Hannaford Donations to Maine’s Community Colleges Surpass $1M with Latest Gift

October 22, 2026

AUGUSTA, ME — Food pantries at all seven Maine community colleges are getting upgraded equipment, storage, and additional food donations thanks to a generous $263,830 investment from Hannaford Supermarkets.

“We are very grateful to Hannaford for their generosity and support for our students. These food pantries are so important and let our students know that their community is there for them,” said David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System.

The donation was announced Wednesday at Southern Maine Community College at the Captain’s Cupboard, the college’s food pantry.

Hannaford is a long-time supporter of Maine’s community colleges, and the latest gift brings their total investment in the colleges to $1.3 million. Adding storage, refrigerators, freezers, and swipe-card systems greatly expands the types of food available to students, and expands access to the food pantries, many of which include non-food items such as clothing, school supplies, and basic necessities.

“We are thrilled with the support from Hannaford for our food pantries at our seven community colleges,” said John Fitzsimmons, president of the Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges. “Last year, we had 3,994 visits to our food pantries across the state. We are doing everything we can to help students complete their programs and find a job with financial security. Hannaford has been our partner on every step of the journey.”

The Hannaford donation will provide:

• $100,000 to York County Community College, for new equipment and swipe card systems at the main campus and at two off-campus centers
• $39,500 to Central Maine Community College, for a new swipe card system and additional shelving and food
• $34,900 to Kennebec Valley Community College, for new facilities and storage, a van, and a new commercial refrigerator
• $34,430 to Eastern Maine Community College, for a new cooler, storage, swipe card lockers, and a new entrance
• $29,000 to Washington County Community College, for a new refrigerator, new access doors, and food
• $16,000 to Northern Maine Community College, for a new swipe card system, additional shelving and equipment, and food, hygiene and cleaning items
• $10,000 for Southern Maine Community College for food, storage containers, and a new refrigerator

Previous Hannaford donations have benefited the community colleges’ culinary arts programs, equipment, and facilities across the state.