How to Get Emergency Food in Maine

If you or your family needs food, help is available today. Most food pantries require no ID, no proof of income, and no appointment. Here's how to find food fast and apply for ongoing benefits.

Need Food Today?

Call 211 to find the nearest food pantry or soup kitchen open right now. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or visit 211maine.org.

Use the Good Shepherd Food Bank map at gsfb.org/food-map to find food pantries, meal sites, and mobile distributions near you.

No ID or proof of income is required at most food pantries. Just show up during open hours. Some pantries may ask your name and address for their records, but this will not prevent you from receiving food.

SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)

SNAP provides monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries. If you qualify, you'll receive benefits every month as long as you remain eligible.

Income Limits (Gross Monthly)

Household Size Monthly Limit
1$1,580
2$2,137
3$2,694
4$3,250

How to Apply for SNAP

  1. Online: Apply at mymaineconnection.gov
  2. Phone: Call 1-855-797-4357
  3. In person: Visit your local DHHS office
  4. Mail: Download and mail an application

Processing takes up to 30 days. Emergency (expedited) SNAP can be issued within 7 days if your income is very low or you have less than $100 in cash and bank accounts.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

WIC provides nutritious food, nutrition education, and referrals for:

  • Pregnant and postpartum women
  • Infants and children under age 5
  • Breastfeeding mothers

WIC covers milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, beans, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, baby food, and infant formula.

To apply: Call 1-800-437-9300 or visit your local WIC office. You can apply while pregnant.

School Meals

All K-12 public school students in Maine eat breakfast and lunch for free. This is a universal program. No application is needed. Your child simply eats at school.

Summer Food Programs

When school is out, summer meal sites provide free meals to children and teens 18 and under. No registration or ID required.

  • Find summer meal sites by calling 211 or texting "FOOD" to 304-304
  • Meals are served at schools, community centers, churches, and parks

Key Contacts

Browse all food assistance resources on our Food Resources page, including pantry listings by city.

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