CAMDEN — The Camden and Rockport Select Boards have teamed up to launch a special project in celebration of the towns' anniversaries. The two Select Boards have come together to launch the "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" Food Drive to help fight food insecurity that so many citizens face. The food drive starts March 28 and runs through April 9. Donations will go to the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry serving the eight towns of Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Hope, Appleton, Union, Searsmont, and Washington.

Select Board members have chosen the fight against hunger to mark the occasion of Camden's 225th and Rockport's 125th anniversaries.

The problem in our local area is severe, indicated by the statistic that between 12 percent and 18 percent of people in Knox County live under the poverty level.

For children alone, 15 percent live in poverty. With the last census showing our county's population at 39,736, this means that just under 6000 children in our immediate area face food insecurity.

Residents who are able are encouraged to drop off nonperishable items in collection bins at either the Camden or Rockport Town Office.

On Saturday April 9, the final day of the Neighbor Helping Neighbor project, Hannaford's on Route One will set up bins near cash registers for contributions of food. Those wishing to make monetary donations may purchase Hannaford gift cards on that day that will be given to the food pantry to purchase food items for those in need.

For more information on the food drive or other ways you can help, please contact your Town Office.