University Credit Union Takes Big Bite Out of Hunger

The University Credit Union has helped to shine a spotlight on hunger with a big fundraiser.

During a December initiative, University Credit Union (UCU) brought attention to the pervasive problem of food insecurity among college students in Maine by launching a statewide awareness campaign, raising more than $8,100 for the five University of Maine System (UMS)-based campus food pantries:

• $1,098.84 to the Thrifty Beaver Co-op at the University of Maine at Farmington; assists 15 people per week
• $1,157.84 to the Black Bear Exchange at the University of Maine in Orono; assists 20 people per week
• $1,098.84 to the Bengal’s Outreach Food Pantry at the University of Maine at Fort Kent; assists 25 people per month
• $1,098.84 to the Emergency Food Pantry at the University of Maine at Presque Isle; opened in September 2017
• $1,189.04 to The Well at the University of Southern Maine; assists 20 people per day

Through the month of December, UCU branches collected donations from around the state, ultimately exceeding the fundraising goal by more than $600. UCU also engaged local media to establish a dialogue on the issue and inspire action, garnering more than 22 local media stories.

“No student should ever have to choose between going hungry and furthering his or her education. Yet, across Maine, college students are facing this decision every day,” wrote Walsh. “These pantries, however large or small, can mean the difference between a student leaving college for financial reasons and that student completing a degree and achieving his or her goals.”

As a longtime supporter of the Maine Credit Union League’s annual Campaign for Ending Hunger, UCU is committed to ending hunger for all Maine families and participates in many League-organized fundraisers throughout the year. Visit www.mainecul.org to learn more.

For more information on UCU’s Ending Hunger on Campus in Maine campaign, visit www.ucu.maine.edu/endinghungeroncampus.