Food Assistance Resources in Maine

Last updated September 6, 2026

Maine residents facing food insecurity have access to a range of federal and state-supported programs, from ongoing monthly benefits to emergency food boxes and nutrition support for families with young children. Whether you are working and still struggling to make ends meet, recently lost income, or caring for someone with special dietary needs, help is available — and you do not have to navigate it alone.

The best first step for many people is to call 2-1-1 Maine (dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211). Trained specialists are available around the clock to connect you with food pantries, meal programs, and benefit enrollment help in your specific county. Maine's geography means resources vary significantly between Portland, Bangor, and rural areas — a 2-1-1 specialist can tell you exactly what is closest to you.

Maine's Office for Family Independence, within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), administers most major food benefit programs in the state. Applications for SNAP and other benefits can be submitted online through the My DHHS portal, by phone, or in person at your local DHHS district office. If you are unsure where to start, calling 2-1-1 first can help you gather the right documents before you apply.

Key programs in Maine

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Maine DHHS

Monthly electronic benefits (loaded onto a Maine EBT card) that can be used to purchase groceries at most stores and many farmers markets across Maine.

How to access: Apply online at the Maine DHHS portal (maine.gov/dhhs), call Maine DHHS at 1-855-797-4357, or visit your local district office. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency, income, and household size. Eligibility is based on income and household circumstances.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) – Maine DHHS

Nutrition benefits, healthy food packages, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact Maine WIC through Maine DHHS at 1-800-437-9300 or find your nearest WIC clinic via the Maine DHHS WIC program page. No immigration status is required for infants and children to qualify.

Good Shepherd Food Bank (Maine's Statewide Food Bank Network)

Maine's largest hunger-relief organization, supplying food to hundreds of partner food pantries, meal sites, and community programs across all 16 Maine counties.

How to access: Use the pantry finder at gsfc.org or call 2-1-1 to locate the food pantry or meal program nearest you. Most partner pantries serve anyone in need with little or no documentation required.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) – Maine DHHS

Seasonal coupons for Maine residents aged 60 and older with low incomes to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs directly from approved farmers markets and farm stands.

How to access: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to be connected to the AAA serving your county. Coupons are distributed while supplies last each year, so apply early in the season.

2-1-1 Maine

A free, confidential helpline that connects Maine residents to local food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency food boxes, SNAP enrollment assistance, and other essential services 24 hours a day.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211maine.org. Interpreters are available. This is often the fastest way to find food help that is geographically close to you.

Food Assistance resources for Maine

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
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