Pittsfield Business Walk Raises Funds to Fight Food Insecurity

Date: 09/12/2024

On Sunday, September 8, the Pittsfield Business Consortium held the inaugural Pittsfield Business Walk for Meals. The event began in the Kleinschmidt parking lot and ended at Hathorn Park. Participating organizations included Danforth’s Down Home Supermarket, Kleinschmidt, Maine Central Institute, MSAD53, Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, and United Insurance. Together, the organizations raised $1,700 to fight food insecurity in the region.

“Food insecurity is a serious issue in our community,” states Brett Danforth, owner and general manager of Danforth’s Supermarket. “According to the Maine Shared Community Health Needs Assessment, 26.5% of youth in Somerset County are food insecure. We’re proud to play a role in helping ensure those in need can enjoy nutritious food.”

Sherry Tardy, community health director at Sebasticook Valley Hospital and Renea Qua, workplace experience manager at Kleinschmidt, helped to organize the event. “The funds raised from the event will be used to organize a drive thru food event to serve families throughout our community,” says Qua.

“Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital has always made caring for our friends and neighbors a priority. This is a great opportunity for us to partner with other area businesses to do good for the community,” says Randy Clark, MBA, president of Sebasticook Valley Hospital.

The Pittsfield Business Consortium is a collaboration of area businesses that aim to give back to the community. They hope to make the walk an annual spring event. If your business is interested in learning more, please contact Renea Qua, workplace experience manager at Kleinschmidt, at Renea.Qua@KleinschmidtGroup.com or Sherry Tardy, community health director at Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, at stardy@northernlight.org.