Don Bisson is a deeply religious man and says that he is simply trying to do the “Lord’s work” by operating the Biddeford Food Pantry, the oldest food pantry in Maine.

Bisson is the president and manager of the food pantry, a non-profit organization that serves anyone who is facing food insecurity, even those who do not live in Biddeford.

“We accept everybody,” Bisson says. “No one leaves here hungry if they come to us for help.”

Bisson, 70, grew up in Biddeford; attended St, Louis High School for three years and graduated from Biddeford High School in 1971.

He studied culinary arts at the Southern Maine Vocational Institute, which is known today as Southern Maine Community College. Then he moved to New York City, where he studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

He worked several years for Verizon in an office located in the World Trade Center before retiring in 1998. He then returned to Maine and worked seasonally at L.L. Bean in Freeport for several months, all the while looking for something more meaningful.

“I felt God pushing me, but I just wasn’t clear about what I should be doing,” he said. “I just knew that I needed to do something to give back. God has blessed me abundantly, and I wanted to remain in His service.”

How long have you been working at pantry?

“It’s been 19 years since I took over as manager. The pantry used to be called the Friends of Community Action Food Pantry, which was started by the late Rita Riley in 1981.”

How many people does the pantry serve?

“In just the month of January this year, we served 2,558 adults; 1,295 children and 1,228 families for a grand total of 5,081.

Is that just Biddeford numbers?

“No. We serve anybody who needs help. A couple of months ago, the Saco Food Pantry changed its rules and now limits their services to Saco residents only.”

How do you get the food that you distribute?

“We receive donations from Hannaford, Walmart, Target and Reilly’s Bakery, and thank goodness for them. But most of the food we buy at a discounted price from the Good Shepard Food Bank in Auburn, and they supply food pantries all over Maine.

“Our food bills are astronomical. I just had to write them [ Good Shepard] a check for $11,500. We do fundraisers and receive private donation, but it never ends. We’re always trying to keep our heads above water. When it comes to fundraising, we’re sort of like a dog chasing its tail. It never stops.

“It seems like we’re constantly writing grant proposals. Writing grants is an arduous and thankless process, but we have to do it.”

How many volunteers help you?

“Well, we have three volunteer secretaries and then there are other volunteers, but that number is always fluctuating. We sometimes get people who are doing community service as part of their parole, but they don’t really continue after they’ve meet their required time.

“Recovery Maine, which is a sober-living facility in Saco, sends us three men a day. These men are living temporarily in a supportive environment as they go through the recovery process. But they are generally young men who can thankfully lift heavy boxes.

“It’s kind of a revolving door, but God always provides.”

What do you provide to someone who comes to the pantry for help?

“Once per week, people can come and receive a large banana box with canned goods, meats and other heavy items. We also provide each person with two paper bags and make sure they have dairy products, fresh vegetables and fruits, breads and rolls, deli items, chips and cookies.

“We also provide diapers, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels and dog and cat food.”

How did you begin your service at the pantry?

“I had just come back to Maine, and I was curious about what was happening here. I just knocked on the door. I wasn’t really looking for a volunteer position, but they just assumed I was there to volunteer and sent me out back to help.”

“I didn’t really think I was going to volunteer, but in my prayers, I kept hearing God say, “You’re not leaving. You’re going to continue my work.”

Word on the street is that you have an amazing singing voice.

“I don’t know about that (Laughs), but I do enjoy singing. I am a cantor for the Good Shepard Parish, and I enjoy karaoke, but there aren’t many places in the area to sing. Besides, I usually go to bed around 8 p.m. (Laughs)

Do you find working at the pantry fulfilling? 

“Oh yes. We all go through difficult times, but imagine what life is like for someone who is not as blessed as we are.

“Everyone has something they are going through. None of us have an easy-peasy life, but we can always be of service and mindful of how much God has given us.”

Editor’s Note: The Biddeford Food Pantry is located at 162 Elm Street in Biddeford. The pantry is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 and 11 a.m.

 Randy Seaver is a cranky, nearly insufferable malcontent living in Biddeford. He is a retired newspaper editor and the principal of a small strategic communications consulting firm. He may be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.