Sen. Ingwersen bill to increase access to local food signed by Governor

AUGUSTA – On April 16, a bill from Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, was signed into law. LD 468, “An Act to Address Food Insecurity by Helping Maine Residents Access Locally Produced Food,” will remove barriers to accessing nutritious food and help Mainers mitigate the impacts of food insecurity.

“In just a few weeks, many of the farmers’ markets across our state will set up their booths and stalls for folks to buy fresh, local produce and homemade goods,” said Sen. Henry Ingwersen. “When they shop around, I hope they remember Farm Fresh Rewards and Maine Harvest Bucks, which many farmers’ markets accept. My new law will provide critical financial support to these programs so that Maine families – including those on SNAP – can continue to get the best of locally grown and harvested food right here.”

“LD 468 helps Maine households with low incomes stretch their limited grocery budgets and support Maine growers and producers,” said Anna Korsen, Program Director at Full Plates Full Potential in supporting testimony on LD 468. “Food insecurity is on the rise in Maine with rising costs of food and other basic costs of living, and households and local farms are struggling to make ends meet. Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh rewards have helped 25,000 Mainers who participate in SNAP buy more fruits and vegetables, with 30% of SNAP users including families with children. All Mainers deserve high quality nutritious food and programs that address food insecurity.”

Once it goes into effect, the bill will provide $500,000 in one-time funding for nutrition incentive programs, like Farm Fresh Rewards and Maine Harvest Bucks.

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

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