AUBURN – Each year, ski resorts throughout Maine participate in a “giving back to community” day by hosting a “Tin Mountain Round-Up” program where skiers and snowboarders are offered incentives for participating in food drives to benefit local agencies.

Lost Valley will hold its roundup from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. Skiers will receive $10 off their four-hour lift ticket by donating either three canned goods or $1 to benefit Good Shepherd Food-Bank.

This is the first year a ski resort has been willing to take a monetary donation for the roundup. Food bank staff said they are excited about this because, though grateful for canned goods, a $1 donation allows the food bank to provide more than $12.50 value in food. They can really stretch that dollar based on leverage (buying bulk) and partnerships with the grocery industry.

Good Shepherd Food-Bank is Maine’s largest hunger relief organization, providing food to more than 570 nonprofit agencies throughout the state. Winter brings additional expenses for people and many face challenges to keep food on the table.

JoAn Chartier, food bank’s public relations coordinator, said, “Even school vacations pose setbacks and challenges for families. When kids are out of school and are not getting their free breakfasts and lunches, families are having to come up with a couple of extra meals each day for each child. That alone often results in compromise to the food budget. Many are still trying to catch up from the holiday break.”

For more information, call Lost Valley at 784-1561.

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