Teamsters collect tons of food for those in need
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Figures are down a bit this year but organizers with Teamsters Local Union 340 are satisfied with the food drive which was held during the Maine Potato Blossom Parade in Fort Fairfield on July 20 and benefited Catholic Charities’ Feed the County program.
“We collected 20,000 pounds of food and $2,000. Last year we netted 34,500 pounds and $3,000,” said Traci Place, the union’s local representative.
Place said the drop was largely related to the loss of one of the fundraiser’s major donors.
“Considering we lost Hostess/Nissen, which was half a trailer load of bread products, as well as the donations from the employees, we are very happy with the collection this year,” said Place.
“We’ve been Feed the County’s single largest food donation the last five years. We had donations from Country Farms Market, Paradis Shop n Save, Garelick Farms, B&M Beans — all were very generous,” said Place.
Union groups from throughout Aroostook County and the state, including police, fire and school workers, contributed to the food drive, which concluded during the annual parade.
Place wished to remind everyone that even though the Teamsters’ food drive has come to an end, food collections are ongoing for Catholic Charities.
“Catholic Charities serves multiple food pantries, providing food to those in need year-round. The need for nonperishable food items is ongoing. Donations of money and food are welcome all year long and very much appreciated,” said Place.
