Healthy Lincoln County’s Community Routes program has been named the recipient of the 2026 Coulombe Center Award for Innovation for its creative approach to improving access to essential services for rural residents. The award was presented June 16 at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club. 

Launched earlier this year, Community Routes helps bridge transportation and access gaps by delivering food, household supplies and other basic needs directly to individuals who may not be able to reach community resource hubs for a variety of reasons.  It also provides an important human connection, helping build trust with individuals who may otherwise go without support. 

“Community Routes is a unique program that meets people where they are and provides essential needs to individuals and families,’’ said Anni Pat McKenney, director of the Coulombe Center.  

Staff and volunteers use the well-known "Lulu the Lunch Wagon" summer meal delivery van to bring supplemental food, hygiene supplies, household cleaning supplies, clothing, camping gear and risk-reduction items, including naloxone, to their homes.   

Since its inception in January, 128 community members have been served, with 19 residences establishing a recurring delivery schedule. Healthy Lincoln County has delivered 828 pounds of food and 1,055 basic needs items in around five months. 

Those chosen for the Coulombe Center distinction receive a plaque, as well as $3,000 which can be used to further sustain and grow their programs. The center was formed in part by the generosity of Paul and Ghislaine Coulombe nearly a decade ago. The Innovation Award is now in its ninth year. 

“This was a particularly strong year for award nominees, and our review committee had a difficult decision to make,” said McKenney. “I think Community Routes reflects the mission of the Coulombe Center by building connections and expanding the ways we can work together to improve the health and well-being of our communities.”