AUBURN — In an effort to help build the capacity of the hundreds of food pantries across Maine, Good Shepherd Food-Bank is distributing freezers and coolers to partner nonprofits that lack adequate appliances for food storage. So far, the statewide hunger relief organization has donated $16,000 worth of appliances to 24 local partners.

“We’re making an effort to distribute more fresh, nutritious food throughout the state, but that food is usually perishable. With better freezers and refrigerators, our partner food pantries will be more able to pass those perishable foods on to families in need,” said Cheryl Jalbert, vice president of agency services at Good Shepherd Food-Bank.

Good Shepherd Food-Bank created a freezer and refrigerator fund to help meet the needs of partner food pantries, which can apply to receive a new freezer or refrigerator through this fund.

The Good Shepherd Food-Bank’s freezer and refrigerator fund is supported by two grants from the John T. Gorman Foundation and FRANE (Frozen and Refrigerated Association of the Northeast).