News

Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets are against cuts to SNAP benefits

Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets are against cuts to SNAP benefits

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Cuts to SNAP programs may be on the way in Maine, however officials in the state are fighting back.

A new bill in Congress aims to stop SNAP benefits from being cut by the federal government.

In Maine about 180,000 people rely on SNAP benefits which is equivalent to one in every eight people.

CBS 13 reports that Members of the “Maine Federation of Farmers” say that cuts would not only hurt people and families who rely on the program, but farmers’ markets across the state.

“We are just talking about low-income, food insecure, very vulnerable households. It’s a tragedy what’s going to fall upon them when their food benefit that usually only lasts them two weeks might only last one week now,” Jimmy Debiasi, the executive director of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, said in a quote from our news partners at CBS 13.

Officials are concerned that cuts to SNAP benefits would lead to a rise in food insecurity for farmer and would also put more financial pressure on them to make ends meet.

Latest Headlines

36 minutes ago in Local

ICE Activity Increases in Maine as Anxiety Grows in Immigrant Communities

Fresh

Reports of a surge in immigration arrests have struck fear in immigrant communities of Portland and Lewiston

2 hours ago in Local

ICE Ordered to Show Cause for Detaining Portland Resident During Routine Check-In

Fresh

The judge gave the agency until noon Thursday to show cause for the detainment of Yanick Joao Carneiro

3 hours ago in Local

Local leaders react as ICE launches “Operation Catch of the Day” in Maine

ICE agents have been spotted in Maine communities including Portland, Westbrook and Lewiston over the last two days.

3 hours ago in Local

Independent throws hat into ring to unseat Maine U.S. Sen Susan Collins

A former Bar Harbor restaurant owner is entering the race to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins as an Independent.

4 hours ago in Local

ICE Touts Operation in Maine, Gets Pushback from Pingree

Updated

The agency says agitators have infringed on their operations in some cases,  but is vowing to complete its job.