Maine Senate gives initial support to Sen. Ingwersen bill to better protect state food security programs from federal cuts in funding

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the Maine Senate gave its initial support to a bill from Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel. LD 2004, “An Act to Enhance Support of Local Nutrition Incentive Programs by Modifying the Eligibility Requirements of the Fund to Address Food Insecurity and Provide Nutrition Incentives,” seeks to better protect state food security programs from federal cuts in funding.

“After receiving strong, bipartisan support in the committee, I am grateful that my Senate colleagues also gave their unanimous support to this bill,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “Now more than ever, we have to make a clear commitment to ending hunger in Maine and ensuring everyone can afford to put food on the table. My colleagues and I are committed to lowering everyday costs and providing relief for working families. It’s why I’ll also be testifying on a bill, which I did not hesitate to co-sponsor, to provide free meals to public pre-k children this week, as well.” 

As proposed, the bill would strike the word “federal” from the statutory language that established the Fund to Address Food Insecurity and Provide Nutrition Incentives, which would provide greater flexibility for the Fund in seeking funding sources outside of the federal government. The Fund provides financial support to programs like Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards, providing matching dollars to Mainers who use SNAP/EBT on local food.

Testifying in support of the bill, Michelle Webb, the Director of the Agriculture Resource Development Division, underscored the necessity of the bill: “What we witnessed this past fall was a pause in the payment of federal nutrition benefits and the prospect they might be significantly reduced or canceled altogether in the future. LD 2004 is a response to this new reality and would simply strike the term ‘federal’ from the program’s requirements.”

According to the Maine Federation of Farmers Markets, these programs generate more than $2 million in additional sales to farmers and food producers in Maine. The economic impact has benefited 80 farmers markets, farmstands, CSAs and small stores in all 16 counties. It has supported over 400 small farms and food businesses.

In the coming weeks, LD 2004 faces additional votes in the full Senate and House.

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