What We Do

Since 2014, we have led an effort to bring support to those facing cancer in eastern Maine.

Our Mission

The Christine B. Foundation (CBF) is a non-profit, community-based service provider in Bangor, ME. Our mission is to support those facing cancer by extending access to healthy food, nutritional information, and community connections essential to their strength and comfort.

From your point of diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship, our staff and volunteers across Piscataquis, Penobscot, Hancock, and Washington Counties commit to providing no-cost services for you and your family.

Our Vision

The Christine B. Foundation envisions a world in which nutrition is a standard of care for everyone diagnosed with cancer. In collaboration with a robust network of mission-aligned volunteers, businesses, healthcare providers, and community partners, CBF will deepen understanding of nutrition's vital importance in removing barriers to care and treating cancer.

Our Why

“Understanding the role of nutrition in cancer care is crucial. Poor nutrition and physical inactivity cause 18% of cancers (American Cancer Society), underscoring the importance of our work. Access to basic needs, including healthy food, significantly improves health outcomes and quality of life. The CBF team makes it simple.

For a third year, our nutrition services were available onsite within Northern Light Health member hospitals, where CBF staff greeted patients and families, assembling groceries and providing a weekly prescription of fresh produce, grains, proteins, and supplements. This warm handoff also extends across 11,500 square miles, delivering this care to patients' homes throughout treatment and recovery. Since the service started, over 400,000 meals* have been distributed, fully funded by your generous support-donors, volunteers, and grants. Your contributions are integral to our success, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.

Our tenth year of service (2024) began with an unwavering commitment to our vision of nutrition becoming a standard of cancer care. I’m asking you to join me at the intersection of health, poverty, and nutrition. As a baseline, 48% of households in eastern Maine struggle to afford basic needs (A.L.I.C.E. of Maine, 2023). Cancer remains Maine’s leading cause of death, with eastern regions experiencing significantly higher incidence (Maine Cancer Report, 2023). A cancer diagnosis rains down uncertainty and strain that is unbearable to many, disrupting access to healthy food and community connection when it is needed most. More families than ever are seeking our help. Can you continue your support with a gift to CBF, today?”

— Matt Dexter, Executive Director

What We’ve Achieved