WIC program

Jaqueline Benitez, who depends on California's SNAP benefits to help pay for food, shops for groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Feb. 13, 2023.

Health

Advocates working to end child food insecurity in Maine preparing to defend federal welfare programs

Carol Bousquet

President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly said he would reduce the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, as well as other benefits.

FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2015 file photo, a supermarket displays stickers indicating they accept food stamps in West New York, N.J. The Biden administration has approved a significant and permanent increase in the levels of food stamp assistance available to needy families—the largest single increase in the program’s history. Starting in October 2021, average benefits for food stamps (officially known as the SNAP program) will rise more than 25 percent above pre-pandemic levels. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Politics

Chellie Pingree highlights food insecurity with her State of the Union guest

Irwin Gratz

Rep. Chellie Pingree has invited Good Shepherd Food Bank president Heather Paquette to join her in the House chamber Thursday night. Paquette said food insecurity in Maine is back to pre-pandemic levels.

Baby formula is offered for sale at a big-box store on Jan. 13 in Chicago. Baby formula has been in short supply in many stores around the U.S. for several months.

Health

Maine parents low on baby formula are encouraged to call WIC clinics for help

Patty Wight

Amidst a national shortage of infant formula, the director of Maine's Women, Infants, and Children program, Ginger Roberts-Scott, is encouraging parents on WIC to call their offices for help.

Politics

Maine Forfeits $1.4 Million After Insisting on Photo IDs for Infant Nutrition Program

Maine has had to forfeit $1.4 million because it fell behind on its timeline to bring a nutrition program for women and young children into a paperless…