To the Editor:
September is hunger action month. For many Mainers, this is a difficult time of year, particularly where food is concerned. Regrettably, too many households have to skip meals or take other steps to eat less because they don’t have enough money.
Unfortunately, Maine has the third highest rate of hunger in the nation.
As an AmeriCorps VISTA member in partnership with AARP Foundation and AARP Maine, I have seen firsthand the impact hunger has on the people in this state.
SNAP, otherwise known as the Food Supplement Program, is one of the country’s most effective tools to address hunger and poverty. In 2011, it kept 4.7 million people out of poverty, including 2.1 million children. In Maine, every SNAP dollar spent brings $1.79 into the local community, which helps support local farmers and grocers. In 2012, over $376 million dollars came in to our state as a result of this critical nutrition assistance.
If you think you know someone who might be eligible, go to www.maine.gov/mymaineconnection or call 1-(800) 442-6003 to connect to your local DHHS office.
Together, we can make a difference in Maine and help leave hunger in the dust.
Brooke Libby
Portland
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