Androscoggin Bank’s MainStreet Foundation has awarded its $25k for Kids grant to Full Plates Full Potential, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending childhood food insecurity in Maine.
One in five Maine children experiences food insecurity, and for many, school meals are their most reliable source of nourishment. Through Maine’s universal school meals policy, every student can access breakfast and lunch at no cost—reducing stigma and ensuring that no child goes hungry at school. Full Plates Full Potential plays a vital role in making that promise a reality by helping schools expand meal programs, improve participation, and secure the resources needed to serve nutritious food every day.
While Full Plates’ staff are primarily focused on policy and advocacy solutions for federal child nutrition programs in Maine, the $25,000 grant will directly support their on-the-ground child nutrition consultants. These consultants provide guidance, technical assistance, and resources to school nutrition operators statewide—helping directors implement best practices, navigate daily challenges, and build relationships with school boards to secure equipment and funding. The grant will also create a discretionary pool of funds that consultants can use to address urgent needs and support program expansion. This direct support helps more children access healthy meals in schools and afterschool programs, impacting hundreds of students across the state.
This award is part of the MainStreet Foundation’s $25K for Kids Grant, which aims to support at-risk youth by providing access to food, shelter, and security. After careful review, Full Plates Full Potential was selected for its measurable impact on Maine children and its commitment to strengthening school nutrition programs statewide. Androscoggin Bank and the MainStreet Foundation proudly support this work as it aligns with our mission to empower children and families across Maine.
“No organization can solve hunger alone,” said Justin Strasburger, Executive Director of Full Plates Full Potential. “It takes collaboration, compassion, and a commitment to a shared future in which Maine kids no longer have to worry when, or if, their next meal will arrive. We’re grateful to Androscoggin Bank’s MainStreet Foundation for believing in this work and investing in on-the-ground solutions that support Maine schools, families and students.”
To show our support, several Androscoggin Bank employees recently visited Full Plates Full Potential’s team to present the grant check and learn more about their work firsthand.
Chris Lyon, SVP, Director of Corporate Impact at Androscoggin Bank, said, “The most important investment we can make in our future is the health and wellbeing of our kids. Full Plates Full Potential employs an innovative and collaborative approach to ensuring Maine’s kids have access to the meals and nutrition they need. The solutions to our most critical challenges often lie right here within our communities and by leveraging Maine’s food systems, Full Plates Full Potential is reducing food insecurity across Maine while supporting a stronger economy.”
Androscoggin Bank is proud to support Full Plates Full Potential and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they continue to make for Maine children in the year ahead.
SHARE
