ROCKLAND—Alan Kearl, the executive director of AIO Food Pantry and Energy Assistance, has only been in his position for 15 months after formerly serving as a volunteer. In that time, he has seen an exponential need from the community for food and supplies, brought on by inflation, sky-high rental rates, and the nearly unaffordable cost of living for so many in the Midcoast.

This week, AIO distributed about 225 Thanksgiving boxes on Nov. 21 and has provided another about 75 since, thanks to some 75 volunteers helping all week, and multiple partner organizations. The boxes weighed some 20 pounds without turkeys and were a boon to families.

"People got either a substantial box of food items with a $15 gift card, or they got a whole turkey," he said.

Typically, AIO sees 300-350 people a week come through the doors, but this week, that number soared to 600, a record, according to Kearl.

"Since then, other organizations who didn't know of our timing have donated another 60 or so turkeys after the giveaway," he said.

While food insecurity has always been a problem in Maine, especially in post-pandemic times, the need for food continues to climb in the Midcoast, with the statistics telling a surprising story of who is getting squeezed out.

"We have seen a pretty dramatic week-on-week increase in recipients since a year ago and I think it is because life is just plain expensive to live here," said Kearl. "Food, plus housing, plus transportation. Our population includes what you'd logically assume to be those on limited incomes, those who are elderly on social security, and those who've hit an unexpected hardship, but we have way more people ages 19 to 49; that's 40 percent of our membership base who need help. So, that's a primary group that tells you this is a group of working people who aren't able to make it. They come once a month because it's the cost of living."

Kearl emphasized that AIO, which has existed for 35 years, has always been a friendly, inclusive place, making it easier for people in Knox County who struggle with the thought of receiving assistance. "We have fostered that—taking away limits—so that it's a place people feel safe coming to. Nobody will judge you or will ever tell you you're taking too much. I think that's also what's contributing to the demand."

Giving Tuesday

AIO is more than a food pantry, and works with a million-dollar budget each year to purchase food and supplies, such as a diaper program, energy assistance, and weekend meals, to name a few. "Happily, we continue to have strong support from the community and are meeting the need," said Kearl.

For Giving Tuesday this year, Camden National Bank, The Maine Lobster Festival, and Lonza have come together to generously give AIO a $11,500 matching fund, and on Dec. 3, any donations to AIO will be matched dollar for dollar up to $11,500.

Still, the need for help for the community is year-round. The AIO Food pantry will be open on Wednesday Nov. 27 until 6 p.m. and will give the staff and volunteers Thursday and Friday off.

To learn more how to contribute to their programs, visit AIO Food Pantry. To become a volunteer, visit the website.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com