A recent $10,000 grant from the Huntington Common Charitable Fund, according to a Kennebunk Savings news release, went to The Community Gourmet, a nonprofit based in Wells centered on promoting healthy eating.

Since 2022, the nonprofit has been providing meal kits and education at food pantries and other community events. But the group’s President, Traci Anello, noticed a growing need for services among older adults in the community. She developed meal kits specifically for older adult, that feature shelf-stable protein shakes, simple canned and boxed foods, and classic treats like shortbread cookies.

Traci Anello, of The Community Gourmet, with a packed meal kit for older adults in need. Contributed

The kits also include blank greeting cards showcasing Anello’s food photography, to encourage connection among isolated older adults. The grant from the Huntington Common Charitable Fund will provide six months of these kits, which are carried in food pantries, at community centers and are included by the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Biddeford police departments on wellness checks.

“Every one of these kits has hope, opportunity, and inspiration in it,” Anello wrote in the news release. “You can’t see it, but it’s in there.”

Another recent grant from the fund went to Hospice of Southern Maine, which offers compassionate end-of-life care to individuals in York and Cumberland counties and outlying communities of Oxford, Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties. A $15,000 grant was issued for improvements to their Gosnell Memorial Hospice House to support upgrades including replacing carpeting and flooring, installing new hallway handrails, replacing old wayfinding signs, and improving the house’s Wi-Fi system.

“Like any home, Gosnell needs occasional improvements to stay current with medical, safety, and comfort needs,” said Heidi Farber, the nonprofit’s director of development, in an email. “When surveyed, 92% of family caregivers say they are ‘definitely’ willing to recommend us to friends and family. This is one of the highest compliments, one built on 20 years of trust, respect, and high-quality care. We never take this for granted and continue to strive every day to give the best care possible and change lives – the patients’ and their families’ – for the better.”

Finally, a $10,000 grant from the charitable fund was awarded to The Opportunity Alliance, a community action agency based in southern Maine. The grant supports transportation and training costs for their “Foster Grandparent” Program and their “Senior Companion” Program in York County, both of which create space for older adults to volunteer and be active in the community.

Foster Grandparents work with children with special needs, provide support in child development centers, and assist with academic success for K-12 students. Senior Companions help to provide independence for other older adults through companionship, socialization, transportation and respite for family caregivers.

“What I love about these twin programs is that they’re built on an understanding of mutual benefit,” said Rachel Peter, community engagement manager at Kennebunk Savings, in the email. “The students and older adults who receive companionship are thriving, but so are the companions. The truth about volunteering is that you always get back just as much, if not more, than you put in.”

Local nonprofits proposing programs meeting fund’s criteria can apply for grants on the Kennebunk Savings website. Final decisions are made and grants are issued on a quarterly basis. The next deadline for proposals is Dec. 31, 2024.

Traci Anello, of The Community Gourmet, with a packed meal kit for older adults in need.