Press release, August 18, 2016.
The Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance, based in Kennebunk, has been selected to be the recipient of the “Hannaford Helps” Reusable Bag Program at the Kennebunk Hannaford store for the months of September and October. The Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about Maine’s lobstering heritage and supporting scientific research to further the industry’s stewardship of ocean resources. It is the sister organization of Maine’s oldest fishermen’s organization, the Maine Lobstermen’s Association.
During September and October, shoppers at the Kennebunk Hannaford store (65 Portland Road, Kennebunk) can purchase one of the distinctive blue and gold “Hannaford Helps” Blue Bag with the Good Karma message for $2.29. In turn Hannaford will donate $1 of the purchase price to the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance.
“We are delighted to be the beneficiary of Hannaford’s program this fall,” said Alliance executive director Patrice McCarron. “Every dollar raised will help us in our work, such as organizing the next Lobster Leadership Institute for young lobstermen in the state.” The Lobster Leadership Institute, begun in 2014, takes young men and women in the lobster industry off their boats and into the classroom for specialized workshops on the science, management, and economics of lobstering. The participants also visit lobstermen working on Prince Edward Island to learn about fishing practices across the border. More information about MLCA’s educational programs can be found at www.mlcallinace.org.
The “Hannaford Helps” Blue Bag with the Good Karma message helps store customers show support for community organizations in their area through purchase of the bags, which also reduces use of plastic and paper bags. Every month, Hannaford contributes money to 188 nonprofits across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts through this program. Each individual store chooses a local beneficiary for the month. For more information on the Hannaford Helps Reusable Bag Program, visit hannaford.bags4mycause.com or facebook.com/hhbagprogram.