NSB Contributes $1,000 to Support Harrison Food Bank

HARRISON—Serving more than 40,000 pounds of groceries to around 1,100 families per week only begins to tell the story of the Harrison Food Bank. In addition to offering food assistance at no cost, the organization provides snacks to three local elementary schools for children who don’t have any at recess, assists homeless individuals at Bridgton Recovery Center, makes nearly 480 home deliveries of food each week, and now operates the Ronald St. John Community Center, located in the town’s former VFW building. There is even a pet pantry.

“Our reach now extends across more than 90 towns, allowing us to serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Kirsten Hewes, an event coordinator at the food bank.

Achieving all of this with a band of committed volunteers is remarkable, doing so while treating each person served with respect while preserving dignity is an act of pure compassion.

“We are committed to responding to the food needs of our community to see that no person goes hungry,” said Sandy Swett, Executive Director of Harrison Food Bank. “Nutritious food is a basic human right, and over 50 volunteers work so hard to make this possible. It’s a labor of love.”

It’s an effort that has inspired Norway Savings Bank for years, including more than $21,000 in support over the last five years and a $1,000 donation in April.

“We couldn’t help so many without the support of Norway Savings Bank. Norway Savings is truly a hometown bank,” said Swett. “Norway Savings believes in us, what we do, and our mission of service. We’re so grateful.”

The Food Bank, which is located on 176 Waterford Road (Route 35), is open each Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. There are so many ways to assist the food bank, including volunteering, donating, or driving. For more information, visit www.harrisonfoodbank.com/donate or email [email protected].