AIO Food & Energy Assistance Executive Director Joe Ryan will speak at the Camden Rotary Club luncheon meeting on Tuesday, November 14. 

AIO (Area Interfaith Outreach) fills a critical need in Knox County for food and energy assistance. In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, AIO saw a 40-percent growth in visits to its food pantry market and the number of individuals served. Economic challenges, significantly higher grocery prices, and reductions in essential social programs substantially increased the need for food assistance in Knox County. AIO Food & Energy Assistance more than doubled the amount of food it handled the previous year, for a total of over 975,000 pounds.

Before becoming AIO’s executive director, Ryan co-owned Adventure Advertising in Rockport for 35 years. During this time, Ryan helped many non-profit organizations, serving on the board of directors for the Penobscot Bay YMCA, PAWS Animal Rescue, the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Children's House Montessori School. He also assisted in fundraising efforts for The Camden Public Library, Rockport Public Library, Camden Snow Bowl, and numerous other community efforts.

During his time at AIO Food & Energy Assistance, Ryan has helped to oversee the transition to a new and modern facility, develop technology for data collection, and improve efficiencies in daily operations, with the goal of providing an improved and dignified experience for all families and individuals that utilize AIO programs.

Camden Rotary Club has served the community since 1925, raising funds to help local nonprofit organizations in Knox County and Lincolnville through an annual grants program, distributing educational scholarships, presenting its annual Music by the Sea Celebration every 4^th of July, and providing volunteers for local service projects. The club meets at noon each Tuesday at the First Congregational Church, Camden, at 55 Elm Street. Visitors are welcome.