On Tuesday, October 15, Mayor Nicole Kalloch presented Alan Kearl of AIO with a proclamation of thanks to AIO for its more than 34 years of service to the community.
The proclamation reads:
CITY OF ROCKLAND, MAINE
PROCLAMATION
RECOGNITION OF AREA INTERFAITH OUTREACH AND ITS SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
WHEREAS, the Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) was founded in May 1990 through the collaboration of Father Chris of St. Bernard’s, Rev. Miriam Chamberlain of Pratt Memorial United Methodist Church, and Jean Schwalenberg, RN, recognizing the need to provide assistance to individuals who did not meet state, federal, or private criteria for assistance; and
WHEREAS, in September 1990, with the support of additional area churches, AIO developed its mission “for the purpose of assisting individuals who do not meet state, federal, and private criteria for assistance”; and
WHEREAS, while many of the early volunteers and leaders have since moved on, and although the facilities and methods have evolved, AIO continues to thrive and address food insecurity with compassion and dignity, bolstered by the efforts of more than 200 active volunteers, 700 donors, and 40 food partners and business sponsors; and
WHEREAS, since January 1, 2024, AIO has provided critical assistance through its four primary programs—A Market-experience food source, diaper assistance, fuel oil and electric payments, and weekend meals for elementary school students—to over 1,400 unique households and 3,300 individuals, of which approximately 39% are residents of the City of Rockland; and
WHEREAS, AIO has been a vital partner of the City of Rockland, working hand in hand with city leaders to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our community receive the support they need, and reinforcing the city’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and poverty; and
WHEREAS, AIO’s tireless work and dedication to ensuring that no one in our community is left without food or basic necessities embodies the spirit of unity and caring that makes Rockland stronger;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nicole L. Kalloch, Mayor of the City of Rockland, do hereby recognize and express deep appreciation for the invaluable contributions of AIO Food Pantry, its volunteers, donors, food partners, business sponsors, and its continued partnership with the City of Rockland in the fight against hunger and insecurity. I encourage all residents to support their mission and efforts to reduce hunger and insecurity in our community.
Nicole L. Kalloch
Nicole L. Kalloch, Mayor
