NEW MEASURE INCENTIVIZES SNAP RECIPIENTS TO BUY HEALTHY FOOD

Utilizing public-private partnerships and leveraging federal dollars is key

AUGUSTA –A measure that would tackle food insecurity in Maine by utilizing public-private partnerships and leveraging federal dollars was introduced at a hearing today in the state’s Health and Human Services Committee.

Sen. Chris Johnson of Somerville

“The simple truth is that SNAP dollars don’t go far enough,” said Democratic State Senator Chris Johnson of Somerville, the sponsor of the measure. “People who are struggling to put food on the table, including SNAP recipients, often buy unhealthy foods because that’s all they can afford to fill their own or their children’s stomachs.”

The measure, LD 1193 “An Act To Encourage Good Nutrition and Healthy Choices in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,” creates an initiative within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to identify and support qualifying non-profit entities seeking federal USDA grants called Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI). FINI grants increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables with SNAP benefits by providing incentives at the point of purchase.

Senator Johnson added, “We have to address affordability, accessibility, and education if we are going to improve nutrition in the SNAP program. Offering price differences or increasing buying power are powerful incentives.”

According to the Maine Development Foundation’s 2015 Measures of Growth report,  Maine’s percentage of food insecure households remains above the New England and U.S. averages–with approximately 200,000 Mainers lacking consistent access to affordable nutritious food, in 2013.

The Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on the measure in the coming weeks.

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