St. Mary’s Food Bank stands as a beacon of hope in Lewiston, Maine, offering vital food assistance to individuals and families in need. Reopened in February 2019, the food pantry embraced a transformative “store-like” model that prioritizes the dignity and choice of its guests. This innovative approach is rooted in the understanding that individuals are best positioned to determine their own dietary needs and preferences when given the opportunity to select items themselves. The overarching goal of St Marys Food Bank is to empower visitors with agency and respect while ensuring consistent access to nutritious food.
St. Mary's Food Bank logo featuring a stylized basket of food, representing food assistance and community support in Lewiston, Maine.
A Welcoming Space for Connection and Support
Beyond simply providing food, St Marys Food Bank cultivates a warm and welcoming environment designed to foster community connections. It serves as a place where neighbors from diverse backgrounds can come together, build meaningful relationships, and access a wider network of support. Upon arrival, each guest is greeted by a member of the Nutrition Center staff, offering a valuable opportunity to discuss individual needs and concerns. This personalized interaction allows the staff to connect guests with essential resources and information pertaining to critical needs such as housing, clothing, and childcare, in collaboration with partner agencies in the area.
Visiting St Marys Food Bank: What You Need to Know
For those seeking food assistance, St Marys Food Bank is conveniently located at 208 Bates Street, Lewiston, Maine, at the corner of Bates and Walnut streets. For inquiries, please call 207-513-3841.
Pantry Hours:
St Marys Food Bank welcomes guests during the following hours:
- Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
To ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors, guests are kindly requested to arrive during opening hours and not to line up outside before opening. Arriving early does not provide any advantage in terms of food selection or quantity, and the available choices may even vary throughout the day. Guests are welcome to visit the food bank once per household each calendar week, from Tuesday through Friday.
First-Time Visitors:
If you are visiting St Marys Food Bank for the first time, or if you haven’t visited since February 2019, a brief intake process will be conducted. If possible, first-time guests are encouraged to bring a photo ID and proof of address, such as a piece of mail or car registration. However, please note that food assistance is provided to all in need, regardless of address or identification. Bringing your own reusable shopping bags is also helpful for carrying groceries home.
Food Quantity and Choice:
At St Marys Food Bank, each household receives one shopping basket of food, irrespective of household size or other individual circumstances. The pantry prioritizes providing fresh produce and strives to offer meat, eggs, and milk whenever available. As the food bank operates based on donations and availability, no specific food item can be guaranteed on any given day. To help guests make informed choices, a daily menu is posted inside the food pantry, outlining the options available that day.
For information on other food assistance resources in the community, please visit the Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Map at http://www.gsfb.org/help/food-map/. St Marys Food Bank is committed to serving the Lewiston community with compassion and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food in a dignified and respectful manner.
