Building a stronger and connected local food system. Together.
Imagine a future where good food is never wasted, local pantries are fully stocked, and every resident of York County is well fed.
More Collaboration.
Less Waste.
Across York County, there are 50+ food pantries and meal programs operating independently. The capacity of each is limited by storage constraints, staffing and transportation challenges, and inconsistent access to food.
At the same time, nutritious food is often wasted — not because it isn’t needed, but because there’s no coordinated way to store it, move it, or share it efficiently.
We believe a centralized food security hub, that expands the capacity of local pantries, promotes food rescue, and encourages regional food sharing, is the missing link.
We are building it in Biddeford, Maine. Here’s how you can help.
Advantages of a Food Security Hub
We’re creating the regional infrastructure to benefit York County pantries, food programs and food insecure individuals.
Shared Storage
Refrigeration, freezer, and dry storage space shared by county food programs.
Logistics Support
A fleet of trucks and heavy equipment to support food pickup and drop-off.
Food Prep Capacity
Space and equipment to prepare, preserve, or repurpose perishable foods.
Food Rescue
A destination for surplus food from farms, trucks, and institutions.
Central Location
Located in Biddeford, Maine, just off I-95, convenient to food donors and pantries.
Low or No Cost Services
Most hub services and food are free to participating local organizations.
Make a Gift Today
Donate by check c/o York County Food Hub, 5 Oak Street, Kennebunk, Maine 04043
York County Food Hub is a 501c(3) organization.
Click here to learn more about FEED YORK COUNTY, our inaugural major gift campaign.
Click the button below to donate online by credit card, PayPal or cash apps.
Assessing the Need
To better understand the needs of those on the front lines of food insecurity in York County, we recently surveyed leaders at 29 local pantries and food programs. Here’s what they told us.
Report occasional or frequent food shortages at their programs.
Occasionally discard or turn away food citing storage limitations, or food quality/shelf life concerns.
Express interest in participating in a countywide food hub.
Measuring Impact
Based on benchmarking of other similar programs, a York County Food Hub should capture and redistribute
1 million pounds of food in year one. That’s the equivalent of:
1,000 cubic yards
of landfill space saved
833,000 meals
provided for York County residents
1,700 metric tons
of carbon emissions
avoided
What’s Next?
How does our vision become reality? See our answers to common questions about the current status and next steps for a York County Food Hub (YCFH).
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In 2024, leaders of food programs in Kennebunk and Biddeford began discussions around a food hub as a way to expand regional storage capacity and encourage sharing of perishable and surplus food. A steering committee was formed and held monthly meetings to develop the idea and research comparable models.
In 2025, the group expanded and conducted a needs assessment of pantry and food program leaders in the county. With multiple proof points and encouragement from key stakeholders, the York County Food Hub formally incorporated, establishing a Board of Directors to further advance the concept. -
After years of planning and consultation with civic leaders and food systems experts, the York County Food Hub will begin operations in Fall 2026 in 7,500 sf of warehouse space in Biddeford, Maine. Learn about our launch at FEED YORK COUNTY.
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Our greatest need to meet our five year plan is financial support to
Meet our lease obligations
Acquire trucks and vans for food transport
Buy warehouse equipment and supplies
Hire experienced staff
Expand our kitchen
Visit our inaugural major gift and funding campaign to learn more and contribute.
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Yes! Your donation is tax deductible. Learn more at FEED YORK COUNTY. If you are a prospective food donor, grantmaker, or have in-kind services to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and initiate a discussion about our needs and goals.
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We have recently leased 7,500 sf of warehouse space, just off I-95, in Biddeford, Maine to begin our operations.
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There are successful hubs nationwide, including here in Maine (Wayside Food Programs of Portland, for example). Each is different, but have common characteristics that include a commitment to food rescue, a physical location with sufficient space and equipment to meet large-scale food storage needs, and a collaborative, regional model for supporting the diverse needs of area food programs and pantries.
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We are actively partnering with Good Shepherd and other regional antihunger programs and community groups. Contact us to suggest a collaboration.
Meet The YCFH Board
Alex Gramling
Board President
Alex has led marketing for Fortune 100 companies and tech startups, and serves on the board of several local non-profits including United Way of Southern Maine and Community Harvest. He lives in Kennebunk, ME.
Katie Brown
Katie is the Executive Director of Biddeford-based Youth Full Maine, operating school-based pantries and hosting regular fresh produce distributions throughout York County. She lives in Portland, ME.
Brian Ballute
Brian is SVP, CFO & Treasurer at Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution. He has served on the boards of local non-profits including United Way of Southern Maine. He lives in Biddeford, ME.
Kelly Roberts
Kelly is the Program Manager for MaineHealth Partners for Healthier Communities, and leads the York County Food Council, a regular discussion group of food program leaders. She lives in Arundel, ME.
David Higham
David is the Director of Food Programs at Community Outreach Services (COS), and leads an ongoing food hub pilot, redistributing surplus food from COS to neighboring pantries. He lives in Kennebunk, ME.
Chris Lewis
Chris was most recently President, Supply Chain for the US division of Ahold Delhaize, a leading global food retail group, whose grocery holdings include Hannaford and Stop and Shop. He lives in York, ME.
Community Advisors
Kristen Miale
Past President
Good Shepherd
Food Bank
Megan Shapiro
Co-Founder
Mainspring Collective
Katherine Cope
COO Maine Medical Center / Maine Health
Billy Shore
Founder
Share our Strength
& No Kid Hungry
Paula Reichel
Past SVP
Partnership for a Healthier America
Flora Brown
Owner / Farmer
Frinklepod Farm
Stay Connected
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