Maine’s credit union community just wrapped up the “48 to Feed the State” initiative, and the result?
A cool $100,000 heading straight to Good Shepherd Food Bank. But the way they got there is what makes this story worth your time.
The Simple Math That Made It Work
The pitch was straightforward: Maine has 48 credit unions. If each one kicked in $1,000, that’s a solid start. The credit unions stepped up with $48,800 in total contributions. Then the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent—the League’s service organization—matched those donations and rounded everything up to hit that six-figure mark.
Even credit unions based outside Maine got in on the action, because apparently the cooperative spirit doesn’t stop at state lines.
Why This Matters Right Now
Food pantries across Maine are slammed right now. Demand is hitting record levels, and Good Shepherd Food Bank and its network of community partners need all the help they can get. This $100K isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s practical support arriving exactly when it’s needed most.
“When communities face challenges, credit unions come together to help,” said Elise Baldacci, President of the Maine Credit Union League. “This initiative is a powerful example of what makes the credit union movement so special. Each individual contribution mattered, but together we created an impact that none of us could have achieved alone.”
A Partnership That’s Been Going Strong Since 1990
This isn’t some one-off charity event. The Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has been at this for more than three decades, raising over $16 million to fight hunger statewide. They’ve supported hundreds of local organizations along the way, making sure Mainers don’t go without meals.
Good Shepherd Food Bank alone has received more than $1.3 million from the Campaign over the years. That’s the kind of partnership that actually moves the needle.
“At Synergent, we believe our success is measured not only by how we serve credit unions, but also by how we strengthen the communities they serve,” explained Tyler Hudson, President of Synergent. “Matching these contributions was an easy decision because collaboration is at the heart of the cooperative model. We’re honored to stand alongside Maine’s credit unions in helping our friends at Good Shepherd Food Bank.”
The Bigger Picture
Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank, put it perfectly: “Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is among a very small and prestigious group of our most generous donors. They have contributed over $1.3 million to the Food Bank alone and millions of dollars to help end hunger in our state since their Campaign began in 1990. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and partnership.”
What makes this initiative work isn’t just the money—though obviously that helps. It’s the model itself. Credit unions operate on a cooperative philosophy, which basically means they’re designed to work together even when they’re technically competitors. Each one serves its own members and community, but they regularly team up to tackle bigger challenges that affect all Mainers.
“Time and again, Maine’s credit unions demonstrate that when there is a need, they are ready to respond,” Baldacci added. “Helping people is at the heart of what credit unions do. Whether it’s fighting hunger, improving financial well-being, or supporting local communities, credit unions are a trusted resource that people can count on.”
In a world where “collaboration” often means endless meetings that go nowhere, it’s refreshing to see organizations actually walk the walk. Forty-eight contributions. One big impact. And a whole lot of Mainers who’ll have food on the table because of it.