BANGOR – To better serve the increasing need of Bangor families who struggle to put food on the tables, Good Shepherd Food-Bank presented an upright freezer to the Seeds of Hope Food Pantry on Valentine’s Day at Good Shepherd Food-Bank’s Brewer facility.

Isaac Mann, director of the Ohio Street pantry in Bangor, received the food bank’s gift and said the freezer’s capacity for 600 pounds of food would enable Seeds of Hope Food Pantry to store and distribute meat and frozen products that until now were not an option.

“Community needs continue to be on the rise and people are making the choice to heat or eat right now,” Mann said. “We’re distributing between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds of food each week and we continue to see new faces seeking our help. We’re thrilled to be able to provide meats and protein items that will make a significant difference to so many families in our community.”

Good Shepherd organizers said Mainers gave generously throughout the holiday season.

The food bank’s work is carried out in local communities through partner agencies. Good Shepherd’s Brewer facility began operation in 1999 and provides food to more than 130 agencies in eastern Maine.

In 2007, more than 1 million meals were provided to agencies in the Bangor region. Other types of programs supported by the food bank are soup kitchens, group and foster homes, homeless and abuse shelters, and many programs for children and the elderly.

To learn more about the Good Shepherd Food-Bank and its work, visit www.gsfb.org.