Our Mission + Values
Our Mission: The South Portland Food Cupboard is a non-profit, volunteer-based food pantry dedicated to alleviating hunger. The cupboard organizes volunteers who are committed to the acquisition and distribution of food to hungry people throughout South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and surrounding communities.
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Respect and Compassion: We treat all recipients with dignity, ensuring every interaction is rooted in respect and kindness.
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Nourishment: We are committed to providing each household with a week’s worth of nutritious food every month, prioritizing their well-being.
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Community Support: We offer guidance and connect recipients to valuable resources, including food stamps, clothing, and budget management, to empower them beyond food assistance.
Our Values:
About Us
“Feeding Neighbors In Need” since 1997
The pantry is open on Thursdays from 8:30 am – 11:00 am, Tuesdays from 10-11:30 am, and the first Wednesday every month from 5:00 pm -6:30 pm for those who work during the day. Recipients are personally welcomed and given a number. Next, the recipient meets with one of the interview team who will answer any questions and get the recipient entered into the system.
To qualify, family income must fall below 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Afterward, they can select items from a menu that regularly includes many non-perishables, juice, milk, frozen meats, and occasionally personal care items. While their order is being “filled” by volunteers in the back room, clients select from breads, pastries, and fresh fruits & vegetables in the outer room. All the items are carefully bagged and carried out to the client’s car with help from volunteers.
If they need additional guidance with clothing, medical help, social services, or bus passes, they can visit the HELP Desk. Recipients are welcome to visit the pantry once each calendar month, and each family (depending on size and personal preference) will leave with 5-10 full grocery bags. Over the years, the pantry has grown from a program serving less than 200 people per month to an organization serving over 700 people per month.
Our History
The South Portland Food Cupboard was started in 1997 by a group of men and women from Holy Cross Church and operated out of St. John the Evangelist Church in South Portland. In 2001, the pantry applied for and received 501(c)3 status. Since then, the pantry had no formal business connection with the church but continued to benefit from the free use of space for 11 years. Because of this, the pantry did not pay rent, utilities or salaries and was able to focus completely on its mission for the first 17 years. In 2013, St. Johns closed down, and the pantry sought a new location. In November of 2013, the pantry moved into a double warehouse at 130 Thadeus Street which we outfitted to fit our needs. This spacious new home allows for greater storage and better organization. In 2015, we added a Warehouse Manager, Jim Welch, our first paid staff member, to bring additional stability and provide for future growth. In July 0f 2017, with the retirement of founding Director, Sybil Riemensnider, we welcomed our new Executive Director, Dwayne Hopkins.