WESTBROOK (WGME) — As federal ICE operations intensify across Maine, many in immigrant communities are reportedly staying home from work and school and even from public spaces like grocery stores or food pantries.
In response, several food pantries and nonprofits are stepping up to fill the gap.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 200 people have been arrested by ICE in Maine over the past week and a half. This has led to a significant decline in attendance at food pantries across the state, as many people are too fearful to leave their homes.
“The asylum seekers here in the area are scared and they’re hunkering down. They’re not coming out,” Saco Food Pantry Board Member Sheldon Nightingale said.
The Saco Food Pantry typically provides food to nearly 1,000 people in the community monthly.
“Our immigrant community is not coming out right now. We have partnered with a couple of organizations to help out, if need be,” Nightingale said.
Several food pantries in Lewiston are also delivering food to those too afraid to leave home.
“Our business is to give out food and to help people who are in need and food insecure, and we intend to do that anyway we can,” Nightingale said.
In Westbrook, one business is working to ensure no one goes hungry.
“Right now, that’s taking donations to help feed families that are concerned about the ICE presence here in Westbrook,” The Daily Grind Senior Barista Mackenzie Bearor said.
The Daily Grind Westbrook
State Rep. Sue Salisbury of Westbrook and her husband Joe are feeding families through their mobile food pantry and raising money at their coffee shop, The Daily Grind.
They report having helped more than 100 families since the ICE surge in Maine.
“People are afraid to leave their homes, so we are just trying to make sure they stay fed and get the food that they need,” Bearor said.
Pantry officials urge anyone in need of food to contact their local food pantry.
