(Portland – Nov. 16, 2011) Wayside Food Programs is partnering with United Way of Greater Portland to provide a free, community Thanksgiving dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day at the Portland Club, 156 State St., Portland. This complete holiday meal is for those who might not otherwise have the means to prepare one or who want to enjoy the company of others on the holiday.Each year, scores of individuals and businesses donate food and help to prepare and serve hundreds of meals. This year’s meal is made possible by the help of the following: Black Tie Company, DiMillo’s Waterfront Restaurant, Family Volunteer Day volunteers, Hannaford employees, HopeGateWay United Methodist Center, HP Hood, KeyBank, Local 334, the Portland Club, Scarborough Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), SYSCO NNE, TD Bank, and Whole Foods Market. For 19 years, donors and volunteers have gathered to prepare and serve a Thanksgiving community meal that is open to all. At the meal, friends and neighbors come together to share a bountiful harvest of delicious food and to celebrate this season of giving thanks for the harvest and connection to others.Community Thanksgiving Dinner Fact SheetWhat: Community Thanksgiving Dinner, provided by Wayside Food Programs and United Way of Greater Portland.Meals typically served: 400Where: The Portland Club, 156 State St., PortlandTime: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thanksgiving Day.Why: To provide a full Thanksgiving meal to people who would otherwise be alone or without a meal on Thanksgiving.Supporters: Black Tie Company, DiMillo’s Waterfront Restaurant, Family Volunteer Day volunteers, Hannaford employees, Hope.Gate.Way., HP Hood, KeyBank, Local 334, the Portland Club, Scarborough Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), SYSCO NNE, TD Bank, and Whole Foods Market.MEDIA: Media coverage is welcome at the event. A “media table” will be available for interviewing/photographing guests who have agreed to be interviewed/photographed during the meal.About Wayside: Wayside Food Programs is currently in its 25th year of increasing access to nutritious food for those in need in Southern Maine. Wayside’s hunger relief efforts include free Community Meals, including a weekly meal at the Parkside Neighborhood Center each Tuesday from 5:15 to 6:15 for seniors and families with children. Through its Food Rescue Program, Wayside distributes food to more than 40 agencies throughout Cumberland County, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Website: www.waysidemaine.org. Phone: 775-4939. Facebook: www.facebook.com/WaysideFoodPrograms. Twitter: www.twitter.com/WaysideMaine.About United Way of Greater Portland: United Way has been serving the needs of the Greater Portland community for over 80 years. The organization is working to achieve community-wide change by improving the education, income and health of Greater Portland residents and is working together with corporate and community partners to engage the community in meeting the needs of our neighbors. Website: www.liveunitedportland.org.