ROCKLAND — AIO Food & Energy Assistance, Knox County’s largest food and energy assistance organization, will “christen” its new food delivery van on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at 12:30 p.m., at AIO, located at 1A Gordon Drive in Rockland.

All are welcome to attend and to learn more about how to help. Light refreshments will be served

A special fund was set up in Spring 2024 to raise funds for the van to acknowledge former Executive Director Joe Ryan’s accomplishments during his tenure. While focused on raising funds for programs, Ryan wanted AIO to acquire a vehicle for the safe pick up and delivery of food.

"Establishing a local food network where food can safely move from suppliers, farmers, food rescue sources, and donors to our food pantry and then safely deliver to those who are homebound will be the next level of services to combat food insecurity," said Ryan.

After fundraising for nearly a year, thanks to the generosity of foundation grants, individuals, and business donors AIO is excited to celebrate this strategic purchase.

“The new van dramatically increases the amount of food we can make available and allows us to serve more people where they are. It allows AIO to reach a new level,” says Alan Kearl, Executive Director at AIO.

Since taking delivery of the van in September and while completing the artwork and wrap processes, the van has achieved many milestones:

• Secure more food - with market visits up 29% year on year, the van is a key cost effective way to grow with the community’s food needs. Already the van has made 16 trips to Good Shepherd Food Bank, securing about 50,000 pounds of food. Food picked up at Good Shepherd is free to member agencies.
  
  
• Deliver food to more school students - AIO has for several years provided 4 meals each weekend for elementary school students on the mainland, but with the addition of the van, food can now be transported to students in Vinalhaven and to the middle and high schools in the county as well. More than 700 students are being served each week, thanks to the van
• 
  Deliver food to households who lack reliable transportation or who battle health challenges - In the new year AIO will roll out its plan to offer an online food shopping and delivery service. The van is the catalyst to start this program.

Feeding America estimates that 11.9% of Knox County residents experience food insecurity. For children, this figure jumps to 17.6%.

"Having served more than 10% of Knox County residents so far in 2024, and about 15% of school-aged children, the new van is key to AIO’s efforts to close and eliminate the angst and worry of our neighbors who often wonder where their next meal will come from, or who have to face the decision about having food for dinner or having enough gas to get to work in the morning," said AIO. "This christening event will offer thanks to and recognize so many who help AIO in its sacred mission of providing food for neighbors in need. Ongoing support for the van is always welcome and can be made at www.aiofoodpantry.org."