South Portland Food Cupboard

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.

The South Portland Food Cupboard is a 501(c)3 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. 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.