Maine Allocates $1.25M to Food Programs as SNAP Benefits Halted for 170,000 Residents

In response to the federal government shutdown halting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for about 170,000 Mainers, Governor Janet Mills announced a $1.25 million state and philanthropic funding package to support food pantries and anti-hunger programs across Maine. The funding includes $1 million from the governor's contingency account and $250,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation, aimed at assisting families, children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on SNAP. These funds will be distributed primarily through Good Shepherd Food Bank and the state's Area Agencies on Aging network to help nearly 600 partner organizations provide food aid. Mills criticized the Trump administration for the lapse in benefits, emphasizing that the state will step up to support vulnerable populations, including the nearly 55,000 children affected. Additional measures include $10,000 allocated to the Hunters for the Hungry program to process donated wild game meat. Maine's efforts reflect a broader strategy seen in other states to address food insecurity caused by the federal funding pause during the shutdown.