The Emergency Food Assistance Program - (TEFAP)

Hunger is a byproduct of poverty. Poverty is not just a problem for the people who experience it; it is a problem for everyone. Those in poverty are often isolated from community life, are unable to participate fully in the economy, and cannot support local businesses.

The poverty rate in Maine has hovered over the last 3 years at 12.6%, slightly lower than the national rate of 13.1%.

Food Security measures a household’s ability to meet basic needs, rather than its income. The USDA defines food security as “access by all people at all times to get enough food for an active, healthy life style”.

Food Security in Maine 1996-2010

Courtesy of Maine State Planning Office 2012	1996-1998	2005-2077	2008-2010
Food Security	90.2%	86.7%	84.6%
Low Food Security	5.8%	7.4%	8.6%
Very Low Food Security	4.0%	5.9%	6.8%

Programs:

TEFAP - is a federally supported program that provides USDA foods to local voluntary feeding programs across Maine. There are over 250 participating programs in the statewide network. The state works with Community Action Programs, various food rescue organizations, and Good Shepherd Food-Bank to coordinate distributions to pantries and community kitchens. TEFAP not only acquires stores and distributes USDA foods it also provides an outlet for various products donated for distribution to Mainers less fortunate.

CSFP - Commodity Supplemental Food Program, is a Federal program which works to improve the health of low-income pregnant and breastfeeding women, other new mothers up to one year postpartum, infants, children up to age six, and elderly people at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. Maine’s CSFP program concentrates only on the elderly people. In collaboration with DHHS, Maine Cooperative Extension, Good Shepherd Food-Bank, Western Maine Community Action, and four Agencies on Aging; CSFP supplies just under 3,000 units of supplemental USDA foods monthly statewide to participating seniors.

Hunters for the Hungry - The Maine Hunters for the Hungry Program was founded in 1996 and its impact has grown steadily ever since. Maine sportsmen and sportswomen can play a major role in game management while providing thousands of nutritious meals to hungry people across the state. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry distribute the donations to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households with a medical need.

The Maine Hunters for the Hungry Program in cooperation, with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s wardens, Maine State Troopers and caring hunters, are all working towards a common goal of helping our neighbors.

The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. Road kill donations are also accepted, provided the meat is not damaged. Hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food. Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat Processors that are interested in getting involved with the program and learning how it works should call 207-287-7513.

The program has been successful annually not only by supplying lean, high protein meats to voluntary feeding programs, but by supplementing the diets of consumers with a medical necessity for natural, low-fat meats.

Hunters for the Hungry would like to express to every corporation, business, organization and individual their deepest and most sincere appreciation for their past, present and continued support. For more information, to donate, or to get connected to a Hunters for the Hungry participating meat processor call toll free, 1-888-4DEERME (1-888-433-3763)

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and The Emergency Food Assistance Program is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Read the USDA Non-Discrimination Statement. (This link will open in a separate window.)

Commissioner's Office

The Emergency Food Assistance Program - (TEFAP)