Getting started.
Who this helps
Open to anyone in Southern Maine experiencing food insecurity. Community meals are open to all. No income verification or documentation required. Mobile food pantries specifically target neighborhoods where residents face barriers to other food resources due to transportation or mobility challenges.
How to get started
Wayside does not operate a traditional walk-in food pantry at their office. Food is distributed through community meals at partner sites and mobile pantries that visit specific neighborhoods on scheduled days. Visit waysidemaine.org or call for the current schedule of meal sites and mobile pantry locations near you.
How they can help.
Wayside Food Programs has been fighting hunger and strengthening community in Southern Maine since 1986. They use food to reduce waste, fight hunger, and build social connections through a volunteer-driven model. Their crews cook hundreds of free meals per week for shelters, schools, senior homes, and community centers across Greater Portland.
- Community meals at partner sites across Portland (weekly breakfasts, lunches, and dinners)
- Mobile food pantries delivering groceries to underserved neighborhoods
- Food rescue program redirecting surplus food to reduce waste
- USDA Commodity food distribution
- Summer pop-up picnics
- Healthy snacks for children
What to have ready.
Nothing required for community meals. Just show up.
Call with your questions