Freezin' for Food Security
(March 5) UPDATE: We Reached Our Goal!
Photos from the 20th annual Freeze OUt
For the past 20 years at Freeze Out, we have been “Freezin’ for a Reason.” This year, we’ll be standing outside at different locations in Freeport and Pownal to raise funds & awareness about food security.
Freeze Out will take place Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10am to 2pm.
Come together at Freeport Community Services’ Bradley Room for a Free Community Lunch from 12-1pm in celebration of Freeze Out during our Feb. 24 fundraiser! We will be serving chili to warm us all.
Our goal is to raise $20,000 for FCS’ food programs. Thank you for your donation!
Support FCS food programs
We have seen food insecurity increase in our communities alongside the increase in the cost of food and the decrease in federal food assistance. FCS food programs are aimed at helping everyone in our community regardless of income or other status. These programs are largely supported by food donations, but FCS purchases a significant portion using our available funds. Our goal this year is to raise $20,000 to support our food programs!
The Food Pantry
FCS purchased just over 11% of the food that went to the Food Pantry in fiscal year 2023, or over 25,000 pounds of food out of nearly 216,000 total pounds that we distributed.
FCS purchases food and other goods to fill in the gaps in what we receive through donations to the Food Pantry and what our clients need.
The BackPack and Summer Snacks programs
FCS entirely funds its two school lunch programs.
Our BackPack program provides a bag full of food weekly to students throughout the school year.
Summer Snacks provides a variety of foods weekly to any RSU5 student throughout the summer. The program served over 120 students each week in 2023.
Free Community Lunch Fridays
Every first and third Friday, volunteers prepare and serve over 100 in-person and delivered meals. That’s about 2,000 Free Lunches served per year!
Our direct costs are minimal for this program as the food comes from the Food Pantry, but we supplement each meal as needed.
Stand Up for Food Security!
Help us end hunger in Freeport and Pownal by supporting this year’s Freeze Out!
Your donations will go directly to support FCS food programs.
Donate online today!
Two ways to donate online
Donate through our GoFundMe fundraising page!
Donate through FCS’ Venmo!
join us on Feb. 24
Teams of volunteers will stand outside at the following locations from 10am to 2pm on Sat., Feb. 24 to collect donations. Would you like to volunteer? Contact Susan by email or at (207) 865-3985 ext. 206.
Royal River Natural Foods
443 US-1, Freeport, ME 04032
Short Stop
413 Hallowell Rd, Pownal, ME 04069
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
Freeport Community Services
53-55 Depot St, Freeport, ME 04032
local businesses supporting Freeze Out
Kennebec Savings
Donation match on Feb. 24!
Brown Goldsmiths
Donating percent of sales on Feb. 24!
Toad & Co Freeport
Donating percent of sales on Feb. 24!
Freeport Oyster Bar
Donating percent of sales on Feb. 24!
Island Treasure Toys
Donation to Freeze Out!
Buck’s Naked BBQ
Donating percent of sales on Feb. 24!
Brickyard Hollow Freeport
Donation to Freeze Out!
Linda Bean Tavern
Donation to Freeze Out!
Lobster Cooker
Donation to Freeze Out!
Thank you, 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 Christine by email or call (207) 865-3985 ext. 221 to learn more.
