#GoodShepherd pushes for increase in #MainersFeedingMainers program at state house

By Sierra Whaley
Published: May 13, 2025 at 5:17 PM EDT

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) - "Federal cuts have impacted funding for #HungerRelief programs across the state.

"That’s why state representatives gathered at the state house to push for the passage of a bill that could strengthen a 15-year-partnership between the state and Good Shepherd to keep reliable sources alive in this uncertain time.

" 'As our costs are going up and as our funding is going down as we’ve experienced funding cancellations federally, we are looking for a more cost share model with the state and asking for increased state support,' said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank.

"The Good Shepherd Food Bank is Maine’s only #FeedingAmerica food bank distributing food from Fort Kent to Kittery.

"They’re urging lawmakers to pass #LD415 sponsored by North Yarmouth Rep. Annie Graham.

"It’s a bill to increase the state’s support for the Mainers feeding Mainers program through Good Shepherd.

"Here’s how it works.

" 'We purchase fresh local produce from 93 farmers throughout the state of Maine from Fort Kent to Kittery and those farmers deliver that fresh produce directly to our pantry partners which serve them to neighbors experiencing food insecurity in the state of Maine,' said Paquette.

"According to Feeding America nearly 200-thousand Mainers are experiencing hunger.

"That includes over 50,000 children.

"Which is why the increase would provide more security for state sources, such as #farmers, to keep those community partnerships active.

"If passed the bill would increase the funding from one million to two million dollars."

https://www.wabi.tv/2025/05/13/good-shepherd-pushes-increase-mainers-feeding-mainers-program-state-house/

Not mentioned in the article is that the #USDA funding cuts will also affect #MaineTribes!

Trump administration USDA cuts will strip food away from #Maine families

by Channa Steinmetz, March 17, 2025

"As the Trump administration’s actions increase economic uncertainty in Maine, the cancellation of two USDA programs will hurt Maine #farmers, #families and #schools in the state.

"The administration’s U.S. Department of Agriculture has canceled the Local Food Purchase Assistance (#LFPA) program and the Local Food for Schools (#LFS) program. Both programs have provided funds to buy food from local farmers and distribute it to #FoodBanks and schools across the state.

"Maine now stands to lose $1.25 million in funding over the next three years, which equates to approximately 500,000 to 600,000 pounds of fresh produce that will no longer be available to families facing food insecurity, according to Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine. 'These changes pose real challenges to the charitable food network’s ability to provide nutritious food for people across Maine,' said Heather Paquette, president of Good Shepherd Food Bank.

"Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Congressman Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-N.C.) and more than 70 other members of Congress are demanding answers in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Pingree and her colleagues said that these cuts hurt farmers and strip food away from people and families who need it.

"'At a time when farmers are facing increased input costs and significant uncertainty due to the indiscriminate funding freeze on certain USDA funds, and when grocery costs have not come down and more families are relying on food banks and school meals, it is reckless and cruel to cancel LFPA and LFS awards to states,' they wrote.

"Additionally, cuts to the Emergency Food Assistance Program are expected to reduce Good Shepherd Food Bank’s distribution of staple foods by an estimated 250,000 pounds per month starting next month. These reductions come at a time when food insecurity remains high and grocery prices continue to strain household budgets.

"Maine lawmakers are considering #LD415, a bill aimed at expanding investment in the #MainersFeedingMainers program. This initiative connects local farms with #FoodPantries and meal sites, providing state-funded support to help offset the loss of federal funds.

"Everyday Mainers can provide support by donating to local food banks, volunteering, or advocating for policies that support food security."

Source:
https://mainebeacon.com/trump-administration-usda-cuts-willstrip-food-away-from-maine-families/
#USDAFundingCuts #FoodInsecurity #USPol