February 20, 2025, Dover-Foxcroft, ME – The Piscataquis Regional Food Center (PRFC) home of the Dover-Foxcroft Area Food Center announced today that, due to rising food costs and increased demand, they will be reducing paid staff hours by 20%-25%. In addition to reducing staff time, the organization will implement cost-saving measures across the board to ensure the sustainability of its essential services. Despite these changes, PRFC remains committed to maintaining its current level of service to the hundreds of customers and dozens of food agencies, schools, and health centers that rely on the Food Center.
“This was not an easy decision, but one that both our Board and staff agreed was necessary to ensure we can continue to serve our community,” said Kelly Sirimoglu, Executive Director of PRFC. “If we aren’t here, we can’t help anyone. So, we made the difficult choice to trim hours and expenses while protecting the core services that people depend on.”
Among the cost-saving measures, PRFC will be scaling back on long-distance food pickups in Bangor and Millinocket to reduce staff time, fuel expenses, and vehicle wear and tear. Additionally, the organization is streamlining administrative tasks, cutting non-essential expenses, and shifting some responsibilities to volunteers to maintain efficiency.
Sirimoglu acknowledged that these cuts may affect the variety of food available at the cupboard but assured that food availability itself will not be impacted. “We are doing everything we can to stretch our resources without compromising access to food for those in need,” she said.
She also expressed hope that these reductions will be temporary, depending on future funding and food prices. “Like everyone else, we’re feeling the pressure of rising food costs. At the same time, demand for our services is increasing because many area households are struggling to make ends meet. With federal support for individuals and organizations uncertain, we are actively pursuing grant opportunities and private donations. If anyone can contribute, now is the time.”
Donations can be made online at www.prfoodcenter.org, by calling (207) 802-8230, or by mailing a donation to PRFC, 76 North St., Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. PRFC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting rural residents with healthy food sources and supporting the local agricultural economy. In 2024, PRFC distributed over one million pounds of food to 22 agency partners, schools, and healthcare providers while serving 14,400 individuals through the Food Center.
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