News

Maine to use more than $1 million to fund food banks as SNAP benefits run out

Photo: Associated Press


Gov. Janet Mills says she’s directing more than $1 million to help feed Mainers who rely on SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

Gov. Mills said Wednesday the state plans to deliver the money to Good Shepherd Food Bank and other food programs.

The state would use $1 million from the governor’s contingency account, plus $250,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation to buy food.

Speaking to the media Wednesday, Gov. Mills continued to point the blame at the Trump administration for the lapse in benefits, saying there’s no reason that $5 billion in contingency funding set aside for SNAP can’t be used during the shutdown.

Republican State Sen. Rick Bennett has called for a special session of the legislature to address the problem.

Meanwhile, other local organizations are stepping up to help feed hungry Mainers when SNAP benefits run out on Saturday.

The Farmers Market Federation is offering free $15 vouchers to be used for the purchase of produce.

The Portland Farmers Market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays through Nov. 26.

Latest Headlines

23 hours ago in Local

Augusta homicide under investigation

Maine State Police are investigating a homicide in Augusta.

23 hours ago in Local

First case of measles in seven years confirmed in Maine

The Maine CDC has confirmed the first case of measles in the state since 2019.

1 day ago in Olympics, Sports, Trending

The Milan Cortina Olympics will start with a four-site and two-cauldron opening ceremony

An unprecedented four-site, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture — plus American pop diva Mariah Carey — was scheduled to officially start the Milan Cortina Games on Friday as the sports spectacle returns to a nation that last hosted the event 20 years ago.

1 day ago in Features, Trending

3 fans. 60 Super Bowls. This might be their last time going to the big game

It just wouldn't feel like the Super Bowl for them if they weren't all there. And this might be the last time they all do it. That's what three old friends were coming to grips with just before this year's Super Bowl. The trio of octogenarians are the only fans left in the exclusive "never missed a Super Bowl" club.

2 days ago in Local

Man Pleads Guilty to Hacking Snapchat Accounts for Nude Photos, Targeting Maine College Among Others

Prosecutors say the man used social engineering and other resources to access Snapchat account.