Food Programs
Focusing on Food
We answer the call of those experiencing hunger in our community – with compassion and without judgment – by offering a variety of food support programs that give our neighbors access to nutritious meals.
For more information about any of our food programs, please contact:
Andy Wyatt, Food Programs Manager
(207) 865-3985 x214 | awyatt@fcsmaine.org
Vaughndella Curtis Food Pantry
Food Pantry hours:
Mon. 11am – 3pm
Tues. 9:30am – 11:30am
Wed. 11am – 1:30pm
Food donations
Mon.- Fri. 8-4 on our Food Pantry Loading dock at 55 Depot Street. Prior to donating, please reach out to Andy at 865-3985 x214 or awyatt@fcsmaine.org.
The FCS Food Pantry provides food to residents in need from Freeport and Pownal, Maine. Freeport Community Services, with generous support from the community, works diligently to help meet the needs of adults and children experiencing hunger. FCS offers a welcoming, market-like experience to those who visit the food pantry.
Thanks to the dedication of many volunteers who support the pantry in a variety of ways, the pantry remains one of the most often used services at FCS’. As a partner agency with the Good Shepherd Food Bank (GSFB) FCS purchases supplemental food and nonfood supplies at the GSFB warehouse. FCS receives surplus food products through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) of the US Department of Agriculture. We also partner with Wayside Food Programs in Portland and pick up donated food through their Commodity Supplemental Food Program for low income seniors.
We are fortunate to have strong community support from individuals, businesses and organizations including civic and school groups who help maintain a well-stocked pantry.
Summer Snacks Program
Freeport Community Services launched its new Summer Snacks food program in June 2023, and the program drew a strong community response.
The program is available to all RSU5 students without restriction and is providing food based on feedback from families and school counselors about what kids will eat and what they are likely to be able to prepare themselves.
The new Summer Snacks program takes the place of FCS’ previous participation in the Maine Department of Education-funded program under which families must qualify based on a set of strict criteria, including levels of concentrated poverty that are generally not present in Freeport and Pownal. However, the demand for the new program shows that despite Freeport and Pownal not meeting some official poverty thresholds, many families are in need and will benefit from this program.
To participate in the Summer Snacks Program, please contact Amy Liechty, Director of Programs, at (207) 865-3985 ext. 205, or by email.
BackPack Program
Helping Kids in Need
The Freeport Community Services BackPack Program provides children who are living with the effects of chronic hunger with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to eat during weekends throughout the school year.
A few years ago, parents and teachers got together to talk about the growing number of children in our schools who find it difficult to concentrate and learn because they are hungry. In 2018 the Backpack program became a formal FCS program to support healthy eating over the weekend. Every Friday the Freeport Community Services BackPack program provides more than 50 children grades K through 12 in RSU5 with easy-to-prepare food. Proper nutrition over the weekend ensures students can come to school on Monday ready to learn. Community involvement is very important to sustaining this program. Each week a BackPack team carefully prepares and delivers food packs to participating schools. School representatives then distribute the well-stocked backpacks to the children. Volunteers will pick-up, pack and deliver the food to the schools each week and all monetary donations go directly to the purchase of food.
We thank everyone in our community who helps make this program possible!
Community Lunch Program
FCS’ Community Free Lunch Friday is a part of FCS activities from January through October. Every first and third Friday of the month, you are welcome to come to enjoy lunch in community. The lunches are free of charge to anyone, from anywhere. Volunteer cooks prepare wonderful meals, and a committed staff of volunteers make the event happen from start to finish – setting up, helping in the kitchen, serving and cleaning. Community Free Lunch Fridays are an opportunity for anyone to join in, sit, and have a homemade meal among friends.
Photo courtesy Portland Press Herald
Home Delivery Program
Some Freeport and Pownal residents find it difficult to get to us because they have limited mobility or lack transportation. FCS Home Delivery helps ensure residents who cannot make it to the pantry will have the food supplies they need delivered to their homes. Each week, volunteers are routinely scheduled to deliver food from the FCS Food Pantry to those who are homebound.
Thanksgiving Food Baskets and Thanksgiving Day Meal
FCS hosts a scrumptious community Thanksgiving Day meal at the Freeport Community Center each year, and everyone is invited! Meals are prepared by local chefs and many wonderful volunteers serve those who come in person, and deliver hot meals to those you cannot come.
We also distribute Thanksgiving food boxes complete with a turkey, fresh vegetables and lots of fixings for those families who wish to prepare a traditional feast at home.
Community Gardens
FCS has a community garden located on Grove St. in Freeport with 20 garden plots available to anyone interested in experiencing and enjoying all of the benefits of gardening and growing their own food. A 4 x 8 ft. raised bed garden plot is available at a rate of $10.00 for the season.