REUNITED: A New Home for the Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry

by Meryl Kelly

The Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry were founded together over 30 years ago with a mission of eliminating food and clothing insecurity in Western Maine. In 2004, Dave Bean joined the team as Food Pantry Director, working alongside many dedicated volunteers to support the organization through challenges and transitions. To best address the needs of the community, the District Exchange and Food Pantry became a 501C(3) organization in February 2012, appointing a Board of Directors to help nurture growth. Non-profit status opened up eligibility for various grants as well as partnerships with social service organizations like the Good Shepherd Food Bank. This crucial step laid the foundation for the significant strides happening now.

In 2014 a major stumbling block arose when their location, the former Ethel Bisbee School, became unavailable. This development physically split the two arms of this organization, with the Food Pantry relocating to an expensive and challenging space in the basement of the Nazarene Church — while the District Exchange found a temporary home in the Bethel Park Apartments. Without a permanent location, the District Exchange was eventually forced to indefinitely close its doors. Finding a permanent location to reunite and reopen as a duo became a primary focus.

In 2021 a leadership restructuring saw long-time volunteer Mary McVey step into handling day-to-day operations at the Food Pantry, while Dave Bean moved into the role of Executive Director, facilitating big picture initiatives. After securing financing through a Genesis Fund loan and a $273,000 congressional appropriation sponsored by Senator Susan Collins, the divided programs were able to purchase a new facility located at 279 Walkers Mills Road, across the street from Telstar. This new location boasts ample space for a thoughtfully designed client choice food marketplace, two long-term housing units and the long awaited reopening of the District Exchange, with Director Sue Lowe taking the lead. Dave Bean is now hard at work completing a majority of the construction on the Walkers Mill building, with hopes of getting the doors open to clients as soon as possible. With support from area construction companies the District Exchange and Food Pantry space should be ready by late summer, with additional projects being built out in manageable phases over the next year. Once the facilities are operational, Dave will shift his focus toward growing a robust and sustainable capital campaign. With a new operating budget estimated to be approximately $157,000 per year, the support of private donors and larger grants will remain crucial in continuing to offer hope and access to the over 15% of our county that experiences food insecurity, a number that balloons to 25.9% for local children.

The Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry are embarking on an exciting new chapter, reuniting under one roof to better serve the community. With expanded facilities, a dedicated team and the support of volunteers and donors, they are poised to make a substantial impact in eliminating food and clothing insecurity in Western Maine. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community for all.

To support this vital community service through donations or volunteering, please visit their website at https://bethelareafoodpantry.org/ or email Dave at ExecutiveDirector@Bethelareafoodpantry.org.