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

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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.

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