Maine's Aging Food Bank Volunteers Face Growing Challenges Amid Rising Food Insecurity

Sun Sep 28 2025 22:51:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In Winterport, Maine, volunteer-run food pantries like Neighbor's Cupboard are increasingly challenged by dwindling supplies, an aging volunteer base, and rising demand from those in need.

Phylis Allen, director of Neighbor's Cupboard, exemplifies the dedication of many elderly volunteers combating food insecurity in rural Maine. With more than one in seven residents facing food shortages, local pantries are struggling with diminishing supplies and federal funding cuts, while the aging volunteer workforce faces health challenges. A shift towards younger, less committed volunteers could further complicate efforts to combat hunger in the region.

WINTERPORT, Maine (AP) — Phylis Allen spends her days looking for affordable food items for the community she serves. At 78, she tirelessly visits multiple stores, searching for the best prices on essentials for Neighbor's Cupboard, a food pantry she has managed for 17 years.

Every Wednesday, she and dedicated volunteers provide groceries to 25-30 families, making sure nobody goes hungry in a state grappling with food insecurity. In recent years, Maine has been ranked among the most food insecure states in New England, with one in seven people in rural Waldo County facing hunger.

Yet, the challenges are mounting. As federal funding cuts hit vital food programs hard, volunteers, many in their 70s and 80s, are struggling with health issues that impede their ability to help. Almost 75% of Maine's food relief organizations rely entirely on volunteers.

Data from a recent study shows a shift in younger generations' volunteerism, with millennial participation significantly lower than that of older generations. This trend poses a threat to the future of food banks already facing high demand due to cuts in federal assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In a recent email, Allen firmly committed to serve everyone in need despite new restrictions imposed by local food banks. We will keep serving everyone, she stated, showcasing her unwavering dedication as local communities continue to rally around those affected by food insecurity.

With regional food banks now reporting significant reductions in available supplies, the future of community-based hunger relief efforts hinges on attracting a younger, more reliable workforce willing to commit to the demanding tasks associated with fighting hunger.