UMF Thrifty Beaver Food Pantry receives generous community support to fight student food insecurity

FARMINGTON, ME  (January 27, 2026)—It takes a community to fight food insecurity, and the University of Maine at Farmington is proud to announce it has recently received three generous donations to help the UMF Thrifty Beaver—the student-run food pantry and clothing exchange—meet its mission to fight student hunger.

Recent donors include the University Credit Union, Franklin Savings Bank and Swipe Out Hunger—a national non-profit affiliated with Sodexo food services.

An important resource on campus, the Thrifty Beaver was established in 2016 by students Catherine Dufault ’16 and Lauren Crosby ’16, combining Dufault’s internship to fight food waste and Crosby’s efforts to provide a thrift store for students. It provides free access to donated food, kitchen supplies, second-hand clothes, school supplies, textbooks and personal hygiene items and is open to the entire campus community.

College food pantries play an important role in promoting students’ health, wellbeing and academic success. There are now around 800 food pantries on US college campuses, and demand is growing.

The UCU has supported the UMF pantry for nearly a decade through its Ending Hunger campaign including its current $750 donation. In support of the Thrifty Beaver, UCU has contributed $17,469 in donations since 2017. Additionally, Franklin Savings bank, a dedicated community partner, is helping the UMF pantry fight food insecurity with its recent donation of $2,000.

“The Farmington UCU branch is proud to give back to our neighbors at the UMF Thrifty Beaver with the Ending Hunger Campaign, continuing the support of our longstanding partnership with the campus,” said Carly Fletcher, UCU assistant branch manager.

The funding from both of these charitable donations goes directly to filling the pantry’s shelves and freezer with shelf-stable, non-perishable or frozen food. Their continuing commitment helps the UMF pantry provide for students struggling to balance classes and the need to work while preparing for their future careers.

Evryst Bryant, a senior majoring in psychology from Chester, Ill., serves as the student manager for the UMF pantry where they oversee student workers. They started as a volunteer several summers ago when the pantry needed student workers to keep it open during the summer months.

“As a public Maine university, UMF offers a quality education at an affordable price, but that means that many of our students are Pell-eligible and have financial need. The Thrifty Beaver provides that supplemental food relief that helps feed students and have them feel cared about and be successful,” said Bryant.

Additionally, Kirsten Swan, director of Student Leadership & Service, and Bryant have received a grant for $4,000 from Sodexo’s Swipe Out Hunger. This funding supports a number of initiatives that will help meet student’s individual dietary needs including gluten free and vegan options and expand the pantry’s accessibility and its community impact.

Food scholarship cards will be available to students in need that can be used at local grocers and the farmer’s market. Wheelchair accessible raised beds will be created for the campus and community garden. Improved storage and an additional student worker will help expand pantry availability.

“Working with the campus food pantry makes you aware of how some students have to struggle with food insecurity,” said Swan, who has worked with the Thrifty Beaver since it was founded ten years ago. “We are so fortunate in Farmington to have such a supportive campus and local communities who care about our students and want to provide them with affordable nutritious food.”

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally recognized regional public university, the University of Maine at Farmington is known for its commitment to teacher preparation, the creative arts, health and science, environmental studies, business and public service. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF provides a challenging but welcoming academic community—here in Farmington and online—that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/01/RP256-019A.webp
Photo Caption: (Center) Carly Fletcher, UCU assistant branch manager, presents check to (left to right) Kirsten Swan, UMF director of Student Leadership & Service and Evryst Bryant, student manager for the UMF pantry.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/01/RP256-019B.webp
Photo Caption: (Center) Courtney Austin, Franklin Savings Bank marketing director; presents check to (left to right) UMF Thrifty Beaver student workers Evyrst Bryant; Dominick Breton; Hayden Triance and Emmet Lani-Caputo
Photo Credit: UMF Image