On Thursday, Nov. 13, United Ag & Turf in Presque Isle hosted a food-packing event in partnership with End Hunger New England, uniting local farms and volunteers to help reduce food insecurity across Aroostook County.
This community event effort was inspired by the growing need in the region coupled with the Presque Isle team’s wish to honor the memory of Lionel Theriault Jr.
Theriault was a respected business leader deeply connected to Maine’s agricultural community. He owned and operated Theriault Equipment in Maine and Harvest Equipment locations in Vermont before their sale to United Ag & Turf.
His dedication to support farmers and his lifelong generosity continue to inspire those who knew him.
End Hunger NE is a non-profit organization that works across New England to bring people together at meal packing events, helping to provide nutritious meals for those in need.
During the event, the store team along with local farms and volunteers packed 32,628 meals to be distributed through Catholic Charities Maine, helping families and individuals throughout northern Maine.
“Our goal was to unite at least 25 local farms and raise $4,000 to pack and distribute meals,” said Brent Buck, the local store’s general manager. “Our community’s generosity exceeded our expectations and we raised $13,050, which allowed us to pack so many more meals than we’d originally planned. This was an incredible opportunity to come together for something bigger than ourselves, supporting our neighbors, and helping to reduce hunger in our own communities.”
“This is what community is all about. Working side by side to make sure no one goes hungry,” added Gary Nadeau of United Ag & Turf. “And doing it in Lionel’s memory makes it even more meaningful for our team.”
