Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through Food and Community

Good Shepherd Food Bank in partnership with Black Owned Maine issues grants

AUBURN, Maine – Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine in partnership with Black Owned Maine is proud to announce the issuance of grant funding for several cultural events. Each with a unique focus on cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and community-building efforts.

“We believe that food is not just nourishment for the body but also a bridge that connects communities, cultures, and generations,” stated Khadija Ahmed, community impact manager at Good Shepherd Food Bank. “Through our partnership with Black Owned Maine and these events, we aim to educate, celebrate, and strengthen bonds between our communities through food and traditions.”

Under the theme of “Celebrating Cultural Diversity through Food and Community,” the grants support events ranging from Juneteenth celebrations to Ramadan observances, from youth gatherings to agricultural blessings. The common thread among these events is the emphasis on honoring cultural traditions through food, promoting understanding, and bringing people together.

“These events represent a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and stories that enrich our communities and remind us of the importance of coming together,” added Rose Barboza, founder of Black Owned Maine. “We are grateful to be partnering with the Food Bank to support these incredibly important celebrations and look forward to the positive impact they will have on Maine.”

Here are the funded events from this year’s funding rounds (events marked with * are upcoming):

• Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition – Hosted a Juneteenth celebration for incarcerated women featuring culturally relevant food, music, poetry, and traditional African dancing.
• Fourth Friday – Organized a series of BIPOC-centered events with a focus on sustainable protein sources, particularly oysters, to celebrate Black joy and resilience.
• Community Organizing Alliance – Planned a Juneteenth celebration and Ifar night to honor African-American freedom and resilience while fostering dialogue and inclusivity.
• Journey ONEderland – Hosted an annual Kickback in the Gardens event with catered culturally diverse cuisines and wellness activities for Afro-Indigenous communities.
• MASIJUDUL SALAAM MOSQUE and Maine Muslim Community Center (MMCC) – Provided Iftra dinners throughout Ramadan, prioritizing halal foods for the Muslim community.
• Intercultural Community Center – Hosted end-of-the-year celebrations featuring African cuisine to highlight the academic achievements of immigrant students.
• Sustainable Livelihoods Relief Organization – Organized Ramadan cooking classes with culturally diverse dishes and providing meals for local mosques and community members.
• New Roots Cooperative Farm – Implemented a Ramadan Food Insecurity Initiative to provide nutritious food assistance and community iftar meals during Ramadan.
• Maine Community Integration – Hosted “Faith in Health” events during Ramadan to provide healthy, fresh fruits, and vegetables to families in need.
• United Youth Empowerment Services – Organized youth nights for breaking fast during Ramadan, fostering interfaith gatherings and community bonding.
• I’m Your Neighbor Books – Hosted events with Somali-American author Omar Mohamed, featuring Somali food catering to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
• Hersi Soccer Academy – Organized Ramadan Iftar meals for club players, incorporating culturally relevant foods and promoting unity and camaraderie.
• Acholi Community of Maine – Hosted community socials with culturally relevant food, storytelling, and drumming to strengthen community bonds.
• Timberwolves Native American Church – Integrated culturally relevant foods like soul food and indigenous cuisine into celebrations and gatherings.
• Somali Bantu Community Association – Hosted a Spring Blessing event with Somali food, music, and land blessings to celebrate the planting season and community spirit.
• Living With Peace International – Provided food for immigrants during Ramadan and hosting a community gathering to celebrate Eid.
• 4 Future Generations – Hosted a welcoming event for New Mainers to provide them with information about available resources, services, and opportunities in their new communities.
• Athena Lynch and Portland Public Library – Hosted a two-day Juneteenth Series: Honoring Freedom and Empowerment through Dialogue and Preparedness, as well as Reclaiming the Tides: A Liberation of Water.
• Cumberland Islamic Center – Hosted a large event for a community celebration of Eid al-Adha.
• Generational Noor – Hosted Eid ul-Adha Community Celebration and Iftar events in Portland at Deering Oaks Park and in Lewiston at Simard Payne. The Iftar events spanned Ramadan, ensuring sustained support for individuals fasting without familial backing.
• Islamic Society of Portland Maine – Held Eid celebrations.
• One Westbrook – Hosted a Juneteenth event for Westbrook families featuring music, poetry, and food by Chef Louis Pickins of Black Betty Bistro.
• Tree Street Youth – Hosted end of school events in Lewiston for students in the downtown area.
• *Women of Color, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association – Hosting the first annual “Afro-Bash: Kick Back & Picnic Extravaganza” at the University of Southern Maine during the second week of September 2024.
• Yetu Consultants, LLC. – Hosted a community-driven event aimed at raising awareness about the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and fostering acceptance and inclusion within the New Asylum community of Maine.
• Elonga Football Club – Congo Night Party was held in May 2024 and was an opportunity for immigrants from Congo Kinshasa and Congo Brazzaville to celebrate their culture.
• IBUKA-Maine – Held an event for the 30^th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Kwibuka30.
• Immigrant Community Integration – Hosted an African Gastronomy Exhibition that celebrated the culinary heritage and cultural diversity of Africa.
• Opportunities for Immigrants – Held a special service for World Refugee Day in June 2024.
• Thanksgiving Celebration – Held since 2018, this even feeds 250-300 immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugee each year on Thanksgiving.
• The Third Place, Inc. – Hosted several events throughout the summer, bringing together Black professionals and entrepreneurs from across the state.
• WJZP – Hosted an annual Juneteenth celebration.

If you have any questions about the Cultural Celebration funding process, please contact Khadija Ahmed at kahmed@gsfb.org or Rose Barboza at rose@blackownedmaine.com.

For more information, www.FeedingMaine.org.