The York County Food Rescue Program

At the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet run out of the United Methodist Church, we benefit directly from the great work that is done by the York County Food Rescue Program. They supply much of the food that we give out during the month, with a good portion of it being free of charge. The food that we do purchase from them is at deeply discounted prices. Without organizations like this, we would not be able to serve the amount of people that we do.

Unfortunately, those numbers are increasing. Over the last two years or so, we have seen a steady increase in the amount of people needing assistance. We are now serving over 250 people a month through the Food Pantry. All of these people are residents of Old Orchard Beach and are on some sort of government assistance. (We are the distribution site for the federal government’s food assistance program, so our clients have to meet these particular eligibility requirements.) On top of that, we have seen an increase in the amount of people taking advantage of the clothing that we give out free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis. (We also have been known to give out household items and furniture when we can.)

And we are not alone. The people of St. Margaret’s Church and the Faith Lighthouse Church have been generous in their support of our efforts and have done a good deal of work on their own. Many civic groups and private companies have stepped up and given time, talent, and treasure to those that are in need. And we all know how wonderful the Salvation Army is in their efforts to help those that need it most. But I can’t tell you how many people I have had to personally turn away from the doors of the parsonage with nothing more than a prayer because we simply don’t have any way of helping them.

It saddens me that we live in a town with so many people struggling.

But I am also deeply moved by the generosity of the people of this town. More than that, I am moved by the awesome sense of community in this town. I had lived in Cumberland County all of my life when I was called into the ministry here in OOB in July 2005. The first thing I was told was that I was no longer in Cumberland County. This is YORK County (and don’t forget it)! The second thing that I was told is that I OOB is NOT a suburb of Saco (thank you very much)!! I have loved this town since the first day that I came here, and it is because of the people. (That would be all of you and many more people like you.)

Thank you SO much for supporting our efforts over the years. We couldn’t do what we do without you!!