Sweden – Food Pantry Receives Donation

Photo Caption: Scott Bleakney, Linda Bradley, Donna Bleakney, Carol Madsen and Jeanne Ouellette, Bridgton’s 4 on the Fourth Race Committee Representatives and Board Members of the Sweden Food Pantry.

Sweden Food Pantry Receives Surprise Gift from Bridgton’s 4 on the Fourth Road Race Committee
The Sweden Food Pantry received an unexpected and generous gift from Bridgton’s 4 on the Fourth Road Race Committee on Wednesday, August 19, when committee member Scott Bleakney visited during a busy pantry day to share the news of a $1,000 donation and receive a tour. The Committee traditionally awards most of the race proceeds to the Bridgton Public Library, with the remainder distributed to area nonprofits. As longtime summer residents of Sweden, Scott and Donna Bleakney have advocated for the Pantry for several years — and this year, their efforts made a meaningful difference.
The Bleakneys returned on Monday, August 24, to deliver the check and take photos. Donna Bleakney also received her own private tour of the Pantry.
Scott shared that his first impression of the Pantry was both “sad and impressive.” Sad, he noted, because so many families must rely on food pantries, and impressive because of what the Sweden Food Pantry has been able to accomplish for its community. Seeing volunteers in action, he added, was uplifting: “The shoppers were treated so well.”
“We were surprised and delighted to receive the news,” said Linda Bradley, President of the Board of Directors. “It is the first time we have been singled out by Bridgton’s 4 on the Fourth Road Race Committee for a donation, and we are honored.”
Bradley noted that the $1,000 gift will go a long way toward feeding local families. “That amount of money is likely to feed all our families for several days,” she said.
The Pantry continues to serve up to 50 families twice each month, using an inside shopping model that allows patrons to choose what they need. Many larger families have been affected by reductions in SNAP benefits, while smaller households from surrounding towns often include elderly singles or couples on fixed incomes.
The Sweden Food Pantry serves residents of Bridgton, Fryeburg, Lovell, Stow, Stoneham, Sweden, and Waterford, and no one in need is ever turned away. It is located at 137 Bridgton Road (Route 93), Sweden, ME 04040, in the historic Sweden Community Church.
Bradley concluded, “We’re proud to serve our neighbors, keeping them well fed and their spirits lifted. We are neighbors helping neighbors. And we hope everyone makes a note of our new phone number: 207 925 9222.”