United Way of Mid-Maine Virtual Sculpture Contest & Food Drive

United Way of Mid-Maine (UWMM) took their annual sculpture contest and food drive virtual! Local businesses, organizations, and groups collected non-perishable food and basic needs items which they used to build fun sculptures! This event is part of their Pantry Project initiative and the food collected is being distributed to pantries throughout Somerset, northern Kennebec, and western Waldo counties.

Food insecurity is a significant challenge for families throughout the Mid-Maine region. According to FeedingAmerica.org, the food insecurity rate in Somerset County is 16.6% and is 13% in both Kennebec and Waldo counties. Food insecurity refers to the lack of access a family has to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members. Families often find themselves having to choose between important basic needs, such as housing or medical bills, and purchasing nutritionally adequate foods. Food banks and pantries work tirelessly to combat food insecurity in their communities.

“Families continue to feel the effects of COVID and are struggling to access basic, everyday needs.” Says Bethany Drouin, Resource Development Director for UWMM. “Supporting our local food banks is one way that we can help mid-Maine families struggle a little less.”

The United We CAN sculpture contest and food drive was held virtually this year, April 26 – 30. Participants built their sculptures within their own spaces.

Click here for results for this year's sculptures.