Maine Food Assistance
According to the Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine's largest food bank, more than 13 percent of Maine's population has trouble putting food on the table. Maine ranks ninth in the United States for food insecurity, or the inability to consistently provide nutritious food; many residents report having to choose between purchasing food or paying for shelter, heat or medicine. There are a number of programs available to those having trouble purchasing food.
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Food Supplement Program
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Income eligible Mainers can receive assistance from the federally-funded Food Supplement Program, also known as food stamps. In general, households with monthly incomes equal to or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty level for their household size, after allowable deductions, qualify for Food Supplement benefits. Households must meet citizenship, work and asset requirements, and benefits are only designed to supplement the monthly food budget. Monthly benefits are distributed by Electronic Benefits Transfer, called EBT, cards that work like debit cards at participating retailers to purchase food. You can apply for benefits by visiting or calling your local Department of Human Services office and completing an interactive interview.
Women Infants and Children Nutrition Program
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Women in Maine who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have had a baby within the past six months or have children up to age five may be eligible for the Women Infants and Children nutrition program. The WIC program provides income eligible families with checks to purchase specific types healthy foods, such as dairy products, fruits and vegetables and infant formula. You can apply for WIC benefits at one of over 100 locations throughout the state; see Resources for a list of WIC locations.
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Food Mobile
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In 2005, the Good Shepherd Food Bank established the Food Mobile, Maine's only mobile food pantry. Using a reconditioned beverage truck, the Food Mobile makes at least two deliveries in each of Maine's 16 counties throughout the summer months. The Food Mobile allows residents in underserved areas, such as the remote northern counties, access to food.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
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The Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources operates the federally-funded Emergency Food Assistance Program. This program supplies food donated by the federal government to more than 250 local agencies, which is then distributed to low income residents. See resources to find a distribution location in your county.
Hunters for the Hungry
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Hunters for the Hungry is a cooperative program between the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the food assistance program. This program allows hunters to donate meat from any successful hunt to a local food pantry. Hunters wishing to participate in the program can call 1-888-4DEER-ME for more information.
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References
- Maine Integrated Access and Support: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
- Good Shepherd Food Bank: Hunger Statistics
- Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources:Food Assistance Programs
- Good Shepherd Food Bank: Food Mobile
- Division of Family Health: Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program (WIC)
Resources
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