News Center Maine covers new Black Bears To Go service

News Center Maine reported the Black Bear Exchange, the University of Maine’s on-campus food pantry and clothing exchange, is offering drive-thru pickup for online orders of food and personal care items to students, faculty and staff to provide needed items while maintaining social distancing. “Obviously with what’s going on right now with our campus being shut down, our dining halls are not functioning the way they will normally be,” said Lisa Morin, coordinator of the Bodwell Center for Service and Volunteerism. “We can prepackage it, nobody has to come in the building, and then they can come down and pick up the items already put together,” said Morin. “Right now we think we are serving about 75 students and couples out in the community.” Hilltop Dining is still open to serve the 291 students remaining in residence halls due to extenuating personal circumstances, News Center Maine reported. “We are open seven days a week, brunch and dinner, and we also have coffee service in the lobby,” said Glenn Taylor, director of Dining Services. The Black Bear Exchange partners with the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the report states. There is no income requirement or application process to use the food pantry, which is open to community members with a valid MaineCard.