The South Portland Food Cupboard is a non-profit, volunteer-based food pantry dedicated to alleviating hunger. The cupboard organizes volunteers who are committed to the acquisition and distribution of food to hungry people throughout South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough and surrounding communities.
The pantry is open on Thursdays from 8:30 am - 11:00 am and the first Wednesday every month from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm for those who work during the day. Clients are personally welcomed and given a number. Some mothers bring small children, and it can be a long wait. So, we provide juice drinks, animal crackers, coloring books and crayons to keep them occupied. Next, clients meet with one of the interview team who will answer any questions and get the client entered in the system. To qualify, they must have a family income which falls below 150% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Afterward, they are able to select items from a menu which regularly includes many non-perishables along with personal care items, juice, milk, & frozen meats. While their order is being "filled" by volunteers in the back room, clients select from breads, pastries, and fresh fruits & vegetables in the outer room. All the items are carefully bagged and carried out to the client’s car with help from volunteers.
If they need additional guidance with clothing, medical help, social services, bus passes, they can visit the HELP Desk. Clients are welcome to visit the pantry once each calendar month, and each family (depending on size and personal preference) will leave with 5-10 full grocery bags. Over the years, the pantry has grown from a program serving less than 200 people per month to an organization serving over 700 people per month.
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