This Monday, Opinion Page Editor Naomi Schalit delivers a seven-part editorial series -- a highly unusual and, we think, effective effort -- on hunger in Maine.

Naomi's series starts on Page A1 Monday, where Publisher John Christie also pens a column introducing the project. Then, Tuesday through next Sunday, it moves to the editorial page. We feel it's provocative, effective, surprising, poignant. You'll ultimately be the judge.

While the newspaper series is in itself one of the biggest undertakings we've ever done at the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel, there will be online extras, too: a "writers journal," also written by Naomi; extra graphics and charts; and, of course, places where readers can comment on our work and interact with the staff.

While this is largely Naomi's work, the series is a team effort, as all newspaper special efforts are. Jim Evans, our photo chief, was the photographer on this project. Sharon Wood designed the package in print and did all the graphics. She also created the logo for the series, which is titled "For I Was Hungry." John and I helped Naomi with the direction of the editorials, as the three of us comprise our newspapers' editorial board. John and I also edited the series. Elizabeth Comeau and Glenn Turner handled the online duties. Skowhegan bureau reporter Alan Crowell and KJ City Editor Teresa Hineline filled in for Naomi on the opinion page when she took the time needed to report and write this major project.

We think you will be surprised and challenged by what you read. Don't miss it, starting Monday.