SANFORD (WGME) -- A non-profit free food supplier in York County is being forced to close its doors. On April 1st, the York County Food Rescue will be on its own, forced to find a new building to stay in or give up providing food for many of the area's hungry.

The Faith Christian Center in Limerick has been relying on the York County Food Rescue to feed the hungry for years. But, in eleven days they'll be forced to find a new provider.

Richard Raciot of the Faith Christian Center said, "This is extremely essential. The cost factor to us is very minimal and without it, it's going to cost us a lot to go and get food."

The food rescue provides food to 47 food pantries and kitchens in York County. But, it's closing its doors because the new owners of the building they once stayed in for free are forcing them out.

"About a week and a half ago, Jagger Mill LLC took over the building and it just isn't feasible for us to stay here anymore. We got a two week notice to say we had to be out by April 1st, " said jodi Bissonnette, director of the York County Food Rescue.

Now they're on the hunt for a new home. Because they're a non-profit, the budget is tight...but the need to provide is still strong.

Volunteer Dana Cotton said, "it never ceases to amaze me the increasing number of people that come in here year after year falling through the cracks...they never thought they would be here and here they are."

Staff at the food rescue say closing the facility will be a ripple effect. About a 1/4 of the food pantries in York county that solely rely on them to feed the hungry will close as well."

"We need them direly. We need them as a resource to bring food to the people. We will continue to try to help as many people. But, i can't say that we will guarantee that," said Raciot.

Staff at the "food rescue" just hope that help for them comes soon...

"There's a lot of good people out there. It seems like whenever you're in a pinch, people come through. ... I'm an optimistic person. If you're doing good for others...it will work out," Said Bissonnette.

So that they can't continue their work for others. We reached out to the new owners of the "food rescue" building, Jagger Mill LLC, they chose not to comment.

For more information on how you can help the Food Rescue:
York County Food Rescue
PO Box 863
Sanford, ME 04073
207-206-2812Tough economy forces York County Food Rescue to close