Help Is Here, And We’ve Got Your Back
Here’s the situation: The government shutdown means SNAP benefits won’t be loaded this Saturday, November 1. If you have money left on your card from October, you can still use it. But new November benefits? Not coming until this gets sorted out in Washington.
That’s not okay, and we know it’s going to hit a lot of families hard.
What We’re Doing About It
Look, we’re a grocery store. We can’t fix Congress. But we can show up for our neighbors, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
For years, we’ve worked with Freeport Community Services Food Pantry— because it matters. Right now, we’re ramping up our support to help them serve more families during this gap.
We’re also looking at ways to make staple items more affordable in the coming weeks, and we’re making sure every person on our team knows how to help customers with compassion and zero judgment. Because the last thing anyone needs right now is to feel embarrassed at the checkout.
And if you’re in our store and need to talk through options, ask for a manager. We’ll figure something out together.
If You Need Help
Freeport Community Services Food Pantry is at 53 Depot St in Freeport (207-865-3985):
- Food Pantry hours:
- Mon. 11am – 3pm
Tues. 9:30am – 11:30am
Wed. 11am – 1:30pm
If You Can Give Help, Please Donate
Our neighbors need us. We’re teaming up with the Vaughndella Curtis Food Pantry to help keep their shelves stocked and their doors open to everyone who needs a little extra support.
🥫 How You Can Help
1. Donate Food:
We’re collecting the items the pantry needs most right here at the market:
- Cereal
- Pasta & Pasta Sauce
- Canned Tuna
- Rice
- Canned Diced tomatoes
- Feminine Products, Diapers, Toilet Paper
- Cans of soup
- Shelf Stable Juice
- Condiments
*Please no glass
2. Donate at Checkout:
Simply scan one of our donation barcodes at the register to give in $1 and $5increments — it all goes directly to the food pantry.
3. Drop Cash or Change:
Our Community Giving Bin is located at the front of the store. Every dollar helps feed local families.
❤️ 100% Local Impact
All donations will go directly to the Vaughndella Curtis Food Pantry at Freeport Community Services, supporting individuals and families right here in our community.
Thank you for being part of the difference.
Together, we can help every table in Freeport stay full this season.
🥫 If You Prefer To Donate Directly To The Food Pantry:
- FCS has a list of needed items you can sign up to donate here.
- Mon.- Fri. 8-4 on our Food Pantry Loading dock at 55 Depot Street. Prior to donating, please reach out to Andy at 865-3985 x214 or awyatt@fcsmaine.org
The Bottom Line
We don’t know how long this will last, but we know our community will get through it. We’ve weathered plenty of storms together—this is just one more.
We’ll keep you posted as things develop. And the minute SNAP benefits are back online, we’ll let you know.
—The Bow Street Team
