With the announcement that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be canceled in November for food insecure families in 25 states, once again the federal government is prioritizing political brinkmanship over the welfare of our rural communities. SNAP, through the Harvest Bucks program that the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) helps administrate, supports purchases of fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Studies show SNAP sales can amount to 30% of sales of small rural grocery stores.
Divesting from food access programs and a sustainable agricultural future leaves farmers hurting, rural communities suffering, and hinders the development of a healthy food system where everyone has access to the food and clean environment we need.
Take urgent action for SNAP
Last week, Maine received official notice that SNAP benefits for November are canceled. This is horrifying news for all Mainers who rely on SNAP to have enough food to eat. This includes the 30,000-plus Maine households who are farmers’ market customers and an essential part of our community.
There are still a few things we can do. Sen. Collins is in a powerful position as the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and could help either partially fund SNAP with emergency funds, or could move funds to fully fund SNAP, as was recently done with WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children). Sen. Collins’ office values hearing from farmers, rural constituents, and small business owners.
Contact Collins’ office directly and voice your concerns: dial 202-224-2523. If the mailbox is full, try calling one of her regional offices. Or email her here.
More Action Steps
Consider donating food to your local food pantry. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension curated a list of food items to donate.
Visit the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, & Forestry website for a list of food assistance programs listed by town.
The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets administers the Maine Harvest Bucks program which helps provide access to local produce for over 10,000 households across Maine while supporting our local farms. They will continue to provide these funds at farmers markets throughout the State, even if your EBT card is out of funds. They are also accepting donations to support this program if you are able. Learn more about the program and consider making a donation today.