Empowering Student Resilience: University Credit Union's Commitment to Campus Food Pantries

In a remarkable display of community support, University Credit Union (UCU) has stepped up to bolster the efforts of the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) in addressing food insecurity on its campuses. Through a generous donation of ,000, UCU has reinforced the vital work of the student-run and campus-sanctioned food pantries, ensuring that no student is left behind in their pursuit of academic success.

Fueling Student Success: UCU's Unwavering Support for Campus Food Pantries

Sustaining the Community Cupboard: UCU's Donation to the Augusta Campus

The Augusta Campus of UMA has long been home to the student-run Community Cupboard, a vital resource for students facing food insecurity. In a heartwarming gesture, UCU presented a check for ,000 to Kaylee Jones, Madison Riggs, and Rose Pelletier, the dedicated student leaders responsible for the Community Cupboard's operations. This donation, facilitated by UCU representatives Lauren Cornelio and Stephanie Beck, will empower the Community Cupboard to continue its mission of providing nourishment and support to those in need.The Community Cupboard serves as a lifeline for many UMA students, offering a discreet and accessible way for them to access essential food items. This donation from UCU will enable the pantry to expand its offerings, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without the added burden of worrying about where their next meal will come from.

Fueling the Bangor Campus: UCU's Contribution to the Food for Thought Pantry

Recognizing the need for support on both campuses, UCU also presented a ,000 check to the Bangor Campus Food for Thought pantry. This donation was received by Jennifer Davis, the UMA Dean of Students, Joy Steward, the UMA Coordinator of Student Life, Aurelia Maietta, the UMA Food Security Intern, and Kristie Hexter, the UMA Administrative Support Specialist.The Food for Thought pantry plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity on the Bangor Campus, providing students with access to nutritious food and essential supplies. UCU's contribution will allow the pantry to enhance its offerings, ensuring that students can maintain their focus on their academic pursuits without the added stress of food-related concerns.

A Lasting Impact: UCU's Commitment to Ending Hunger in Maine

The recent donations from UCU are just the latest chapter in the credit union's ongoing efforts to support local food pantries and combat hunger in Maine. For the past seven years, UCU has been spearheading its Ending Hunger in Maine campaign, raising funds and awareness to support campus and community-based food pantries across the state.During this time, UCU has donated a remarkable ,716.44 to the UMA Augusta and UMA Bangor campus pantries, in addition to providing support to other food assistance initiatives throughout Maine. This unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity has had a profound impact on the lives of countless students and community members, ensuring that they have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.

Empowering Student Success: The Transformative Impact of UMA

The University of Maine at Augusta is a beacon of hope for students of all ages and backgrounds, offering high-quality distance and on-site education, exceptional student support, and a wide range of academic programs. By addressing the fundamental needs of its students, such as food security, UMA is empowering them to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.Through initiatives like the Community Cupboard and the Food for Thought pantry, UMA is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the well-being of its students. These campus-based resources, bolstered by the generous support of partners like UCU, are ensuring that no student is left behind in their pursuit of academic and personal growth.As UMA continues to transform the lives of students across Maine and beyond, the impact of these collaborative efforts will be felt for generations to come. By addressing the root causes of food insecurity and providing holistic support, UMA and its partners are paving the way for a future where all students can thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.