Food Assistance

Help with Getting Food

What is SNAP and who can apply?

SNAP (Suplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps people pay for food. The program may also be called Food Assistance (it used to be 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 SNAP. You do not have to live with children, be getting TANF, or be elderly or disabled to get SNAP benefits. Many people work and get these benefits.

Here are some ways to apply:

You can get an application from your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office by visiting them or call 1-855-797-4357.
You can apply over the phone at 1-855-797-4357.
You can go to Maine.gov to download and print an application
You can also go to My Maine Connection and apply online
If you are looking for the SNAP Loss and Replacement Form to submit to DHHS replace food lost in a power outage, this form must be submitted within 10 days of your power being restored.

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

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:

Call the Office of Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357
Log into your account at www.mymaineconnection.gov
Email Farmington.DHHS@Maine.Gov
Go into a DHHS district office location

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

Check if you're eligible for SNAP and estimate your monthly benefit with Pine Tree Legal Assistance's tool:

SNAP Benefit Estimator

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.

More help with putting food on the table

The Food Supplement Program: An Overview
Basic information about the SNAP program, including how to apply. Last updated Oct 2021, some policies may have changed.
Food Supplements and Subsidized Housing
Information for people living in subsidized housing
Food Supplements for People Who are Homeless
Information for people who are homeless
Help With the Cost of Food for the Elderly or Disabled
Special rules for people who are elderly or disabled
Food Supplement Program’s Medical Deduction
Special rules for people with high medical expenses
Using your EBT card to get Food Supplements and TANF
Information about using your EBT card
Food Supplement Overpayments: Do I have to repay?
Information about food supplement overpayments
Food Supplement, Work Requirements, and the 3 Month Time Limit: Can I still get help?
Food Supplement rules limit eligibility for some 18 – 54-year olds. Find out if these rules apply to you.
What Happens with my Food Supplements when I get a bunch of Money? (coming soon)
Information about reporting a lump sum and how it will affect food supplement benefits.
What Happens with my Food Supplements when I get a job and leave TANF? (coming soon)
Information about how earned income affects food supplement benefits.
Report Changes to Keep Your Food Supplement Benefits (coming soon)
What you need to report, when you need to report it and how to do it.

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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