Delicious Deliveries: How to Bring Your Favorite Food Home!

With recent discussions about funding changes, it’s a perfect moment to talk about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. This program is essential for many families across the country.

SNAP, once known as “food stamps,” is a federal program helping families afford food. In Maine, it’s managed through the Office of Family Independence. This support reduces the stress on households trying to balance food costs with other expenses like housing and medical bills. Many families receiving SNAP also rely on food pantries to meet their basic needs.

The goal of SNAP is to help families gain self-sufficiency and financial stability. Studies show that people who receive these benefits often enjoy better health outcomes compared to low-income individuals who do not. SNAP is instrumental in fighting childhood food insecurity, acting as a crucial support during tough times.

As of January, over 3,600 people were enrolled in SNAP in Lincoln County alone. Maine has the highest rate of childhood food insecurity in New England, and many local kids depend on SNAP and school meal programs to ensure they get enough to eat every day.

A report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that in 2024, over half of Maine’s SNAP participants were families with children. Additionally, more than 53% included older adults or individuals with disabilities, and nearly 40% were working families.

For many, SNAP is a lifeline during difficult periods. However, since pandemic-related supports have ended, some families have faced significant cuts to their benefits or lose them entirely when their financial situation changes, even if they are still struggling.

SNAP does more than support individuals and families; it also boosts local economies. Approximately 80% of SNAP-approved retailers are small businesses, including local grocers and convenience stores. Many farmers markets and farmstands accept SNAP and often have programs to help participants stretch their benefits further, encouraging the purchase of fresh, local foods directly from farmers.

This food assistance program is vital for the people and businesses in Lincoln County. Many of us have relied on this support at some point, as financial troubles can affect anyone.

At Healthy Lincoln County, we truly value SNAP, as some of our projects are directly connected to it.

If you think you might be eligible for SNAP but are unsure, it’s worth checking. Eligibility depends on factors like income, assets, and household size. For more information and to use a screening tool, visit the Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program’s SNAP resource page at mchpp.org/snap.