ROCKLAND — The Grasshopper Shop of Rockland will celebrate its 45th anniversary Friday, Sept. 18 - Sunday, Sept. 20 with a storewide sale and fundraiser for Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO).

Customers will enjoy 20% off all weekend, and can support AIO by purchasing special balloons at $10 each. A variety of mystery prizes and discounts will be found inside the balloons. Those discounts may be redeemed immediately, according to the Shop. All proceeds from balloon sales go directly to AIO’s Weekend Meal Program.

Founded in 1975, the Grasshopper Shop of Rockland is a family-run business. Now in its second generation, the business is currently owned by Sierra Dietz. 

The Rockland Grasshopper Shop opened at 400 Main Street in 1997 and has been a staple of the downtown shopping scene ever since, according to the Shop, in a news release.

“Dietz takes pride in keeping her parents’ dream of a family-oriented, entertaining shopping experience going,” said the store. “She stocks items that comfort, charm and surprise, many made locally in Maine or in the USA. Everything on the shelves is hand-selected to make life a little brighter and more joyful, and the wonderful staff is always eager to answer questions and help shoppers find what they’re looking for.”

Connect with the Grasshopper Shop by calling (207) 596-6156 or by visiting www.grasshoppershopofrockland.com.

Over the decades, there have been Grasshopper Shop locations in Belfast, Camden, Bangor, Ellsworth, Searsport, Stonington and Bar Harbor, all owned and operated by family members. The other location still in operation is the Grasshopper Shop of Searsport, located at 27 East Main Street.

Dietz believes that it is especially important to support the local community during these difficult times, said the store.

“Over the last 45 years, our family business has worked hard to support many nonprofits in the Midcoast as we feel it is a critical part of our mission. This year marks the 30th anniversary of AIO so it seemed a fitting time to incorporate their work into our anniversary celebration,” said Dietz.

AIO is a volunteer-run organization whose mission is to respectfully and compassionately support those in need in Knox County with food and energy assistance. AIO launched the Weekend Meal Program in 2015 (formerly known as the Backpack Program), to provide nutritious food to children and families on weekends when school meals aren’t available. On average 340 school-age children and their families participate in the program.

Although the effects of the pandemic are not yet fully known, Feeding America and Good Shepherd Food Bank recently announced that Maine’s rate of hunger is projected to grow by as much as 40% in 2020, according to the Grasshopper Shop. Knox County has the 4th highest rate in the state, with food insecurity projected to increase 46% overall. Knox County’s rate of childhood food insecurity is projected to increase by 52% – with one in four kids experiencing hunger.

To learn more about AIO’s programs and to donate, please visit www.aiofoodpantry.org.