AUGUSTA - A bill to create a funding mechanism to support hunger relief efforts in Maine sponsored by Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, received funding approval Thursday from the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs.
LD 1046 creates a voluntary checkoff box for hunger prevention on Mainers' income tax form. Checkoff boxes are typically used to allow all taxpayers to contribute to specific charitable organizations on their state income tax form. This provides a voluntary option for Mainers who choose to financially support food security in Maine. Further, the bill establishes the Emergency Food Assistance Program Fund to collect the revenue generated from the income tax checkoff.
"Hunger and food insecurity carry immense stigma, particularly for those experiencing it for the first time," said Terry. "It was a problem in our state before the pandemic, but COVID-19 greatly exacerbated this crisis."
In 2019, 13.6 percent of Maine households were food insecure, surpassing the national average of 11.7 percent. More than 170,000 Mainers cannot access enough healthy food on a day-to-day basis each year and one in five children regularly struggle with hunger.
"This bill enables folks to give back what they can to help neighbors facing food insecurity," said Terry. "This checkoff option is just like making dinner for a sick friend or community member in need of a little extra support. It provides a way for more of our neighbors experiencing food insecurity to access meals without all of the added stress and fear often associated with asking for help."
Terry, who represents part of Gorham, is serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry. She serves as House chair of the Taxation Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Terry], c. 812-1111