HAMPDEN, Maine (WABI) – Food insecurity continues to be a challenge for many Maine families.
According to the latest Map the Meal Gap study from Feeding America, 1 in 8 Mainers has experienced food insecurity.
It’s an issue that is increasing across Maine’s rural counties. In fact, the highest food insecurity rates of all New England counties are here in Maine. They are Piscataquis, Somerset, Aroostook, and Washington.
Good Shepherd Food Bank, Maine’s largest hunger relief organization, says while this data is upsetting, it’s not particularly surprising.
“It’s confirming what we’ve been hearing from pantries all along, which is that families here are struggling in order to put the healthy foods and vegetables they need on the table regularly,” said Robin McCarthy, chief advancement officer for Good Shepherd Food Bank.
The organization, which serves all 16 counties in our state, uses the data from the Map the Meal Gap study to help address hunger.
It’s the only county-by-county analysis available to them. McCarthy says it supplements other data that is available through the census and the USDA.
“It helps us assess what the budget gap is for families in our state. So, the difference between how much they might be receiving for public benefits and how much it costs for a food-secure family to feed themselves for a week, and understand that difference in our area,” McCarthy said.
In 2023, Maine held the highest rate of child food insecurity and the second-highest rate of overall food insecurity in New England.
This latest report comes at a time when many Mainers who rely on SNAP, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are wondering if there will be a reduction in food stamps.
According to a new analysis from the Center for American Progress, nearly 1 in 5 SNAP recipients could lose some or all of their food assistance if the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passes.
“SNAP puts about $360 million into the local economy through grocery retailers, and that would really be a huge ripple effect if the legislation were to pass as it is currently proposed,” McCarthy added.
McCarthy encourages Mainers to get involved with their communities and learn what the community needs are.
“Contact the people that are running the pantries – see what they need. It might be donations. It might be volunteer hours. It might be advocacy. Stay informed. Understand what the impact would be in your community,” she added.
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