AUGUSTA—United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) has awarded $44,360 in funding to 16 nonprofit programs through the COVID-19 Response Fund. Every week, United Way’s board of directors continues to review applications from nonprofit organizations serving the Kennebec Valley and disburse community donations.

Food programs across Kennebec Valley have been hit hard by the pandemic. As a result, UWKV has awarded $15,780 from the fund thus far to food-related programs, including local food banks. With the unemployment rate skyrocketing and school closures, food insecurity programs are seeing increased need from existing and new clients. Spectrum Generations’ Meals on Wheels program is making seven-day emergency frozen food packs for 500 residents in case deliveries should slow. With United Way funding, Meals on Wheels is able to provide food packs for an additional 82 homebound seniors who were previously on a waiting list. In addition, Bread of Life Ministries has temporarily transitioned from a restaurant-style soup kitchen to serving bagged lunches at the door.

Food pantries, along with Bridging the Gap’s Basic Essential Pantry, have also seen a decrease in donations due to the stay-at-home order across the state. Much of the allocated funding for these programs will be used to supplement the purchase of food and basic items like toiletries that may typically be donated.

Other programs that have received funding include the Independence Association’s SpinOff Studio, Crisis and Counseling Centers, Rural Community Action Ministry, Family Violence Project, Catholic Charities of Maine, Capital Area New Mainers Project, Bread of Life Shelter and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine.

"The outpouring of support that United Way has received from this community has been both humbling and heartwarming," said Courtney Yeager, executive director of UWKV. "This is a time when we all need to come together to make sure the most vulnerable people in our community have access to life's most basic needs."

In total, the funding awarded from the COVID-19 Response Fund is estimated to help 5,911 local Kennebec Valley people over two months. Any 501(c)(3) serving people of Kennebec Valley remains eligible to apply for funding.

In order to continue growing the COVID-19 Response Fund, please consider making a donation online at www.uwkv.org/covid19 or text GIVEKV to 207-315-9270.