Credit union distributes $80K in hunger relief

by Contributed
2 months ago
Phyllis Pelletier, Mary Caron, Acadia FCU’s Bridget Deabay, and Betty Chapman of the Ashland Food Pantry came together as Bridget proudly presented a donation check for $3,583.53 to support their mission of helping local families. (Courtesy of Acadia Federal Credit Union)

Acadia Federal Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution with branches throughout northern Aroostook County and Bangor, has announced the distribution of $80,648 in hunger relief funds throughout the summer of 2025. 

These funds, raised during the 2024 Campaign to End Hunger, were delivered directly to local agencies in the communities Acadia serves, ensuring vital support for families facing food insecurity.

A check for $12,840.15 was presented to Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Parish Food Pantry in Madawaska. Pictured are Acadia FCU’s Shirley Chasse (front row, seated second) and Acadia FCU CEO Joey Cannan (front row, far right), with several volunteers of the pantry who work many hours behind the scenes to keep the facility operational.
(Courtesy of Acadia Federal Credit Union)

This result placed Acadia FCU third out of 53 Maine credit unions for total funds raised in the 2024 Campaign to End Hunger — an increase of more than $28,000 compared to the previous year. Statewide, Maine’s credit unions collectively raised an astounding $1,303,760.40 to fight hunger across the state.

“At Acadia FCU, distributing these funds is the most rewarding part of the entire campaign,” said Alison Smart, Acadia FCU marketing manager and Ending Hunger Campaign coordinator. “To know that every dollar raised goes right back into our local communities — providing food, hope, and relief to those who need it most — is incredibly humbling. We are grateful for the generosity of our members, staff, and community partners who made this impact possible.”

During the months of June, July, and August 2025, Acadia FCU teammates visited community partners to distribute funds raised in 2024. 

Acadia FCU staff member Justin Dubois presents a check for $1,000 to Emily Thibeault RN-BSN, representing the Fish River Rural Health Food Shelf.
(Courtesy of Acadia Federal Credit Union)

Recipient agencies in Aroostook County included the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, St. John Vianney Parish Food Pantries, Ashland Food Pantry; Greater Fort Kent Ecumenical Food Pantry, Notre Dame du Mont Carmel Food Pantry, ,Our Lady of the Valley Food Pantry, the MSAD33 take-home program, Fish River Rural Health Food Shelf and St. Peter Chanel Food Pantry.

Also included were the First Assembly of God Food Pantry, Safe Place Food Cupboard, 

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Brewer Area Food Pantry, The Salvation Army of Bangor, Eastern Area Agency on Aging and Manna Ministries Food Pantry.

St. John Vianney Parish Reverend Monsignor Jean-Paul Labrie receives a check for $16,207.04 from Acadia FCU staff members Cindy Lagasse and Justion Dubois.
(Courtesy of Acadia Federal Credit Union)

In February 2025, Acadia FCU representatives attended the Ending Hunger Results Luncheon, hosted by the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent at Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown. At this event, they celebrated the record-breaking $1.3 million raised collectively by Maine credit unions in 2024.

This milestone highlights Acadia FCU’s ongoing mission to strengthen communities through care, compassion, and action. By returning every dollar raised directly to local organizations, the credit union continues to play an active role in the fight against hunger across Maine.

Hunger relief is a year-round mission, and Acadia FCU keeps that momentum going through ongoing campaigns and community events. Those who wish to join in making a difference can contribute online at https://campaignforendinghunger.org/acadiafcu/.