Our Story
It started with a global pandemic and the loss of the job I’d held for 16 years. I found myself in the “sanctuary”of my tiny cottage with 100 pounds of flour and lots of free time…
That was the original recipe for our 501c3 nonprofit, Sanctuary Baking, Inc. Many were losing jobs, homes and hope. We wanted to make an impact.
When the world closed down in 2020, we were baking bread and giving it away to people in need. It began with small acts of kindness and continues to grow with new initiatives, partnerships, and the generous support of people like you. Now, we’re donating full meals along with our baked goods to fight community hunger. Bringing good food and fresh hope to the underserved!
John 6:9-13
-Isabella Mastroianni, Executive Director
2024 Tedford Housing Service Award
2020 Better Neighbor Award
Nonprofit Weekly Feature
Triple Choc chip muffins-YUM!
Apple & Lemon Pastries baked with fresh lemon thyme flowers from our herb garden!
Testing Sweet Potato Cheesecakes for Midcoast Community Hunger Prevention's Fall 2020 Pop-Up Chef Series
Hundreds of handmade Biscotti donated to Harpswell Aging at Home to support our seniors :)
Delivering donated food for our friends and neighbors at Harpswell Aging at Home
Sanctuary Baking Sweet Potatoes hit YouTube! CLICK THE PHOTO AND LINK TO THE FULL PROGRAM ON YOUTUBE!
Scott Anderson, co-owner of Rosemont Market & Bakeries and regular volunteer at Sanctuary Baking, and Director, Isabella, study professional techniques with Master Baker Jeffrey Hamelman at King Arthur Baking.
Elderberry & Blue Orchid Scones for IF Table Gathering - Summit Community Church
Our Director, studying overseas for her chef's certificate at The Ballymaloe School
Sanctuary Baking partners with Mid Coast Community Hunger Prevention Program to raise funds in the fight against food insecurity.
Hundreds of scones baked and individually packaged for donation during Covid-19.
Our spiced parsnip muffins with turmeric and ginger buttercream are always a hit.
Volunteers at Harpswell Aging at Home distribute our fresh food and baked goods to assist our elderly and shut-in neighbors.
During the pandemic, we had fun teaching a virtual cooking class to help Oasis Free Clinics with their fundraising efforts. This amazing partner org extends free medical, dental and prescription assistance to the underserved in our community.
Class description: Isabella comes to us from Sanctuary Baking where fresh high quality baked goods and food are made daily for donation to homeless individuals, displaced families, at-risk-elderly and shut-ins.
Isabella’s class included a delectable recipe for Italian Chestnut Gnocchi with Gorgonzola, crispy pancetta and toasted walnuts.