AUGUSTA – On Thursday, the Maine Legislature advanced LD 415, sponsored by Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, which would support hunger prevention efforts in Maine.
The measure would provide additional funding to the statewide hunger relief program, Mainers Feeding Mainers, aimed at enhancing food security in Maine by sourcing fresh, locally-produced food from Maine farmers and fishermen. This program provides nutritious food to those accessing community food pantries and supports local agricultural and fishing communities.
“Our state is facing an unpredictable future as the federal government slashes programs that support farmers and fisherman and cuts food support for low-income Mainers,” said Graham. “This bill will help Maine prepare for unpredictable shifts in weather and international trade that may disrupt the supply chain of both domestic and international food. It will also increase our local resiliency today and in the future, support farmers who are working hard to provide nutritious food and stay in business, and help our community members who are struggling more than ever to put food on their tables.”
The Mainers Feeding Mainers program is administered by Good Shepherd Food Bank. Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry currently provides $1 million per year to the program. Graham’s proposed legislation would bring the state’s contribution to $2 million annually, in addition to $2 million in donations that Good Shepherd Food Bank also contributes to Mainers Feeding Mainers.
The bill faces further votes in the Senate.
Rep. Anne Graham is serving her fourth non-consecutive term in the Maine House of Representatives. Graham is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services and the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs. She represents the community members of North Yarmouth and Gray.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Graham) | 305-965-2744