York Rotary Goes Behind the Scenes at YCSA's Remarkable Food Pantry Transformation
- 87 local families were served this week, with seniors making up the majority of those receiving assistance.
- YCSA's debut of a new commercial refrigerator
- Members toured the newly renovated pantry, learning how volunteers, local businesses, and community partnerships come together to make a meaningful difference every day.
York Rotary Recap – July 24, 2026
This week's meeting was a special one as York Rotary traded our usual meeting space for a meaningful field trip to the York Community Service Association (YCSA).
Members toured the recently renovated food pantry and celebrated the Club's donation of a new commercial refrigerator to help support YCSA's growing mission.
President Darcy opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary's Six-Way Test before members shared Happy Dollars. Larry expressed his appreciation for YCSA and everything they do for our community, while Kathy and Chuck, Frank, Duncan, Tim, Steve (who was thrilled to have all of his grandchildren visiting!), and Mike Estes all shared reasons they were happy to be together.
Michelle Surdoval, Executive Director introduced Maureen Monsen, Food Pantry Manager, who has dedicated the past 13 years to YCSA. Maureen shared that the pantry served 87 families this week, with the majority of those served being senior citizens. While there is no predictable "busy season," the need remains steady throughout the year.
Members were impressed by the pantry's recent renovation, designed to create a welcoming market-like atmosphere that preserves dignity for every shopper. Inspired by the warm feel of Stonewall Kitchen, the redesigned space includes new display tables donated by Stonewall Kitchen and expanded storage built by local contractor, Walter Woods of Graystone Builders.
The new commercial refrigerator donated by York Rotary was gratefully received and will allow YCSA to better store fresh meat and produce. Maureen explained that fresh food is one of the pantry's greatest ongoing expenses, with nearly $23,000 spent annually on produce. Community gardens, local farms, Hannaford, Anthony's, and generous residents all help keep shelves stocked, though donations can vary from week to week.
Members also learned that YCSA operates with the help of approximately 50 dedicated volunteers, who assist with food pickups, stocking shelves, and making 8–10 home deliveries each week. The pantry serves York residents with a simple philosophy: take what you need—no financial questions asked.
During the discussion, Maureen noted that recent changes to food assistance programs have made it more difficult for some residents to qualify for benefits, making local resources like YCSA more important than ever. She also shared one item the pantry is always happy to receive—jarred pasta sauce!
Darcy shared an idea inspired by a recent visit to the Footprints Food Pantry in Kittery. The concept would have York Rotary members receive reusable grocery bags along with a list of specific, high-need pantry items to purchase and return to YCSA on a regular basis. Maureen enthusiastically embraced the idea and expressed excitement about the potential for this new partnership with York Rotary.
Members also enjoyed hearing a bit of YCSA history. Maureen's father, Tom Whalen, was the pantry's first director. After his passing in 2010, Maureen's mother continued his work before Maureen eventually stepped into the leadership role herself—a true family legacy of service.
Before adjourning, Michelle reminded everyone that the Community Supper/York Rotary Lobster Bake is quickly approaching. Fifty-six lobster dinners have already been reserved, and members were encouraged to spread the word so they can have an accurate head count before the event on August 18, 2026.
The visit was a wonderful reminder of the tremendous impact YCSA has on our community and how York Rotary's support helps ensure neighbors have access to fresh, nutritious food. Thank you to Michelle, Maureen, and the entire YCSA team for welcoming us and for the incredible work you do every day.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 am.