AUBURN — During April and May, Good Shepherd Food-Bank ran a matching grant challenge for all of its member food pantries. They challenged the Auburn Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry to raise $700 which they would match.

Thanks to the response to fundraising activities and generous donations from the community, they met that goal. The money raised will be used to purchase meat, eggs, dairy products and dry goods from Good Shepherd for more than 300 men, women and children that are fed weekly. Also, more than 2,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables are provided to participants which local businesses donate to Good Shepherd.

Personal donations were received and businesses donated to the silent auction.

The church’s pantry has struggled to keep up with the demands, especially when two other Auburn pantries closed their doors last year. There are only two operating food pantries in Auburn at this time.

More than 30 dedicated volunteers provide 150 hours every week.

In addition to providing food for Auburn residents at the pantry every Tuesday, fresh produce is delivered to the Lake Auburn Town Houses and the Great Falls Esplanade residences for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

To do a fundraiser for the pantry or to make a charitable donation, contact Seventh Day Adventist Food Pantry, P.O. Box 420, Auburn ME 04210.