York County Food Council

04/16/2026

👏

This week, the Maine Senate passed one of my bills. LD 468, “An Act to Address Food Insecurity by Helping Maine Residents Access Locally Produced Food,” would remove barriers against access to nutritious food to mitigate the impacts of food insecurity.

Along with my other bill to protect Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards from cuts in federal funding, this bill would be a strong investment in farmers and food producers that boosts accessibility to locally grown, nutritious produce.

If we are going to continue to fight hunger, then we need to support these hardworking people and these programs. This bill is also a critical part of our plan to build strong communities and lower costs for everyday Mainers.

As amended, the bill would provide $500,000 in one-time funding for these programs.

LD 468 went to the Governor’s desk, where she has 10 days to sign it, allow it to become law without her signature or veto it.

03/16/2026

Well done!

Earlier this month, my bill to better protect state food security programs from federal cuts in funding was signed into law!

In the months since the federal SNAP crisis, I continue to have concerns about the uncertainty over available federal funding for critical hunger relief programs.

As a result, I feel the same way now as I did when I first introduced this bill. Mainers are counting on us to put into place safeguards for the programs that help protect children, Mainers with disabilities, older Mainers and veterans from hunger.

When this new law goes into effect, we will be better prepared for the next federal crisis, which could hit our state at any time.

Read the full release here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-ingwersen-bill-to-better-protect-state-food-security-programs-from-federal-cuts-in-funding-receives-governors-signature/

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

Grateful for everyone who joined us at the York County Food Council’s Community Meeting last week!

Together, we explored how we can strengthen food access and security in uncertain times, heard powerful insights from our speakers and panelists, and gathered ideas and energy from partners across the county.

Thank you to Senator Henry Ingwersen, Anna Korsen from Full Plates Full Potential, every organization, volunteer, and community member who showed up with passion, solutions, and a commitment to working together. York County is stronger because of you. 💚

11/17/2025

Join us for the 3rd Annual York County Food Council Community Meeting — Strengthening Food Access & Security in Uncertain Times 🌾

📅 Friday, December 5 | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 The Ecology School, S**o, ME

We’ll gather community partners, schools, legislators, and local organizations to share insights, policy updates, and local solutions that strengthen food access in Maine. Lunch will be provided 🍽 — and please consider bringing a 🥫 non-perishable food item to benefit Youth Full Maine.

🔗 Register by November 21: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/c36560f87d2747aa828e61ed9fa52138

11/02/2025

Thanks to Age Friendly Biddeford and Age Friendly S**o for offering transportation to any Biddeford resident needing a ride to the Biddeford Food Pantry. The free shuttle will be offered from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To reserve a seat, which requires two-day notice, call (207) 391-9512.

10/29/2025

In response to the SNAP funding crisis, MFFM will continue providing Maine Harvest Bucks at farmers' markets regardless of whether your card has remaining funds.

When you show your EBT card at the Info Booth of any participating farmers' market, you'll receive $15 in Maine Harvest Bucks to spend on fresh produce. You can do this every time you visit the market in the month of November.

Maine Harvest Bucks is our statewide food access program that makes shopping at the farmers' market more affordable, and pays farmers the full retail value for their work.

Normally, when you spend SNAP/EBT at the farmers' market, you earn matching bonus Maine Harvest Bucks. SNAP shoppers are an essential part of the farmers' market community and we will do all we can to support you.

If you still have funds on your EBT card, you can continue spending them, and the regular Maine Harvest Bucks match is still in effect.

Find a list of all currently open participating farmers' markets at https://www.maineharvestbucks.org

Not a SNAP shopper, but want to help? We need you.
Maine Harvest Bucks is a highly efficient, effective food security and farmer support program. It empowers over 30,000 Maine households to eat more fresh, local food, and brings over $750,000 a year in direct, full-value sales to Maine farmers' market vendors. Learn more here: https://mainefarmersmarkets.org/emergency-maine-harvest-bucks-available/

10/29/2025

Weekend meals in Biddeford!

Seeds of Hope Community Suppers

Beginning Saturday, November 8th, Seeds of Hope will host Community Suppers every Saturday and Sunday until SNAP benefits are reinstated. We recognized a critical gap, there are no free meal options on weekends, and we knew we had to step in.

We’ll offer two seatings each evening:
4:00 PM and 6:00 PM

Everyone is welcome.
No questions. No barriers. Just good food and community. EVERYONE.

Here’s what’s cooking for opening weekend:

Saturday, Nov. 8 – A Classic New England Supper
All-beef franks
Baked beans
Biscuits
Coleslaw

Sunday, Nov. 9 – Italian Comfort
Spaghetti & meatballs
Tossed salad
Garlic bread

Plus dessert, coffee, tea, and lemonade served both nights.

This is our small way of stepping into the gap, just as we always strive to do. We believe food should never be politicized. It’s essential, and everyone deserves to be nourished with dignity and care.

To help foster a welcoming space for all, meals will be served on-site only, there will be no takeout available.

Volunteers and donations are welcome.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you’d like to help.

10/28/2025

Thank you Senator Henry Ingwersen for leading the way on this and to all the other lawmakers working to make sure people have food! 🙏

10/12/2025

Happy Farmer’s Day!

Maine’s local farmers and small businesses keep our communities strong and our economy growing. 🌱🚜