The announcement that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits wouldn’t be distributed in November rippled through Maine, where tens of thousands of households rely on assistance for food. The news has prompted leaders at all levels of government in Maine to call on the federal government to distribute the benefits to avoid a crisis for recipients.

The funds are intended to strengthen Maine’s food pantries and hunger relief programs as federal food aid stops during the shutdown.

Two separate federal judges in New England have ruled that the Trump administration must continue paying federal SNAP benefits, even during the shutdown.

With roughly 170,000 Mainers about to lose federal food assistance and, in the absence of a state contingency plan, dozens of legislators are calling on the federal government to release emergency funds.

Maine business owners are stepping in to help support community members who are struggling to feed their families with SNAP funds expected to cease Nov. 1.

Federal food assistance for nearly 170,000 Mainers is likely to halt next week due to the government shutdown. Some local businesses are stepping in to provide free food and supplies to fill the gap.

Sen. Craig Hickman, an organic farmer, says the state 'must act quickly' to cover the anticipated loss of federal food assistance for 170,000 Mainers.

Something's got to give — and it's not the local markets, restaurants, food banks and pantries already giving their all.

Of the total pledged, $1 million will come from the governor's contingency account, with the John T. Gorman Foundation contributing $250,000 to supplement food supplies for Maine households.

This money is expected to help provide food for the nearly 170,000 Maine residents who rely on SNAP benefits, as funding will not be available in November due to the federal government shutdown.

Should the federal shutdown continue and interfere with SNAP benefits for Mainers who need help feeding their families, I have a suggestion for our leaders in Augusta: Use the rainy day fund to feed Maine families.