrant donned a Santa suit and water skied around the lake tossing packets of Christmas candy to swimmers and children. It became a yearly tradition.

This year, the group invited the entire Raymond shore to participate by donating to a worthy cause. The Raymond Food Pantry was chosen.

Officials of the Road Association sent notices to all residences saying that they could contribute by placing non-perishable foods and paper goods on their docks after the Santa Candy Run. 

Retrieval of the items was achieved by pontoon boat. Vinny Maietta eased his vessel to within inches of the dozens of donor docks while volunteer Ed Dooley, dressed as Santa, picked up and piled the donations onto the boat.

“Lots of young children (were) excited to see us,” said Maietta; “Santa Ed was a huge hit with young and old. We got 50 to 60 boxes and bags of mostly food.” And he continued, “(The) Thomas Pond Terrace neighborhood is such a great community. We enjoyed all the thoughtful comments from the donors.”

Ellie Miller lives on the Raymond shore with her parents and remembers waiting for the annual event when she was six years old.

“When I was little I always couldn’t wait for Christmas in July. I got excited for Santa to water ski by and throw candy.”

Bibeau, the pantry director, said he was particularly pleased with the wide variety of items: “…the

baked beans, egg pasta, macaroni and cheese, salad dressings and jellies and jams. These are items not normally available through the USDA distribution program.”

He explained the Raymond Food Pantry is open to Raymond residents and to seniors who qualify for the federal Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Local donations come not only from families and individuals, but also from: churches, civic organizations, Good Shepard Food Bank and local businesses like Good Life Market and Hannaford Supermarkets. Seasonally, fresh produce comes from the Raymond Library garden and from the Jordan Small School garden, which is maintained by students and staff through the summer. 

“Hannaford, in particular, has been very good to us,” said Bibeau.

“Our patrons are the elderly and handicapped, those that are challenged in various ways or have medical issues and families dealing with break-ups or job loss.”

Numbers served in the month of May, the latest figures available, were 69 households that totaled 171 individuals.

The pantry is heavily supported by the Raymond Lions Club, which also sponsors the annual Christmas Tree Lighting (in December) and the U.S. flags along Route 302.

Skiing Santa prefers to remain anonymous, but issued a brief statement to The Windham Eagle: “This year really felt like the spirit of Christmas. Maybe next year we can expand the effort and attract some volunteers on the (town of) Casco side of the lake.”

Ellie Miller, now 13, echoed the sentiment, “I was always excited to get something, but this year was special because I was able to give something.”