Freezin' for Food & Fuel Security
For the past 22 years at Freeze Out, we have been “Freezin’ for a Reason.” In keeping with that tradition, we’ll be standing outside at different locations in Freeport and Pownal to raise funds and awareness about food and fuel security.
Freeze Out will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, from 11 am-2pm.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for FCS’ food and fuel programs in our 22nd year, to ensure all our neighbors have what they need this winter.
New this year, we have a Freeze Out yard sign on sale for $10 at the Thrift Shop! Stop by and show your love for your neighbors.
For donations, visit our Go Fund Me or Venmo. Thank you for your generosity!
Support FCS food & fuel programs
Food and fuel insecurity is increasing in Freeport and Pownal. FCS’ food and fuel assistance is aimed at helping everyone in our community regardless of income or other status. Our goal in 2026 is to raise $20,000 to ensure our food and fuel programs are fully funded this year.
The Food Pantry
FCS continues to see a growth in demand for the Food Pantry. In fiscal year 2024, we experienced a 33 percent increase in households served, and that number continues to rise in fiscal year 2025 with a nearly 10 percent increase.
Funds donated to FCS allow us to purchase food and other goods to fill in the gaps in what we receive through donations to the Food Pantry and what our clients need.
Student food programs
FCS entirely funds its two student lunch programs, which include our BackPack program and Summer Snacks.
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, 60 supplemental food bags were distributed weekly to families, offering 145 children fresh, local food and non-perishables.
Community Free Lunch Fridays
Every first and third Friday, volunteers prepare and serve around 75-100 in-person and delivered meals.
Your donations help us supplement each meal as needed.
Carol Kaplan Fuel Fund
Freeport Community Services’ Carol Kaplan Fuel Fund provides emergency fuel assistance in the form K-1 propane, or #2 heating oil, wood, natural gas, and electric to those in need in Freeport and Pownal.
In fiscal year 2025, we’ve seen a 25 percent increase over the previous year.
Two ways to donate online
Donate through our GoFundMe fundraising page!
Donate through FCS’ Venmo!
join us on Feb. 21
Teams of volunteers will stand outside at the following locations from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, Feb. 21 to collect donations. Would you like to volunteer to help collect donations? Contact Susan by email or at (207) 865-3985 ext. 206.
Royal River Natural Foods
443 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032
Freeport Community Services
53-55 Depot St, Freeport, ME 04032
Bow Street Market
79 Bow St, Freeport, ME 04032
Shaw’s
200 Lower Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
First Parish Church
40 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
Maine Beer Company
525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032
Short Stop
413 Hallowell Rd, Pownal, ME 04069
local businesses supporting Freeze Out
Participating Businesses
Buck’s Naked BBQ
Donating 10% of sales on
Saturday, Feb. 21
Toad & Co.
Beginning the week of
Monday, Feb. 16, shop the store and a percentage of sales will be donated to Freeze Out.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Donating coffee, hot cocoa and munchkins to Freeze Out volunteers and staff.
Kennebec Savings Bank
Matching funds raised at designated donation site on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Palmer & Company
Donating a percentage of sales to Freeze Out on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Norway Savings Bank
Pledged $1,000 to Freeze Out.
Freeport Oyster Bar
10% of sales donated to Freeze Out on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Mast Landing
Donating $1/pint sold to Freeze Out on Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Island Treasure Toys
Donating 10% of sales on
Saturday, Feb. 21.
Brickyard Hollow
Donating pizzas for our Freeze Out volunteers and staff.
Liberty Graphics
Donating 10% of sales to Freeze Out February 20-22.
Spice & Tea Exchange
Donating a percentage of sales to Freeze Out on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Thanks to our local businesses for supporting Freeze Out!
Businesses in Freeport and Pownal step up to help us during Freeze Out by asking customers to round up their purchases, donating a percent of sales, hosting volunteers to ask for donations, giving cash donations and so much more.
Would your business like to participate? Contact Tina by email or call (207) 865-3985 ext. 221 to learn more.
Want to learn more about Freeze Out? View the 2025 event on News Center Maine, Channel 13 or read more in the Times Record.