Access to nutritious food isn't a luxury—it's a foundation for everything.
OHI believes that independence, dignity, and belonging to a community are rights every person deserves. And we know that none of those things is possible without one of the most basic human needs: food. That's why OHI owns and operates the Brewer Area Food Pantry—one of the most vital community resources in the greater Brewer area.
The Brewer Area Food Pantry plays a vital role in supporting low-income and food-insecure neighbors in Brewer, Eddington, and surrounding communities—providing nutritious food assistance through a strong network of local partnerships, including grocery stores, community organizations, and businesses.
Today, the pantry serves nearly 900+ households—and approximately 64% of those served are seniors and children. Every Monday and Wednesday, families, individuals, and neighbors walk through our doors and leave with fresh produce, nutritious food, and the dignity that comes from being treated with genuine care and respect.
The Brewer Area Food Pantry has been recognized for its exceptional community impact—receiving the Key to the City from the Mayor of Brewer, an honor that reflects the deep trust and gratitude the community has for the work done here every week.
More Than A Food Pantry—A Place of Dignity and Connection
What sets the Brewer Area Food Pantry apart is not just the food. It is the way people feel when they come here.
Amanda, a middle-aged single mother who became a regular visitor after a serious illness left her on disability, put it best. Unable to afford fresh fruits and vegetables on a fixed income, she came to the pantry — and it changed her life.
"I actually look forward to coming to see the ladies here. They really give me a boost. The produce here is what makes the difference. The fresh stuff is so pricey at the store. Food tastes so good when it's local and fresh."
Since starting at the pantry, Amanda has lost more than 120 pounds and no longer needs most of the medication she was taking to control her diabetes. She attributes that transformation directly to the quality and variety of nutritious food she has been able to access here—food that would otherwise have been out of reach.
Her story is not unique. It is repeated, in different forms, by hundreds of households every month.
Each week, hundreds of households rely on the Brewer Area Food Pantry not only for food but also for a sense of connection and care.
A Unique Intersection of Mission and Community
The Brewer Area Food Pantry is a natural extension of OHI's broader mission. Many of the people OHI supports through its disability and behavioral health services face food insecurity as part of the complex challenges they navigate every day. By operating the pantry, OHI creates another point of connection—a place where community members, including those we support through our LEAD ON! program, can volunteer, build relationships, and contribute meaningfully to their neighbors' lives.
OHI opened the Brewer Area Food Pantry after the Brewer Christian Food Cupboard closed in 2012, leaving residents with few options, none within city limits. Rather than wait for someone else to fill the gap, OHI acted—purchased a building, built community partnerships, and launched a pantry that has grown steadily ever since.
Donate
Food and financial donations are always needed and deeply appreciated.
- Small food donations: Drop off at OHI's Bangor office at 203 Maine Avenue, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Large donations: Call the pantry directly at 207-989-3200
- Financial donations: Send to OHI, 203 Maine Avenue, Bangor ME 04401—note "Brewer Area Food Pantry" in the memo or click the DONATE button
Every donation—large or small—helps keep fresh, nutritious food on the tables of nearly 4,000+ households in our community. Thank you.
Visit Us
222 North Main Street, Brewer, ME 04412
Open every Monday and Wednesday, 9AM – 1PM
207-989-3200
The pantry primarily serves residents of Brewer and Eddington but is open to anyone experiencing food insecurity who meets USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program income guidelines. To register, simply bring one piece of proof of residency—a piece of mail, a rental agreement, or a lease with your name and address.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteer support is essential to the successful operation of the Brewer Area Food Pantry. Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do—and as Amanda said, they are the "cheerleaders" who make people feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. If you want to give your time to something that directly changes lives in your community, we would love to have you.