Food Assistance

Help with Getting Food

What You Need to Know About Changes to SNAP (Food Assistance) Work Requirements

Work-reporting requirements for adults without dependents were paused during the national public health emergency but are back in effect. If you are affected by the change, you should contact DHHS as soon as possible to make sure you keep getting SNAP after October 1, 2023. 

If you think you may be exempt or already meet the work requirement, contact the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as soon as possible to avoid losing your benefits:

Learn more about who needs to report work hours and see if you are excused from reporting.

Are you having a hard time getting enough food? Are you currently getting SNAP benefits or have you ever used SNAP? We want to hear from you.

Congress passed harmful changes to SNAP that have hit Maine people hard. The food assistance allotment just isn't enough give the rising cost of food. We want to know if you and your family are impacted - so lawmakers know too! 

How has less money for food impacted you and your family? Take this quick survey - your response can remain anonymous if you choose.

What is the Food Supplement Program, and who can apply?

The Food Supplement program helps people pay for food. The program may also be called SNAP or Food Assistance (it was formerly called Food Stamps). You get a card that works like a debit card from a bank. You can use the card to buy food at grocery stores. The card is called the Pine Tree Card or an EBT card. 

Most people with low income are eligible for the Food Supplement Program. You do not have to live with children, be getting TANF, or be elderly or disabled to get Food Supplement benefits. Many people work and get these benefits.

Here are some ways to apply:

Read our complete guide, the Food Supplement Program: An Overview. 

More help with putting food on the table

Where else can I get help with food?

If you’re having a hard time getting enough to eat, or if you want to stretch your SNAP a little further, try these resources:

  • Call 211 and ask about food resources
  • Search Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Finder Map for a list of food pantries and meal sites in your area 
  • Visit a participating farmer’s market (Maine Harvest Bucks) or store (Farm Fresh Rewards) to earn extra SNAP dollars to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers 
  • Contact your regional Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-353-3771 for information about additional supports including home-delivered meals for those who are homebound and cannot prepare food for themselves 
  • For income-eligible older adults, learn more about the Maine Senior FarmShare Program at (207) 287-3491 or by emailing SeniorFarmShare.AGR@maine.gov 

Maine Equal Justice focuses its work on many of the issues that affect people’s daily lives – access to adequate health care, housing, transportation and childcare; food and income security; and higher education and training. Maine Equal Justice is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 04-3346273. 
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