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Elaine Dickson places a bottle of vegetable oil in her basket at Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. Dickson represented one of an estimated 600-700 households expected at attend by the end of the day.
Volunteer Chuck Stilkey carries bags of potatoes to a truck Tuesday during Gather to Grow’s food distribution in Lewiston. Bell Farms donated two truckloads of potatoes, helping Gather to Grow amass an estimated 30,000 pounds of food for the Thanksgiving distribution.
Donna Brackley reaches for a container of mushrooms at Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. Recipients were able to take fresh produce, refrigerated protein, shelf-stable food such as canned goods and grains, and other ingredients for cooking a Thanksgiving meal.
Volunteer Aoi Ozone greets a person at Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. Attendees were able to take fresh produce, refrigerated protein, shelf-stable food such as canned goods and grains, and other ingredients for cooking a Thanksgiving meal. Gather to Grow accepts food donations from the community, but Executive Director Kirsten Walter says the most helpful donations are monetary, based on their ability to buy food at wholesale prices.
Fresh produce is seen at Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. The organization had about 5,000 pounds of produce to hand out.
Volunteer Elizandra Fernandes hands out produce at Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. Gather to Grow secured an estimated 5,000 pounds of produce, including leafy greens, vegetables, fruit and gourds, to help provide a complete Thanksgiving meal for free.
Chelsey Lavertu receives a container of milk from volunteer Paul Boucher during Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. Gather to Grow at 208 Bates St. distributes food every week to members of the community who need it.
Volunteer Denise Theriault gives onions to a person at Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. Recipients were able to take fresh produce, refrigerated protein, shelf-stable food such as canned goods and grains, and other ingredients for cooking a Thanksgiving meal.
Volunteer Chuck Stilkey gives Cory Michaud a frozen chicken during Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday ahead in Lewiston. Gather to Grow hosts weekly food distributions but makes sure to give a little extra to recipients for Thanksgiving in an effort to reduce community hunger.
A refrigerator full of assorted meat and seafood items is seen Tuesday at Gather to Grow’s food distribution in Lewiston. Recipients of the distribution could choose between a frozen chicken or items in the refrigerator.
Volunteer Elizandra Fernandes prepares to hand out produce at Gather to Grow’s food distribution Tuesday in Lewiston. The organization estimated it secured 30,000 pounds of food for the special Thanksgiving distribution.
Peanut the chihuahua, owned by Elaine Dickson, is placed in the top of her wheeled basket Tuesday at Gather to Grow’s food distribution in Lewiston. Dickson was one of an estimated 600-700 households expected by the end of the day.

Gather to Grow is at 208 Bates St. in Lewiston across from Kennedy Park. Click here for more information on accessing the weekly food pantry, including hours.

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