About
MCHPP recognizes that a number of barriers can hinder clients from accessing our regular Food Pantry at our location in Brunswick. Our Mobile and Satellite Pantries are designed to fill that gap by bringing the food closer to home and serving households no-questions-asked.
The Growth of Mobile and Satellite Pantries
Originally piloted out of a partnership with Good Shepherd Food Bank, Mobile Pantries have become a valuable way for MCHPP to reach more clients in the community, by reducing barriers and increasing access to services. In 2016 we began offering a monthly Mobile Pantry in Harpswell, and have been regularly serving 40-60 households through that event each month. In May 2020, we started to run the Harpswell Mobile Pantry weekly. In June 2019, we opened a site at Lisbon High School in Lisbon Falls, and in March 2021, we began offering the Lisbon Mobile Pantry twice a month. We added the Bowdoin Mobile Pantry in June 2021.
Also in 2021, we launched our Satellite Pantry program, setting up grocery store-style pantries in local apartment buildings and community centers. We are currently operating pantries in partnership with the Bath and Brunswick Housing Authorities. Both of these programs are expanding. We hope to identify new locations and develop partnerships to meet the need in our community.
Mobile Pantries
The Mobile Pantries are currently operating drive-throughs at the Harpswell, Lisbon, and Bowdoin sites. When you reach the front of the line, please open your trunk for volunteers to load in food. If your trunk is full or cannot be opened, the food will be placed next to your car and you will be asked to load your vehicle independently. MCHPP volunteers and staff are not allowed to give food directly to a person visiting the mobile pantry or put food in the front or back seat of a vehicle.
You are welcome to pick up food for friends and neighbors. Just let the volunteer know how many families you are picking up for when you reach the front of the line.
Hours and Locations:
Harpswell Mobile Pantry
- 10:00am – 11:30am
- Harpswell Town Office
- 263 Mountain Road, Harpswell, ME
- Please arrive no more than 30 minutes before the start time
- You do not need to be a MCHPP food pantry client to attend
- All welcome, no questions asked
- If MSAD75 is closed due to the weather, the Harpswell Mobile Pantry will be cancelled.
Lisbon Mobile Pantry
Additional Information:
- 3:00pm – 4:30pm
- Lisbon High School
- 2 Sugg Dr, Lisbon Falls, ME
- Please arrive no more than 30 minutes before the start time
- You do not need to be a MCHPP food pantry client to attend
- All are welcome, no questions asked
- If the Lisbon School District is closed due to weather, the Lisbon Mobile Pantry will be cancelled.
Bowdoin Mobile Pantry
Additional Information:
- 3:00pm – 4:30pm
- Bowdoin Central School
- 1460 Main St, Bowdoin, ME
- Please arrive no more than 30 minutes before the start time
- You do not need to be a MCHPP food pantry client to attend
- All are welcome, no questions asked
- If MSAD75 is closed due to weather, the Bowdoin Mobile Pantry will be cancelled.
Satellite Pantries
Satellite Pantries are grocery store-style pantries located in local apartment buildings and community centers. The goal of the Satellite Pantries is to increase access to quality, nutritious food by reducing stigma and bringing food closer to community members with limited mobility or no transportation. A selection of free groceries including produce, meat, dairy, and dry goods are available to residents. The program was piloted at one of Brunswick Housing Authority’s senior housing residences and will be expanding to five additional sites in partnership with Bath Housing Authority.
If there is a place in your community with residents or visitors who could benefit from a Satellite Pantry run by MCHPP, please contact Caroline at cdaigle@mchpp.org or 207-725-2716 x 312.