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Let’s talk about SNAP

What are SNAP Benefits in Maine?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government-funded program that helps people with low income buy food. In Maine, SNAP benefits are provided through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, also known as the Maine Pine Tree Card. The card works like a debit card, but the money can only be spent on eligible food items. You can use your EBT card at grocery stores, farmers markets, and food co-ops that accept SNAP. At checkout, simply swipe your card and enter your PIN to pay.

You can search online for stores that accept SNAP in Maine by ZIP code through the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator.

How do SNAP benefits work?

Each month, your SNAP benefits are automatically added to your Maine Pine Tree EBT card.

If you do not use all of your benefits right away, the remaining balance stays on your card for up to one year from the date they are issued.

The amount of SNAP you receive depends on:

  • Your household income
  • The number of people in your household
  • Certain expenses (like housing or childcare costs)
  • Other eligibility factors

After your application is approved, you will receive detailed information about your benefit amount and when you can expect deposits.

Extra help buying fruits and vegetables

Many farmers markets and participating grocery stores in Maine offer Maine Harvest Bucks.

If you use SNAP, this program can match your SNAP spending on fruits and vegetables — often dollar for dollar — helping you buy more fresh, locally grown produce. The match amount may vary by location, so check with your local market for details.

Farm Fresh Rewards also helps families purchase more local fruits and vegetables, making fresh, healthy food more affordable for shoppers using SNAP/EBT by providing 50% off eligible produce items at checkout.

What can I buy with SNAP?

SNAP benefits can be used to buy:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Breads and cereals
  • Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Seeds and plants that produce food

SNAP cannot be used to buy:

  • Alcohol or tobacco
  • Food and drinks containing cannabis/marijuana or CBD
  • Vitamins or supplements
  • Live animals
  • Pre-prepared hot foods (in most cases)
  • Pet food
  • Non-food items like cleaning supplies or paper products

Need food help beyond SNAP?

If you need additional food assistance in Maine, there are several resources available:

  • Visit our Food Map to find a pantry nearest to you.
  • You can find more resources like transportation by visiting 211 Maine (dial 2-1-1)

Who can get SNAP in Maine?

To qualify for SNAP in Maine, you must:

  • Be a resident of Maine
  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
  • Meet income guidelines based on your household size

Your household includes the people you live with and share food with. Income limits vary depending on how many people are in your household.

The Maine DHHS will review your application and let you know if you qualify and how much assistance you will receive.

If you think you may be eligible, you can apply online through the Maine DHHS My Maine Connection portal, by mail, or in person at a local DHHS office.

Need help applying for SNAP? Good Shepherd Food Bank offers free support to help you complete your application and understand the process. Get started by visiting the Food Bank’s SNAP outreach page.