On Monday, January 19, 2026, AIO Food and Energy Assistance will host its sixth Fill The Strand with food and funds drive to benefit AIO’s Food Assistance, Energy Assistance, Weekend Meal, and Diaper Assistance Programs. This event challenges the community to fill every seat in the historic theater with bags of food and funds for AIO’s programs. AIO has raised over $165,000 in the first five Fill the Strand events, according to AIO, in a news release. The goal for the sixth event is to raise $40,000. The snow date is Monday, January 26. 

"During the past 7 weeks alone, AIO has experienced more than 11,000 market visits and 496 NEW households have come for assistance. Fill the Strand is a well-timed, important opportunity for AIO to refill shelves with food and it’s a great opportunity to teach children about food insecurity and helping neighbors in need.” says AIO Executive Director Alan Kearl. “Powered by Allen Insurance and Financial and hosted by The Strand, this event is a testament of a community that cares for one another. As many families face greater challenges making ends meet, AIO continues to keep pace with the need for food and energy assistance. In the past year, we have provided over 1 million pounds of food through more than 55,000 visits to our pantry market and home deliveries. That is a nearly 50% increase over last year’s record-setting number of visits! Fill The Strand is vital to keeping food available for those who need it.”

Monetary donations are welcome.

"In fact your dollar goes further since AIO can purchase food through partners at a competitive price. Individuals can fill one theater seat with a bag of food or sponsor a seat at $35," said AIO. "Your $35 monetary donation can buy up to $85 worth of food."

Those interested in sponsoring a seat through a financial donation can make it online at www.aiofoodpantry.org/strand.

Non-perishable food with a current expiration date is appreciated. AIO would be grateful for donations of the most needed items including cereals, snacks, salad dressings, microwavable meals, spaghetti sauce, condiments, mac and cheese, ramen and soups, peanut butter, personal care products, coffee and tea and and other shelf stable items.

"Whether a monetary gift or food donation - your support will help the people in our community who need it the most," said AIO.

Food collection sites have been established at area businesses:

Rockland: Allen Insurance and Financial (Rockland and Camden), Ardiah, Atlantic Baking, Breakwater Nutrition, Camden National Bank, Cates Realty, Coastal Recovery Community Center, First National Bank, Good Tern Co-Op, Key Bank, Maine State Credit Union, Park Street Laundry, Rock City Coffee/ Café, Rockland Police Department, South End Grocery, Stone Alley Brewery, The Grasshopper Shop, The Strand Theatre, Winifred and Evalyn, YMCA

Rockport: Barnswallow Books, Bleeker & Greer, Graffam Brothers

Camden: Allen Insurance and Financial, Bubbles and Beans Children's Consignment, French and Brawn, Lucky Betty's, Zoot Coffee

Owls Head: Cape Air, Owls Head General Store

Thomaston: Crooked Spoon Co., Hot Hill Tavern, Thomaston Grocery Store

Warren: St. George Pizza

On Monday, January 19 volunteers will be at the Strand Theatre between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. to receive food and funds donations. Drive-up and drop-off service will be available or come inside the Strand Theatre, located at 345 Main Street, Rockland, to deliver your food and funds donations in-person and see the seats fill up.

"AIO is proud to partner with two business leaders who are instrumental in making the Fill the Strand event possible," said AIO: The Strand Theatre who hosts the event and Allen Insurance and Financial who helps power the event, through their financial support, as well as a team of employees who volunteer during the day of the event in greeting donors, collecting and organizing donations. 

“AIO’s Fill the Strand is the kind of community work that speaks directly to our mission,” said Mike Pierce, president of Allen Insurance and Financial. “Taking part year after year gives our co-owners a meaningful way to support neighbors and build connections that matter. We are proud to contribute to something that makes a real difference.”

“We’re thrilled to be hosting this terrific event for the 6th year!” said the Strand’s Marketing Director, Jana Herbener. “It’s so gratifying to see so many community members coming through our doors with their generous contributions for our Midcoast neighbors. Community need is greater than ever this year!”

For more information about the event and how you can participate please contact event coordinator Leila Murphy, murphy.leila@gmail.com. 

Sponsors include at the Primary level- Allen Insurance and Financial. At the Leadership level - First National Bank and First National Wealth Management, Frantz Furniture Showroom and Rockland Plaza. At the Partner level - 250 Main Hotel, Cates Real Estate, Gartley & Dorsky, Knights of Columbus Limerock Council 136, Stone Alley Brewing, and The Inn at Ocean’s Edge. At the Champion level - Bangor Savings Bank, Crooked Spoon, Maine State Credit Union, Plants Unlimited, and South End Grocery. At the Business level - Atlantic Baking Co, City & Harbour Real Estate Group, Craignair Inn, Farnsworth Art Museum, Jess’s Market, Nina June, Page Gallery and Zoot Coffee. And at the Supporting level- Uproot Pie Company and Carriage House. A list of all sponsors can be found at  www.aiofoodpantry.org/strand.

About AIO Food and Energy Assistance

In our 36th year, AIO has provided nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families without judgement, always with compassion. 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 17.6%. During the past year, AIO has supported nearly 2,200 unique households in the County, that’s more than 5,000 of our neighbors, or more than 12.5% of the County. AIO has distributed more than 95,000 meals to students through our weekend meals program. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps households with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention – which is critical as winter begins. AIO has completed more than 425 energy assistance grants in just the first quarter of an annual assistance program. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.