ELLSWORTH, Maine (WABI) – For over 40 years, Ellsworth’s Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry has provided essentials for Hancock County residents in need.
“We served 2,036 families in Hancock County, 18,000 shopping visits last year,” describes Max Dietshe, a volunteer Board of Trustees member. “There’s a big market operation going on, but really for a long time, we’ve had a vision of becoming more of a comprehensive, really an anti-poverty hub.”
On Friday the ribbon was cut, ushering in a new avenue to connect and grow: The Knowledge Pantry.
The goal of the computer lab is to get folks connected to resources, apply for jobs and stay in touch with long distance loved ones for free.
The Knowledge Pantry was made possible in part by Downeast Graphics, who has pledged $10 thousand over the next four years.
“We just looked at what we do and what we can do with this and how to kind of elevate it. And it was just a natural fit,” explains President of Downeast Graphics Domenic Efter. “First, it’s gonna give them Internet access. It’s going to give them some skills on how to use the computer, resume writing, job lookups, job applications. This gives people an available place to do it and an Internet that they don’t have to pay for in their house. Because if you have to make a decision between whether you’re paying for your Spectrum Internet bill or food, you have to make the right decision.”
In today’s digital age, getting online is more important than ever. Computer labs like the Knowledge Pantry create digital equity by making sure the World Wide Web is accessible for everybody.
Ann Sargent is one of the many volunteers, who has been helping out at Loaves & Fishes since last fall.
As the Director of Ellsworth Adult Education, she says the prevalence of computers in our everyday lives is “pervasive.”
“You know, in the old days we used to consider a utility having a telephone or having propane to run your stove,” Sargent comments. “But today, having access to the Internet is what I would consider a required public utility.”
For Dietshe, the Knowledge Pantry helps even the playing field for those finding their footing: “When you talk about poverty and need, you’ll hear a ‘digital divide.’ If you don’t have the device or Internet service or a good connection, if the library is closed, it’s really difficult to do things like apply for benefits, make appointments, create resumes, look for jobs. We’re designed to give people a hand up, not a hand out.”
The Knowledge Pantry will be available to use starting today. It’s current open hours are Wednesday nights and Friday mornings.
Loaves & Fishes are also looking for volunteers for both building host and tech coach positions.
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