Sen. Ingwersen introduces bill to better protect state food security programs from federal cuts in funding

AUGUSTA — Today, Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, introduced a bill to better protect state food security programs from federal cuts in funding. Approved by the Legislative Council, 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,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, which the senator serves on.

“Last fall, I spent countless hours serving free school lunches to students and volunteering for food banks, cupboards and pantries in the district, hearing from the folks on the front lines of the fight against hunger,” said Sen. Ingwersen. “During the federal government shutdown, people were afraid and anxious. Not knowing if or when they would receive their SNAP benefits made them worry about putting food on the table more than they should ever have to. Between this and the reduction to SNAP benefits from the Big Beautiful Bill, I knew that I had to do something.” 

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, the Committee will schedule a work session for the bill.

###