Food Assistance & Pantries

Food insecurity affects families in every corner of Maine. Recent data shows that approximately 1 in 8 Mainers experience food insecurity, with more than 50,000 Maine children facing uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. Maine continues to have the highest rate of childhood food insecurity in New England, highlighting the growing challenges many families face as the cost of food, housing, childcare, and other necessities continues to rise.

This page is designed to connect Maine families with food assistance programs, food pantries, meal programs, and other resources available across the state. Whether you need immediate support or are looking to learn more about available programs, we hope this information helps you find the resources you need.

Maine SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps eligible Maine families buy groceries and keep healthy food on the table. SNAP provides a monthly benefit loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers’ markets. These benefits can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, pantry staples, and other essential foods—helping families stretch their food budget and access the nutrition they need.

How to Access SNAP Benefits

Fill out and submit an application. You can do that one of several ways:

Option 1: Apply online through My Maine Connection.

Option 2: Download an application and submit it by:

Mail: Office for Family Independence
114 Corn Shop Lane
Farmington, ME 04938

E-mail: Farmington.DHHS@Maine.gov, or

Fax: (207) 778-8429

Option 3: Apply via phone by calling (855) 797-4357. Interpretation available upon request.

Option 4: Apply in person at a regional DHHS Office. Interpretation available upon request.

For more information on eligibility requirements, restrictions, and frequently asked questions, check out www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement.

Summer Food Programs

The Summer Nutrition Program—often called SUN Bucks—is a new federal program that helps families cover the cost of groceries when school is out. Eligible Maine families receive a one-time summer benefit per child on an EBT card, which can be used to buy groceries just like SNAP. SUN Bucks are designed to replace school meals children lose access to during summer break, making sure kids can continue to eat healthy, consistent meals all season long.

How to Access SUN Bucks

Here’s a simple breakdown of how families can access SUN Bucks in Maine:

Who qualifies automatically:

Children who receive SNAP, TANF, or MaineCare
Students who are directly certified for free or reduced-price school meals
Children experiencing homelessness, foster care, or certain other circumstances

How to apply (if not automatically eligible):

Apply online. Start your SUN Bucks application today
Fill out an application at home. Mail, fax, or email a SUN Bucks Application to:
1. Mail:
  SUN Bucks
  DHHS, OFI Farmington District Office
  114 Corn Shop Ln.
  Farmington, ME 04938
2. Fax: 207-287-3455
3. E-mail: SUN-Bucks.DHHS@Maine.gov
4. In-person drop off: Deliver to your local OFI office

If you have any questions about SUN Bucks, call OFI at 1-855-797-4357

Important notes:

Benefits are issued once per summer, per child.
SUN Bucks do not reduce or replace SNAP—families can receive both.
Funds can be used at any retailer that accepts EBT.

For more information on eligibility requirements, restrictions, and frequently asked questions, check out www.mymaineconnection.gov/

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services for pregnant people, postpartum parents, infants, and children under age five. WIC offers monthly food benefits tailored to each child’s or parent’s needs—covering items like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and formula—helping families access the nutrition and support they need during early childhood.

How to Access WIC

WIC is open to people living in Maine, including migrant workers. Applicants can be:

Women and birthing parents who are pregnant, breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or had a baby in the last six months.
Infants and children up to the age of five, including adopted and foster children.
Fathers, legal guardians, adoptive parents, and foster parents can apply on behalf of eligible infants and children in their care.

Steps to get started:

Check if you’re eligible based on pregnancy/parent status, child age, household size, and income.
Contact your local WIC office to schedule an appointment (many offer phone or virtual options).

For more information on eligibility requirements and how to get started, check out www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/healthy-living/wic/apply-and-get-started