Sen. Ingwersen bill to better protect state food security programs from federal cuts in funding receives Governor’s signature

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, March 3, a bill from Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, was signed into law by the Governor. 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,” will better protect state food security programs from federal cuts in funding.

“In the months since the federal SNAP crisis, I continue to have concerns about the uncertainty over available federal funding for critical hunger relief programs,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “As a result, I feel the same way now as I did when I first introduced this bill. Mainers are counting on us to put into place safeguards for the programs that help protect children, Mainers with disabilities, older Mainers and veterans from hunger. When this new law goes into effect, we will be better prepared for the next federal crisis, which could hit our state at any time.” 

The new law strikes the word “federal” from the statutory language that established the Fund to Address Food Insecurity and Provide Nutrition Incentives, providing 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, offering 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.

As non-emergency legislation, LD 2004 will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

###