UCU campaign to benefit Black Bear Exchange, other campus food pantries

The University of Maine’s Black Bear Exchange food pantry and clothing swap is one of several campus organizations around the state that are receiving donations as part of a University Credit Union initiative.

Throughout December, UCU is shining a light on food insecurity on Maine campuses and rallying support for the five University of Maine System-based food pantries as they approach the busy winter season.

For it’s “Ending Hunger on Campus in Maine” campaign, UCU aims to raise at least $7,500 in donated funds and food. To kick off the initiative, UCU donated $500 to each pantry, including Black Bear Exchange, which is part of UMaine’s Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism.

Donations of nonperishable food items suitable for student living facilities will be collected at UCU locations across the state in December. Monetary donations can be made by calling 800.696.8628, by mail to UCU, or in-person at any UCU location. Donors may elect to specify a campus food pantry of their choosing; any donations not designated as such will be equally distributed to the five pantries.

More about the campaign is online.