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A big THANK YOU to all of the planners and volunteers, the pie bakers, pie stops, business sponsors, town governments, press and PARTICIPANTS of the Pies on Parade 2026 event.
It was an unqualified success with so many enjoying pie and the company of friends, family and neighbors as they traversed the streets of Camden, Rockport, Rockland and Thomaston. There were more than 740 participants visiting 48 businesses across two days, add on the 67 volunteers and the Ukes Rock players, the 8 groups who made pies, the 4 business sponsors, the 3 banks that put up displays, and you realize that Pies on Parade is one of the largest community-wide events of the year.
In addition to a really good vibe, the event raised about $29,500 for AIO’s Energy Assistance Program. This support is well-timed as people who have fallen behind in their electric bills face shut off starting on April 15th. The funds raised will help AIO provide support to prevent electrical shut off for several hundred community households.
With gratitude to the community.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS
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ENERGY ASSISTANCE MATCH CHALLENGE!
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As you may know, in the State of Maine, the power companies can’t shut off power when a customer falls behind in payment during the winter months between November 15 and April 15. Starting in the next 2 weeks, those who have fallen behind will begin to receive shut off notices ahead of April 15. This is when people are forced to make a decision about whether to eat or refill a prescription or have power.
2 to 1 MATCH CHALLENGE!
Sensitive to this situation, a very generous donor is making $120,000 available if we can raise $60,000 by this date to be used for the Energy Assistance Program.
Between now and April 15 every dollar will be matched & become $3.
If we are able to meet this goal, we will provide $180,000 in support in the coming months. Each Spring the AIO Energy Assistance program has played a vital role in “keeping the lights on” for hundreds offamilies. If we are able to raise these funds we will be able to help 900 households with $200 payments. Can you help us raise the funds needed to unlock this match?
Together there is enough and together we can make a difference.
Thank you for your consideration in supporting the Energy Program.
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5th ANNUAL ARTFEEDS: CALL FOR ARTISTS!
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This week AIO announced an open call for artists for the 5th annual ArtFeeds: Artists in Action Against Food Insecurity. Entries will be accepted from March 20 through April 17, 2026, with results announced on April 25.
Artist Submissions Accepted March 20-April 17, 2026
Interested artists should submit their entry by April 17 - submission details can be found on AIO’s website - www.aiofoodpantry.org/artfeeds. Thirty artists will be selected to participate in this year’s ArtFeeds exhibition and will be selected based on the quality and creativity of their work, and their connection to the community.
ArtFeeds is a first-of-its-kind collaboration formed in partnership with Camden-based Page Gallery and the Maine State Correctional Facility. Launched in 2022, the fundraiser brings together the creativity of the Midcoast’s vibrant artist community, the talents of the Maine State Prison’s woodworking program, and the vision of Page Gallery to raise funds for AIO’s Food and Energy Assistance programs.
“Each year, I’m deeply moved by how enthusiastically artists respond to this project,” shares Colin Page, artist and owner of Page Gallery. “There’s something powerful about taking a simple wooden bowl crafted at the Maine State Prison and transforming it into a one-of-a-kind work of art. In a time of such great need, artists are eager to use their creativity to give back and support an essential organization like our local food pantry. It’s a meaningful way for the arts community to come together and make a tangible difference.”
Save the Date:
Exhibition & Silent Auction - September 17-26, 2026 at Page Gallery
The exhibition will open on Thursday, September 17, which corresponds with Camden’s monthly Art Walk. A silent auction will run simultaneously, culminating with a reception at Page Gallery on September 26.
All funds raised will support AIO’s four programs: Food Assistance, Energy Assistance, Weekend Meals Program and Diaper Assistance.
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MARCH 28: SUPPORT THE POLAR PLUNGE & AIO!
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Please join us for the Pen Bay Council of the Mid-Coast Board of REALTORS Polar Plunge!
WHEN & WHERE:
Saturday, 3/28, 10:00am
Lincolnville Beach
Money raised will be matched by the Maine Realtors Association, making donations all the more worthwhile and AIO will share in the proceeds.
We hope you'll consider joining us- as a plunger or a spectator -
for what will be a fun event!
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COMMUNITY MATTERS MORE- VOTE FOR AIO IN APRIL
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VOTING STARTS APRIL 1 and runs the month!
AIO is thrilled to be mong the Knox County organizations for consideration in this year's Community Matters More program. During the month of April people can vote for an organization they'd like to receive a grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation (up to $5000!)
Keep an eye out for communications and please consider voting for AIO starting April 1.
