2024 Camp Out Hunger Totals Announced! You Did it Again, Maine <3

Can you believe that we just wrapped up our SIXTH annual COH food drive at Sam's Club in Augusta? It seems like just yesterday we were kicking this crazy idea off in its first year... and now here we are.

For those who may not know, our "Camp Out Hunger" food drive is an annual event that helps gather food donations for local communities in Maine. The event  takes place over several days, where our 92 Moose team, including  the radio hosts, camp out to raise awareness and encourage donations of non-perishable food items, monetary contributions, and other essentials that will then be delivered to the Capital Region Salvation Army and stay right here in Kennebec County.

The event’s goal is to stock the pantry at the Salvation Army in order to help families in need, especially as winter approaches. Listeners and community members are encouraged to drop off donations at Sam's Club in Augusta. Additionally, local businesses often get involved to provide additional support and donations during the week as well.

“Camp Out Hunger” has grown into a significant community effort, showing the power of people coming together to help neighbors facing food insecurity. The event embodies the spirit of giving back, with the 92 Moose team rallying to make a tangible impact for Maine families in need.

According to Keith Davis with the CR Salvation Army, Maine currently has one of the highest food insecurity rates in New England, with significant portions of its population struggling to secure adequate food. The latest data shows that around 14% of Mainers, or about 1 in 8 people, are food insecure. This includes roughly 1 in 5 children. Economic challenges, rising food costs, and reduced government food assistance have intensified the issue.

And, now that the week is over, people have been blowing us up asking how much food, both in weight and retail value, has been raised over the last week. We are super-excited to share that we have those official numbers ready for release... and they're the best the event has ever done.

When it came to Camp Out Hunger 2024, the community came together to raise a total of 37,954 pounds of non-perishable food with a retail value of $150,216.00.

These numbers are by far the biggest of all six years of this annual event and we are all so incredibly humbled by the ongoing support of the community. For without you, none of this would have been possible.

Thanks again, and we can't WAIT to see you again next year <3