Food Access
information changes rapidly. please check back frequently for updates.
GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD BANK and Local Pantries/Meal Sites
The mission of Good Shepherd Food Bank is to eliminate hunger in Maine by improving access to nutritious food for people, building strong community partnerships, and mobilizing the public in the fight to end hunger. With partner agencies spread throughout the entire state, there is likely to be help close by. Partner agencies include food pantries, meal sites, shelters, senior centers, schools, health care facilities and other community programs
Who might be eligible? Eligibility varies - please see your local food pantry for more information
Click here to find food assistance in your area.
COVID-19 Updates:
Food Pantry Hours and Offerings in Androscoggin County (updated quarterly) - PDF (English) (Portuguese)
Maine WIC Nutrition Program
WIC is a nutrition program for thousands of Maine families, helping Maine kids to grow up strong and healthy. WIC food benefits are available based on income guidelines and up-to-date nutrition research. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 may be eligible.
Who might be eligible? Prescreening Tool, FAQ
How Do I Apply? Contact your local WIC Agency.
Food Supplement Program
(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP)
If you’re struggling to provide food for yourself or family, you may be eligible for the Food Supplement benefit. The Food Supplement Program provides benefits that help low-income households buy the food they need for good health.
Who might be eligible? Prescreening Tool, Maine Food Supplement Program Certification Manual
Temporary Changes during COVID-19
How Do I Apply? Encouraged to apply online and receive paperless noticing.
My Maine Connection Online application, prescreening for eligibility, and account management.
Contact Office of Family Independence (OFI) and Regional Offices.
P-Ebt and Summer P-EBT
P-EBT is a new federal nutrition program that provides a small grocery benefit for families to purchase food. P-EBT was first available in 2020 for families with school-aged children, and the benefits were extended in 2021 to include some families with young children (ages 0-6) as well. A similar benefit, called Summer P-EBT will be issued in September 2021 to all eligible children in Maine.
Eligibility Guidelines, How to Apply, and Frequently Asked Questions
Translated PDFs: English, French, Spanish, Lingala, Portuguese
Maine Land Share Project
As we struggle with the rippling effects of the COVID-19 virus, there is no better time than now to share what we have and to grow good food to sustain our families and communities. Are you looking for a place to grow food this season? Do you have land available that others could use to grow gardens? Do you have resources that could support new gardeners & farmers? The Maine Land Share Project connects aspiring gardeners with shared land and resources for community food security.
Please fill out the appropriate form (linked below) and we'll do our best to make a match between offers and requests.
To learn more, to get involved, and to support this project please visit www.landincommon.org/landshare
Farm and Seafood Products Directory
Many farmers, fishermen, and other producers across Maine have added alternative ways for customers to obtain food and other products to accommodate for social distancing in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. This resource provides information on local farms that are adjusting and offering curbside pick up due to closures.
For more information: https://extension.umaine.edu/agriculture/farm-product-and-pickup-directory/