Summer Food Resources: Ensuring No Child Goes Hungry
In Maine, 179,680 people face hunger, and 45,790 of them are children. Hunger doesn't take a summer break, and many families struggle to provide enough nutritious food when school is out. To bridge this gap, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as the Summer Meals Program, steps in to ensure children continue to receive the nourishment they need.
What is the Summer Food Service Program?
The SFSP is a federally funded initiative designed to provide free, nutritious meals to children and teens aged 18 and under during the summer months. This program is essential in supporting families who rely on school meals during the academic year to help meet their children's nutritional needs. In 2019, the SFSP served over 141 million nutritious meals and snacks to children across the United States. This significant contribution highlights the program's role in combating food insecurity during the summer months.
Finding a Meal Location Near You
To find a community meal location in Maine, you have several options:
Text: Send "FOOD" to 304-304.
Search Online: Visit the Maine DOE Hot Lunch Summer website.
Call: The USDA Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 for assistance.
Farmers' Markets Accepting Food Assistance
Farmers' markets are a fantastic resource for fresh, local produce. Many farmers' markets in Maine accept food assistance programs, making healthy, fresh food accessible to more families:
SNAP/EBT: Many markets accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Look for markets that display the "We Accept EBT" sign.
WIC: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program: This program provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at farmers' markets.
For a list of participating farmers' markets, visit the Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are another excellent way for families to access fresh produce. These gardens provide space for individuals to grow their own food and often have educational programs to teach gardening skills. Participating in a community garden can be a rewarding way to ensure access to fresh, nutritious food.
For more information and to find a community garden near you, visit:
https://www.portlandmaine.gov/514/Community-Gardens
https://www.harpswell.maine.gov/community-garden
https://www.auburnmaine.gov/Pages/Government/Community-Gardens
https://biddefordcommunitygardens.org/
St. Mary's Nutrition Center (formerly Lots to Gardens)
Farmers Market and Food Access and Facebook
Additional Resources
To learn more about food insecurity and available resources, visit these helpful links:
Food Access and Security - St. Mary's Nutrition Center Food Access Information page
Local Support Contacts
If you need more assistance, the following local organizations are here to help:
Good Shepherd Food Bank: Call 207-782-3554 or visit Good Shepherd Food Bank
Salvation Army Food Pantry: Call 207-774-6304 or visit Salvation Army Food Pantry
Augusta Food Bank: Call 207-622-5225 or visit Augusta Food Bank
Trinity Jubilee Center: Call 207-782-5700 or visit Trinity Jubilee Center for meals, groceries, job applications, warmth, empowerment, hope
St. Mary’s Nutrition Center: Call 207-513-3848 or visit St. Mary’s Nutrition Center
At CV Wellbeing, we believe that every child deserves access to nutritious food, regardless of the season. We are committed to supporting our community by providing resources and information to ensure no child goes hungry. Join us in spreading the word about the Summer Food Service Program and other vital resources to help make a difference in the lives of families throughout Maine.
