Food pantries in Maine are facing a significant challenge as the federal government shutdown continues into its 27th day. More than 170,000 residents in the state are at risk of losing benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in November if the funding lapses. This situation comes as food pantries, already strained by earlier cuts to federal assistance programs, brace for increased demand.
At the Catholic Charities Food Bank in Monticello, director of hunger and relief services Jon Blanchard is overseeing a steady influx of food supplies. On a Thursday morning, pallets filled with rice, tomatoes, apricots, and cereal were unloaded rapidly, with the organization distributing between 110,000 and 145,000 pounds of food monthly to various pantries across Aroostook County and parts of northern Penobscot and Washington counties. Blanchard emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “There isn’t a program that can replace that.”
Rural areas like Aroostook County, where SNAP enrollment significantly exceeds the state average, are expected to feel the impact the hardest. As residents lose their benefits, many will turn to food pantries for assistance. The capability of these pantries to meet increased demand remains uncertain. Blanchard stated, “We’re trying to prepare… we’re best suited to do the most good and hit as much need as possible.”
The challenges facing these food banks are compounded by recent cuts to key USDA programs. Earlier this year, the federal government reduced funding by approximately $500 million from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which supplies food purchased by the USDA. The cessation of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program has further limited resources for local food banks.
Volunteers at various pantries have reported a noticeable decrease in available supplies. Rena Kearney, a volunteer at the Mars Hill Community Cupboard, remarked, “Before we were getting maybe four or five cases of something, and now we’re getting only maybe one case.” At the Grace Interfaith Food Table in Presque Isle, volunteer Marcia Cogswell noted a 40 to 50% reduction in food supplies compared to the previous year. She has already received multiple inquiries from individuals concerned about their SNAP benefits.
With the potential lapse in SNAP funding looming, Catholic Charities is taking proactive measures. The organization plans to allow pantries to pick up their monthly food allotments early to assess available stock. Blanchard encourages collaboration with local producers to increase purchasing capacity in November, stating they have received positive feedback on this initiative. Financial donations are also being sought to bolster resources during this critical time.
Additionally, Catholic Charities is urging food pantries to extend their operating hours, where possible. Many smaller locations in Aroostook County currently operate only a few times a month, relying entirely on volunteer support. “We recognize that some communities are smaller than others, and almost all of them are run 100% on volunteer hours,” Blanchard explained.
Despite these efforts, Blanchard is realistic about the challenges ahead. He expressed concern over the potential rise in food insecurity, which has already increased to 13.8% of Maine’s population in 2023, up from 10.4% in 2020, according to data from Feeding America. The state has the highest percentage of children in New England experiencing food insecurity, with 20.6% of children affected.
As the government shutdown continues, the uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding looms large. “I’m worried about individuals who are hungry,” Blanchard said. “My job is to feed people, and I’m going to do the best I can, but I also know there are limited resources.”
In Presque Isle, Cogswell remains hopeful that the Grace Interfaith Food Table can meet the anticipated demand. “We have always met the demand,” she said. Yet, as the situation evolves, the realities of resource limitations remain clear. “We will do our best,” she added. “We can only give what we have.”
