January 2025: South Portland Food Pantry
Patriot Acura Supports South Portland Food Cupboard Through “12 Weeks of Giving” Initiative
At Patriot Acura, giving back to the community is a year-round commitment. We proudly kicked off our 2025 12 Weeks of Giving program with a meaningful visit to the South Portland Food Cupboard (SPFC), a grassroots organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity across the region.
This initiative reflects our mission to support local nonprofits, raise awareness, and make a tangible difference through community partnerships.
Fighting Food Insecurity in South Portland
The South Portland Food Cupboard plays a critical role in supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity. Serving approximately 700 local families, the organization goes beyond traditional pantry services by extending resources to:
- More than 10 sober living houses
- 4 additional food pantries
- 2 soup kitchens
- Local asylum seekers in need
Their impact reaches far beyond a single location, helping to strengthen the broader South Portland community through reliable and respectful food assistance.
A Visit That Showcased True Community Impact
During our visit—on a frigid day when temperatures dropped to -9°F—we were warmly welcomed by Executive Director Dwayne Hopkins, along with Warehouse Manager Peter McNamara and Communications Leader Lauren Smith Kennedy.
Inside the warehouse, volunteers were hard at work preparing for the next day’s food distribution. The team provided an in-depth tour, offering valuable insight into the scale and efficiency of their operations.
One message stood out, displayed prominently on the wall from founding director Sybil Riemensnider:
“Respect the Food, Respect the Recipients, Respect Each Other.”
This guiding principle reflects the dignity and care with which the South Portland Food Cupboard serves its community.
Patriot Acura’s Contribution
As part of our 12 Weeks of Giving program, Patriot Acura was proud to present a donation of $675 to support the Food Cupboard’s mission.
Thanks to strong partnerships with local vendors like Hannaford, along with generous contributions from businesses and individuals, this donation can provide approximately 33 people with a full week’s supply of staple food.
It’s a powerful reminder of how community collaboration and efficient operations can maximize impact.
Committed to Local Community Support
At Patriot Acura, we are proud to stand alongside organizations like the South Portland Food Cupboard that are making a real difference in people’s lives. Through programs like 12 Weeks of Giving and Patriot Cares, Patriot Shares, we remain dedicated to supporting local nonprofits and strengthening the communities we serve.
We extend our sincere thanks to the entire South Portland Food Cupboard team and their volunteers for their dedication, compassion, and tireless work.