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AIO PRESENTS AT PECHA KUCHA APRIL 10
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What is Pecha Kusha you ask? It is a Japanese form of communication and education that forces concise messaging. The format is a unique presentation style where ideas and works are shared with 20-image, 20-second-per-image slideshows. Each of the evening’s presenters will provide a six minute and 40 second glimpse into their craft. AIO is honored to share its story in this form of storytelling.
Live at the Strand Theatre in Rockland on Friday April 10th at 7pm. Tickets available at the Strand Theatre
We hope you will join us!
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NEED TAX PREPARATION HELP?
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We are grateful to Dave Perry of Robinhood Tax Services, who generously donates his time to offer tax preparation services in exchange for a donation to AIO!
If you need tax preparation help this year you can contact Dave to discuss how he might help you.
Phone: (207-701-1568)
Email: lfisgd72@yahoo.com
You will have expert tax help and help AIO in return!
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VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT:
OUR PIES ON PARADE COMMITTEE
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We are incredibly grateful to Pat and Jeff Shaw who agreed to chair the Pies on Parade steering committee this year! The team continued to build and included the following:
Karyn Rizzo, the long time Lobster Festival Volunteer Chair woman, who agreed to be responsible for recruiting, assigning and training all the volunteers; Ashley Benson (LimeRock Inn, our Leadership Sponsor) and Theresa Mastricolo (Villager Cafe) were instrumental in recruiting and managing details with our nearly 50 pie stops; Niki Janczura (First National Bank Wealth Management) agreed to be the “Day-of” problem solver and a generous sponsor; Afira Chisty helped manage communications and promotion, Amy Files (Wilder by Design) oversaw and developed all of the creative components of the event promotions; Ann Werner managed and tracked the event ticket sales; Sean Padgett (LimeRock Inn) agreed to hold an “at large” role, and Leila Murphy helped with behind the scenes support. We couldn’t have managed all these moving parts without so much support. Thanks to all of you.
[pictured above left to right: Sean Padgett, Niki Janczura, Jeff Shaw, Karyn Rizzo, Leila Murphy, Pat Shaw and Alan Kearl]
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We’re always on the lookout for new food sources. Not only because it pains us knowing that about 30% of all food grown and produced in the US never makes it to a dinner table, but also because the only way AIO can continue to provide healthy, fresh food to a growing member base is by finding more free food through food rescue.
After working with Maritime Farms gas/convenience stores for nearly a year, we finally started a program of food rescue from 11 of their 13 stores. Three times/week we pick up the sandwiches, pizza, salads, baked goods and dairy products that didn’t sell the day before. All of these foods are highly sought after by AIO members.
We are picking up about 500 pounds of food each week through this process. We help Maritime Farms by reducing their waste and labor, AIO members have wider choices and less food enters the waste stream.
We like win, win, wins! If you have ideas for partnerships like this please reach out to Alan at the office 207-596-1043.
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Born on March 19th at approximately 4:33pm, weighing approximately 331 lbs, Rob Holloway, AIO Market and Warehouse Director, is the proud father of an incredibly quiet and strong electric pallet jack!
One of AIO’s warehouse volunteers saw Rob struggle to remove heavily loaded pallets from the AIO van and was inspired to support this new equipment by presenting AIO with a check to cover the cost of the new pallet jack.
We are grateful for this generous gift- and the impact it will have on our ability to more easily and safely move heavy loads.
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SAVE THE DATE: OPEN HOUSE, MAY 7
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Save the Date for our
Open House
Thursday, May 7
4:00-6:00pm
All are welcome!
Location: 1A Gordon Drive, Rockland
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We look forward to reporting on our activities each year and the impact that community support has on our programs. We couldn't do it without our volunteers, community partners and all of the individual, business and foundation supporters who may our work possible. THANK YOU.
You can find our 2024/2025 Annual Report here.
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THREE WAYS YOU CAN HELP TODAY:
1. MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION. Your dollars go further as AIO is able to purchase food at a discounted price. When you make a financial gift you are helping to provide food, energy and diaper assistance to families who need help. You can donate online here.
2. VOLUNTEER. Volunteering at AIO is a great way to help people in your community, meet new friends, and be part of one of the most innovative food pantries in Maine. Whichever opportunities you choose, you will be an important part of the work we do. To get started click here.
3. DROPOFF DONATIONS. There is a wide variety of food, household and personal items that the families we serve need. To learn about our most needed items check here. |
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You could also...
Share this newsletter with your friends, family and colleagues
Follow us on social media to stay updated on our activities.
Facebook (AIOFoodpantry70)
Instagram (aiofoodpantry)
Hold a Food or Diaper drive!
The majority of the food and diapers we distribute come from donations. Hold a fundraiser in honor of your birthday or anniversary.
Other Ways to Give
Learn more at our website
From all of us here at AIO - THANK YOU! |
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