Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Extends CARES Act Reimbursement Program for Food Banks and Pantries

March 2, 2021

For more information contact: Jim Britt at: jim.britt@maine.gov

AUGUSTA - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal today announced that the department is extending the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funding (CRF) Food Security Network Reimbursement Program. The program's second phase includes an expanded period for eligible expenses, allowing for reimbursement of costs incurred between March 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021. The CRF Food Security Network Reimbursement Program Phase 2 funding will become available upon opening the application process on March 2, 2021.

The program, which will again be administered by Catholic Charities Maine on behalf of DACF, offers up to $10,000 in reimbursements to food banks and pantries that have accrued unanticipated expenses while working to overcome food supply and distribution challenges caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funding will help Maine food security organizations address supply chain disruptions, food storage, distribution infrastructure limitations, and public health and safety challenges all in direct response to the pandemic.

"Our department, along with our partners at Catholic Charities Maine, want to make certain that food banks and pantries are aware of and can maximize this opportunity," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal.

Complete CARES Act Food Security Network Reimbursement Program (CFDA# 21.019) information is available on Catholics Charities Maine Grant Programs webpage: https://www.ccmaine.org/dacf

Phase 1 applicants who received funding may be eligible to submit an amended application for new/additional expenses incurred during the expanded timeframe if previous reimbursements received totaled less than the $10,000 cap.

This funding can be used to reimburse equipment purchases, capital projects/improvements, and other eligible costs incurred between March 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021.

The application deadline is April 16, 2021, and funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants.

Please contact Dan Bazemore, Catholic Charities Maine at DBazemore@ccmaine.org with questions or for additional information.