York County Tackles Food Insecurity with New Regional Pantry

County government steps in to save vital food resource for thousands of residents

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The York County Commission has taken over operations of a regional food pantry that was facing closure, ensuring thousands of residents continue to have access to this vital resource. The county allocated $125,000 in public funding to keep the pantry running and partnered with local organizations to enhance its impact through private donations, volunteers, and community support.

Why it matters

Food insecurity affects over 1 in 5 people in Maine, including 1 in 5 children, the highest rate in New England. When a regional food pantry serving thousands of York County residents was at risk of closing, the county stepped in to prevent a devastating loss of this critical resource, particularly in rural areas where food assistance is scarce.

The details

After the York County Shelters Program was forced to close its regional food pantry due to financial struggles, the York County Commission unanimously voted to take over operations. They first allocated $25,000 from the contingency fund to prevent an immediate lapse in service, then approved $100,000 in the annual budget to officially place the program under county oversight and bring on staff. The newly named First County Food Pantry now partners with the Good Shepherd Food Bank and the county's charitable arm to leverage private donations, grants, corporate support, and volunteers to enhance the public funding.

  • In February 2026, the York County Commission voted to take over the regional food pantry.
  • The First County Food Pantry is now open Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m.

The players

Justin Chenette

The York County commissioner for Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis and Buxton, and a former state senator.

York County Commission

The governing body of York County, Maine that voted to take over the regional food pantry operations.

Good Shepherd Food Bank

A partner organization that works with the First County Food Pantry to stock its shelves.

First County Foundation

The county's charitable arm that helps the First County Food Pantry leverage private donations, grants, and corporate support.

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What they’re saying

“The richest country on Earth should not have anyone go hungry. It is a moral failure when people go without while there is plenty to go around.”

— Justin Chenette, York County Commissioner (centralmaine.com)

What’s next

The First County Food Pantry will continue to operate Tuesdays and Fridays, providing critical food assistance to thousands of York County residents.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates how county government can take proactive steps to address food insecurity in their communities, stepping in to save a vital regional resource when it was at risk of closure. The York County Commission's swift action to allocate public funding and partner with local organizations has ensured thousands of residents continue to have access to this essential food pantry.