Every day, we continue to be amazed by the creativity, resourcefulness, and generosity of our downtown community. Today we'd like to shine a spotlight on an awesome new initiative that's supporting local restaurants while providing meals to people in need.

It's called Cooking for Community and – in just over a month – this volunteer-run, grassroots organization has mobilized to create a positive impact in our downtown and beyond. Its mission is trifold: to keep Maine restaurants, fishers, and farmers working; to support local social service agencies with increasing demand; and – ultimately – to provide nutritious meals to those that need them most.

Through its fundraising efforts and partnerships with local restaurants and nonprofit organizations such as Preble Street and Amistad , Cooking for Community is able to get quality, locally-sourced, prepared meals directly into the hands of people experiencing food insecurity. We're delighted to share that three downtown businesses – Union Restaurant , Mr. Tuna , and Nura – recently joined Little Giant , Chaval , Fork Food Lab , and others in this vital movement.

Brandon Hussey said: “Our mission at Union is to use the freshest ingredients supplied by local farmers to create meals that nourish. And we realize there is a growing number of people who need this nourishment now more than ever. We love, believe in, and support our Maine and Greater Portland community and we are proud to help feed our neighbors and community."

 Jordan Rubin of Mr. Tuna added: “We believe in this community and want to be part of the solution. And right now, that means helping to feed the community."

Ellie Linen Low of Cooking for Community said: “We collectively address an urgent and vast array of needs, and we are setting a place for everyone at the table. Please reach out to C4C at info@cookingforcommunity.org to see how you or your organization can get involved.”