Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, Maine, has announced a $1 million grant from the Ludcke Foundation, which works to address the basic needs of children and families across New England.

Part of the food bank's Campaign to End Hunger, which aims to raise $100 million in cash and pledges and $150 million in donated food by the end of 2025, the grant will help the organization meet its goal of ensuring that every Mainer has access to sufficient nutritious food. To date, the organization has raised more than $138.5 million in food and funding.

According to Good Shepherd Food Bank, during the height of the coronavirus pandemic an estimated 16 percent of Maine's population was experiencing hunger, and that number is expected to come down to 13.5 percent (182,000 people) in 2021.

"The Ludcke Foundation was committed to Good Shepherd Food Bank's ambitious work prior to the pandemic, and we are proud to be continuing our support as the state of Maine rebounds from the lingering economic impact of COVID-19," said Ludcke Foundatoin chair Ruth Ellen Fitch. "The foundation devotes its grants to the fields of education, medicine, and human services, and our investment in ending hunger in Maine is deeply connected to all three of our focus areas."