'We know there will be a surge this year given the rapidly changing federal safety net'

Wed, 10/29/2025 - 10:25am

In response to the federal government announcement that SNAP benefit payments would be suspended for the month of November, AIO Food & Energy Assistance has begun to collect food for its annual Thanksgiving food boxes.

“We know there will be a surge this year given the rapidly changing federal safety net,” said Alan Kearl, executive director of AIO.

Last year the organization distributed 275 boxes with Thanksgiving fixings and gift cards for turkey purchases. This year, thanks to Penquis, AIO will be distributing turkeys or a gift card and a box of fixings.

“We appreciate Penquis’ help with the turkeys, but it won’t be enough,” said Kearl, who expects there will be more than 400 households to serve. “Already several organizations have reached out to ask what we’re doing and to see if we can help,” he continues. “November is the most cruel month to arbitrarily cut support given how important food is to the family gatherings that take place in celebrating Thanksgiving.”

But he notes that it is also a time when schools, churches, businesses, and families want to get involved and help.

“It’s just been a few days since the announcement and the number of people asking how they can help and what they can do has been amazing," he said. "We haven’t run out of food yet and we plan on finding a way to make sure everyone will have food at this important time.”

Community members who want to help are encouraged to–

Bring food to AIO - Thanksgiving type foods can be dropped by anytime Monday-Thursday, 8:00-5:00 or Friday and Saturday, 8:00-1:00. Suggested foods are noted in the attached poster
Donate funds to help. AIO has just launched its annual year end appeal, which begins with an Early Bird match - every $1 donated will be matched up to the first $120,000 between now and 11/21
Volunteer to Help - email Ariel at ariel@aiofoodpantry.org or call 207-596-1043 x101 to learn more and sign up