OGUNQUIT – Proceeds from sales generated during two opening weekends at Caffé Prego in June, combined with an equal amount donated by the Tramuto Foundation, netted a total of $10,000 for the Good Shepherd Food Bank, the state’s largest hunger relief organization.

Owners Donato Tramuto and Jeffrey Porter had pledged 100 percent of Caffé Prego’s take-out sales on its opening two weekends to the non-profit organization that serves the emergency food needs of families through a network of more than 500 partner agencies from their two distribution centers in Auburn and Hampden.

In addition to the proceeds raised by the restaurant, the Tramuto Foundation, also based in Ogunquit, pledged a matching amount. The Foundation was created in 2001 following the death of Donato and Jeff’s close friends on September 11th.

“These are uncertain economic times for restaurants throughout the state of Maine, but what we are experiencing is minor compared to the impact this pandemic is having on parents who have lost their jobs and incomes,” Donato said. “Many people in this state are finding themselves having to choose between paying the rent or buying food for their families. We are so grateful to our loyal customers who ordered take-out during those two weekends, knowing that their money would go directly to help feed other families in Maine. The Food Bank is working around-the-clock to get healthy food to thousands of families who are struggling. It is our hope that our donation will in some way help in that effort.”

The Food Bank is meeting evolving needs head-on during the pandemic by shifting their food sourcing and distribution models to keep as much nutritious food flowing as possible statewide.

“The Food Bank truly appreciates the outpouring of support we’ve seen from Mainers throughout the state,” stated Kristen Miale, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “We are projecting that food insecurity in Maine could increase by as much 40 percent in 2020, depending on the sustained growth in rates of unemployment and poverty. This means as many as 250,000 Mainers could become food insecure, including 70,000 children. We don’t know what each day will bring, but are fortunate to have passionate, dedicated, and innovative businesses throughout our state focused on fighting hunger in their communities.”

Caffé Prego, 44 Shore Road, is currently serving both indoor and outdoor dining. For reservations, please call 207-646-7734.

Good Shepherd Food Bank
As the largest hunger-relief organization in Maine, Good Shepherd Food Bank provides for Mainers facing hunger by distributing nutritious food to more than 500 partner agencies across the state, including food pantries, meal sites, schools, and senior programs. Together with its network, the Food Bank leads a statewide effort to combat the root causes of hunger by engaging in advocacy, nutrition education, and strategic partnerships. In 2019, the Food Bank distributed more than 25 million meals to families, children, and seniors in need throughout Maine. For more information, www.feedingmaine.org.