ROCKLAND — AIO Food & Energy Assistance is one of approximately twenty organizations in the five New England states selected as a recipient of the funds raised through the Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger Campaign in December 2023, which raised a total of $407,070.

AIO received a gift of $24,582.50, which will directly support the organization's four programs and the families in the community it serves, according to AIO, in a news release. AIO was selected as a recipient because Rockland Hannaford was a leading store fundraiser during the Hannaford campaign.

"We are honored to be a recipient of the Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger campaign," said AIO Executive Director Joe Ryan. "Hannaford's commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations' work on food insecurity's front lines is significant, providing life-changing help for thousands of families. We are extremely grateful for their continuous support."

A gift of $16,510 provides the equivalent of over 16,000 pounds of food to be distributed through AIO's food pantry market, according to Ryan.

"Our goal is to provide more food, more often for members of the Knox County community who struggle with food insecurity,” he said. “Sixteen thousand additional pounds of food will feed a lot of families."

"Hannaford is committed to making a real, positive impact in our communities, and this annual effort is a perfect example of that long-standing commitment," said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Manager Sherri Stevens. "Every penny raised through Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger goes directly to local hunger relief organizations. We thank our customers for their continued partnership as we work together to end food insecurity."

The Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger program also included a "You Buy, We Give" initiative, which began November 12 and ran through December 9, 2023. For every participating product purchased, Hannaford donated 50 cents to regional food banks in New England and New York. Participating products include Hannaford canned vegetables, Hannaford canned tomatoes, Hannaford 4-pack fruit cups, and Hannaford shredded wheat cereal.

AIO provides nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families. Funding and access to AIO's programs are more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to continue to increase. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. Child food insecurity is estimated at 28%. During the past year, AIO has supported 5,896 households and 15,672 individuals and distributed 12,325 weekend meal packages for elementary school students throughout Knox County. AIO's Energy Assistance Program helps households with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention. Last winter, AIO distributed 691 energy assistance vouchers, totaling $208,000 in support. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by immediately putting their donations to work.