A report released last week by the Campaign to Promote Food Security in Cumberland County painted a stark picture of the state of hunger in Maine’s most affluent county, and served as a holiday reminder of poverty’s broadening reach during an economic recession.
According to the coalition, which is led by the United Way of Greater Portland, Preble Street, TDBank and the Muskie School of Public Service, more than 20 percent of Cumberland County food pantries saw demand at least double in the last year. General assistance applications in the region went up 27 percent in the last year, and the number of residents receiving food stamps has gone up 37 percent in two years.
Concluding the report are more than 30 recommendations for fighting hunger, some of which advocate for attacking the kind of national systemic economic and social problems, such as low wages and lack of affordable transportation, housing and health care, that plague the most vulnerable sections of the population.
But the changes recommended locally are much less daunting. In fact, the seeds for many of these endeavors have already been planted, and should be able to grow with the right kind of support. And it is no mistake that these programs are anchored in schools, which provide access to families and a forum for teaching the next generation about the importance of healthy food and responsible food production.
One such program is in place at Bonny Eagle Middle School in Buxton, where students grow produce in a greenhouse built next to the school in cooperation with nearby Rippling Waters Farm. The food is then served in the cafeteria or sent to the local food pantry, providing a lesson in both community service and healthy living.
Similarly, Cape Elizabeth schools offer a revamped menu, full of whole grains and vegetables, as well as a Chef of the Month program, which brings a local chef into the high school once a month to prepare a healthy meal. Like Bonny Eagle’s greenhouse, the program, funded through a grant, introduces students to healthy food they might not otherwise try.
Because schools play such a large role in fighting hunger, many schools, including Westbrook, Scarborough and Saco, have found ways to stretch school lunch into the summer and winter vacations.
Last Christmas break, Scarborough schools sent 70 students home with backpacks full of food, an idea plucked from a national effort. Saco followed suit, starting its own backpack program last year. In July 2009, Westbrook began offering free summer lunch at one of its schools for kids age 4-18, serving over 100 meals each day.
The summer lunch programs take after a national effort to target school districts where 50 percent or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced price meals during the school year. These programs are becoming more popular, but the state is trying to get more schools to apply for funding, said Gail Lombardi, program manager for the state Department of Education’s Child Nutrition Services. Also eligible to operate a program are government groups, nonprofit colleges and universities, and community organizations. Those interested should call Lombardi at 207-624-6876.
At present, 16-17 percent of the children who receive free or reduced price meals during the year do so during the summer as well.
The coalition, with the help of community organizations, school districts and state officials, should help spread these programs and projects throughout the state, as they represent a solid first step in the uphill but worthwhile effort to reduce hunger in Maine.
Ben Bragdon is the managing editor of Current Publishing.
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