The Cheney Financial Group (CFG) is comprised of three locally-owned companies, Cheney Insurance, Newcastle Realty, and Newcastle Vacation Rentals, that together employs over 34 individuals. Collectively, the CFG member companies are committed to supporting our local communities and neighbors through their Charitable Giving and Community Outreach Program.

With Lincoln County families being impacted by business and school closures during the pandemic, food insecurity issues have become an even greater challenge. In response to this, the CFG recently committed an extra $20,000 solely to combating food insecurity issues. The CFG Charitable Giving committee delivered their first payment of $5,000 to the Lincoln County Food Initiative recently.

In addition, weekly donations of personal care items will be gathered at Cheney Insurance and Newcastle Realty, then delivered to LCFI to be distributed to local food pantries. The Charitable Giving Committee supports entities engaged in helping children, the elderly, people in need, and those that provide education, protect the environment and encourage healthy activities in our surrounding communities.

LCFI started a hotline in April, with the goal of having one destination for people to call if they are experiencing food insecurity. By calling 207-563-6658, a neighbor in need will be connected to the CLC YMCA. Through this 24-hour hotline, they will be connected to the right resource for their situation, including meal deliveries for the homebound, meal distributions and food pantries for those that are mobile, or to grocery delivery/curbside programs that are available. 

If you are interested in donating to LCFI, please visit healthylincolncounty.org/donate/ or send check to: Healthy Lincoln County (indicate Lincoln County Food Initiative in the memo line) P.O. Box 1287, Damariscotta, ME 04543. For questions, please contact Project Coordinator Jess Breithaupt at jbreithaupt@healthylincolncounty.org

The Cheney Financial Group has been a consistent supporter of our local nonprofits for over 50 years, and has donated more than $250,000 during that time. Questions may be directed to CFG Outreach Coordinator Kristy Battles at 207-563-1003.