AUBURN, Maine – With hunger on the rise and Maine’s agricultural sector facing growing economic pressures, Good Shepherd Food Bank is urging lawmakers to support LD 415—legislation that would invest $2 million in Mainers Feeding Mainers, the state’s 15-year-old, nationally recognized farm-to-food-bank initiative that connects local farms to hunger-relief partners across the state.
At a press conference held Tuesday in the Hall of Flags at the Maine State House, advocates, lawmakers, and farmers gathered to highlight how LD 415 would strengthen food security and bolster local farm economies across every county in Maine.
“For 15 years, Mainers Feeding Mainers has proven that we can address hunger while directly supporting our state’s farmers,” said Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank. “This program delivers high-quality, local food to people who need it, while building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural economy. It’s not just about feeding people—it’s about investing in Maine.”
Since its founding, Mainers Feeding Mainers has purchased and distributed more than 28 million pounds of food, all sourced from local farms and food producers. Much of this food is delivered directly from farms to local food pantries, reducing transportation costs and environmental impact while strengthening community connections. Many of the program’s partner farms, particularly in rural areas, rely on these contracts for financial stability and local job creation.
The program currently partners with over 90 farms in every county in the state. Ensuring that nearly every legislative district benefits from either improved food access or stronger farm economies, or both.
“As the federal government slashes programs that provide food assistance for Maine families, this bill would foster resiliency and enhance food security by sourcing fresh, locally-produced food for low-income Mainers,” said bill sponsor, Representative Annie Graham. “If funded, it would support a partnership between our state’s agricultural and fishing industries and local nonprofits, allowing us to better ensure that vulnerable members of our communities have access to healthy, nutritious food.”
Good Shepherd Food Bank and its partners are urging legislators to pass LD 415 without delay to ensure Mainers continue to benefit from this successful and sustainable solution.