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.

Seacoast NH and Maine food pantries listed here as Nov. 1 end to SNAP benefits looms amid government shutdown.

RSU 57 and MSAD 20 are holding districtwide food drives to help students and families in need as federal funding for food-assistance aid is expected to run out.

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.

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.

In Bangor, Blaze is offering 50% off their entire food menu for EBT SNAP benefit cardholders. In a post on social media, they say people can present their current and valid card and form of payment in the guest check presenter and they will take 50% off of the bill.

Rebecca Coffin owns Hailey's Kitchen Cafe & Bakery in Windham, Maine. She worried about the local community not being able to afford food.

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.