Rotary Recap- April 10, & 11 2026!
- A behind-the-scenes look at Footprints Food Pantry and the innovative Mainspring model
- Why this visit left such a lasting impression on those who attended
- A big weekend for Rotary: Car with a Cause + District Opportunity Workshop highlights
Rotary Recap – April 10, 2026
Field Trip to Footprints Food Pantry
This week, we took Rotary on the road, meeting at 8:00 AM at Footprints Food Pantry in Kittery for an inspiring and informative field trip.
Attending Rotarians included Jud, Dinon, Darcy, Larry, Tim, Mike, Russ, John, and Jackie.
Kindness Dollars & Club Updates
- One member shared upcoming plans to travel to Istanbul—safe travels!
- Larry shared that 34 amazing scholarship applicants have been narrowed to 5–6 finalists for interviews next week.
- Susan was absent, celebrating her son’s wedding in Nashville—congratulations!
- A member mentioned the miracle of organ donation which recently saved a family members life.
- Many members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit Footprints.
Footprints & Mainspring: A Collaborative Approach
We were welcomed by Executive Director Megan Shapiro-Ross, who shared the evolution of Footprints—from an all-volunteer effort in 1992 to a regional resource serving hundreds of households today.
Now operating out of a new facility (opened January 2025), Footprints is part of Mainspring, a collaborative hub where 15+ partner agencies provide coordinated, stigma-free services.
With a centralized intake model—“tell your story once”—individuals and families can access support including:
- Food and housing assistance
- Health and recovery services
- Employment and education programs
- Legal and veteran services
On-site resources also include computer access, internet, and shower facilities.
More Than a Food Pantry
Footprints offers a wide range of programs designed to meet people where they are:
- Market-style food pantry with fresh, local products
- Weekly home deliveries
- Community suppers and breakfast cafés
- Cooking classes and culinary job training
- Pet food pantry and prepared meals
In the past 15 months, 844 households have received assistance. Notably, the largest group served is working adults ages 18–49—many from two-income households.
Impact & Looking Ahead
Footprints prioritizes fresh, locally sourced food and operates with strong community support—80% of funding comes from individual donors.
Through Mainspring partnerships and future plans for affordable housing, the organization continues to expand its impact—addressing not just food insecurity, but the broader needs of individuals and families.
Rotary Connection
The Rotary Club of Kittery supports Footprints through their Adopt-a-Shelf program, and there is interest in exploring a District Grant to further support this work.
Final Thought
Megan shared a simple but powerful message:
“Find a way to make it work.”
“Find a way to make it work.”
A meaningful reminder of the compassion, collaboration, and determination driving this important work in our community.
A Busy (and Impactful!) Rotary Weekend
Rotary didn’t stop on Friday…
On Saturday, the Car with a Cause Unveiling at Kennebunk Savings Bank was a fantastic success! The event featured live music from 3 Shades of Gray, great food from Walker’s Food Truck, and a powerful display of a ShelterBox tent and emergency equipment—offering a glimpse into the real-world impact of disaster relief efforts. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the stunning 2026 BMW X1 xDrive28i in teal green.
Also on Saturday, Tim and Jackie attended the District Opportunity Workshop at Westbrook High School—bringing back new ideas, connections, and inspiration to continue strengthening our club and our impact.
A full and meaningful Rotary weekend—just the way we like it!