Governor Mills Announces $1.25 Million for Maine Food Pantries and Anti-Hunger Programs as Federal Shutdown Continues

Strategic Insights -

Governor Janet Mills has taken action to support Maine's food pantries and anti-hunger programs by allocating $1.25 million in emergency funds to help address the potential disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for 170,000 Maine families, older adults, children, veterans, and people with disabilities. This move comes as the Federal shutdown threatens to cease food benefits starting November 1st. In partnership with Maine philanthropy, particularly the John T. Gorman Foundation, the funds will be distributed to support the state's network of food pantries, Meals on Wheels, and other programs that help support the food needs of Maine families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Janet Mills has allocated $1.25 million in emergency funds to support Maine's food pantries and anti-hunger programs.
  • The funds, consisting of $1 million from the Governor's contingency account and $250,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation, will be distributed to support the state's network of food pantries and anti-hunger initiatives.
  • The funds will also be used to increase meal availability in community dining locations, grab-and-go meals, and extra meals through Meals on Wheels for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • The Governor's contingency funding includes $650,000 for the Good Shepherd Food Bank and $600,000 for AgeWise Maine, the state association for Maine's Area Agencies on Aging.
  • The Governor has also committed an additional $10,000 to enhance the Hunters for the Hungry program.
  • The Federal shutdown threatens to cease SNAP benefits for 170,000 Maine families, older adults, children, veterans, and people with disabilities on November 1st.
  • The state has made historic investments in nutrition and food security for Maine people, including making the School Breakfast and National School Lunch programs available to all Maine students at no cost.

Statistics:

  • 170,000 Maine people, including nearly 55,000 children, stand to lose SNAP benefits on November 1st due to the Federal shutdown.
  • Each month, approximately $29 million in Federal funding for SNAP is provided to Maine people, with the average family of four receiving $572.
  • Nearly 12.5 percent of the state's population relies on SNAP benefits, with several counties approaching or surpassing 20 percent of their populations.
  • 75 percent of Maine's SNAP households include at least one working adult, over half include a person with a disability, 43 percent include an older adult, and over one-third include children.

Sources:

  • Governor Janet Mills, news release, October 29, 2023.
  • John T. Gorman Foundation, statement, October 29, 2023.
  • Good Shepherd Food Bank, statement, October 29, 2023.
  • AgeWise Maine, statement, October 29, 2023.
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture, announcement, October 10, 2023.
  • Attorney General Aaron Frey, announcement, October 24, 2023.