Belfast’s Kindness Community Market reopens in larger space

BELFAST, Maine (WABI) - The Kindness Community Market reopened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, moving to a larger location across the parking lot from the Belfast Soup Kitchen.

The market is located at 31 Belmont Avenue. The new space represents a significant expansion from the previous 12-by-20-foot area to an entire building.

“This celebration is for the community, not just for Belfast Soup Kitchen and Kindness Community Market. This is truly a community effort,” said Cherie Merrill, executive director of Belfast Soup Kitchen.

Last year, more than one in five Mainers living in Waldo County utilized services through the Belfast Soup Kitchen.

Sharon Goguen, chairman of the board for Belfast Soup Kitchen, said demand continues to increase.

“The need just grows and grows and grows. It’s just huge. And the community is so generous here,” Goguen said.

Expanded capacity for families

The market currently serves about 300 families per week. Jayne Snowdale, manager of Kindness Community Market, said the new location offers improved conditions.

“Oh, God, it’s so much better than the other place,” Snowdale said. “I have goosebumps. Do you want a close-up? Yeah, I do have goosebumps. It’s pretty cool. It’s pretty awesome. We’ve worked a long time for this.”

An anonymous donor made the market’s down payment possible and has pledged four years of mortgage payments, according to Merrill.

“It’s going to put food on [residents’] tables. Yeah, it’s just amazing,” Goguen said.

The market will operate like a grocery store, allowing visitors to shop for items they need.

“This is going to operate like your local grocery store. You’re going to come in and shop. We don’t want there to be any hard feelings or stigma about coming to use it. So, just everybody think of it as your community market. And that’s why we call it that,” Merrill said.

Snowdale asked visitors to be mindful about what they take.

“We’re asking people to take only what you need, and only what you will use because your neighbor’s right behind you, and they need it, too,” Snowdale said.

The market is open to anyone in the community. It’s open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.