When residents head to the polls on Nov. 8, they will have the opportunity to make a donation to help feed the hungry in Lewiston-Auburn as part of the Election Day of Hope Food Drive.

The food drive will benefit the Hope Haven Gospel Mission, Trinity Jubilee Center and food pantries in the Lewiston and Auburn school systems. They provide hot meals, groceries and shelter to people struggling to get by.

Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at all seven polling locations in Lewiston and Auburn:

Auburn: Washburn School, Auburn Middle School, Fairview School, Auburn Hall and Sherwood Heights.

Lewiston: Lewiston Armory, Montello School, Longley Elementary and the Green Ladle at Lewiston High School.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Maine ranks ninth in the nation and first in New England for food insecurity. About 209,000 individuals, or 15.8 percent of Maine households, suffer from food insecurity.

Volunteers are needed for the food drive. Those interested may contact [email protected].