The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Choco-Latté Café.
BAR HARBOR— The Bar Harbor Food Pantry (BHFP) announced a leadership transition, September 12, stating that Executive Director Tom Reeve has resigned after close to four years at the pantry.
“The BHFP has seen significant growth under Reeve’s leadership, most notably the successful transition into a new, larger facility at 34 Kennebec Place, which the organization now owns,” the pantry explained in the release.
Reeves leaves shortly after he oversaw the pantry’s move to Kennebec Place. The board will use Starboard Leadership Consulting to help find Reeve’s replacement.
While that process occurs Phoebe Denvir, the pantry manager, will serve as acting director and oversee day-to-day operations.
“Tom’s leadership guided the pantry through one of the most important periods in our organization’s history,” said Jena Young, chair of the BHFP board. “From purchasing and renovating our new home to serving more neighbors than ever before, he leaves behind a strong foundation for the future. The Bar Harbor Food Pantry remains deeply committed to our mission of building food security and strengthening the greater MDI community.”
During Reeve’s tenure, the pantry expanded and now serves the greater Mount Desert Island community.
In 2024, the pantry served 1,366 unique households. This was double the amount served in 2022.
“This reflects both the increasing demand for services and the organization’s strengthened ability to meet that need,” the release said.
The pantry typically serves over 300 people a week. That number increases in the summer.
The Hancock County 2025 Food Insecurity fact sheet released by the state says that there are 7,360 food insecure people in the county and of those, 1,820 are children. That 13.1% rate for all individuals is slightly less than Maine’s 13.8% rate.
“We are grateful for Tom’s years of service and wish him every success in his next chapter,” Young added. “Thanks to his vision and dedication, the Pantry is in a better position than ever to serve with dignity and meet the growing needs of our community.”
The position is currently open and posted at http://www.bhfp.org.
Reeve’s September 16 talk scheduled at 5:30 p.m. at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, about the origins of the charitable food system nationally and on MDI has been cancelled.
About the Bar Harbor Food Pantry
The Bar Harbor Food Pantry (BHFP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building food security and strengthening the greater Mount Desert Island community. BHFP provides essential food resources and support in a welcoming environment that respects the dignity of every neighbor it serves.
LINKS TO LEARN AND DO MORE:
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FOOD PANTRY, CLICK HERE.
TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP THE PANTRY, CLICK HERE.
TO VOLUNTEER, YOU CAN CLICK HERE.
TO DONATE, YOU CAN CLICK HERE.
Or BY MAIL by sending a check to P.O. Box 434 / Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Or IN-PERSON at the Pantry or Serendipity during open hours.
PANTRY OPEN HOURS:
Tuesday – 9:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thursday – 12 noon – 6:00 p.m.
Friday – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Fresh Food Fridays
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