What is the Food Supplement Program, and who can apply?

The Food Supplement program helps people pay for food. The program may also be called SNAP or Food Assistance (it was formerly called Food Stamps). You get a card that works like a debit card from a bank. You can use the card to buy food at grocery stores. The card is called the Pine Tree Card or an EBT card. 

Most people with low income are eligible for the Food Supplement Program. You do not have to live with children, be getting TANF, or be elderly or disabled to get Food Supplement benefits. Many people work and get these benefits.

Here are some ways to apply:

•  You can get an application from your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office by visiting them or call 1-855-797-4357.
•  You can apply over the phone at 1-855-797-4357.
•  You can go to Maine.gov to download and print an application
•  You can also go to My Maine Connection and apply online

Read our complete guide, the Food Supplement Program: An Overview. 

More help with putting food on the table

• The Food Supplement Program: An Overview
  Basic information about the SNAP program, including how to apply. Last updated Oct 2021, some policies may have changed.
• Food Supplement Estimators
  Enter your household and income information and get an estimate of your eligibility for food supplement benefits
• Food Supplements and Subsidized Housing
  Information for people living in subsidized housing
• Food Supplements for People Who are Homeless
  Information for people who are homeless
• Help With the Cost of Food for the Elderly or Disabled
  Special rules for people who are elderly or disabled
• Food Supplement Program’s Medical Deduction
  Special rules for people with high medical expenses
• Using your EBT card to get Food Supplements and TANF
  Information about using your EBT card
• Food Supplement Overpayments: Do I have to repay?
  Information about food supplement overpayments
• Food Supplement and the 3 Month Time Limit: Can I still get help?
  Food Supplement rules limit eligibility for some 18 – 50-year olds. Find out if these rules apply to you.
• What Happens with my Food Supplements when I get a bunch of Money? (coming soon)
  Information about reporting a lump sum and how it will affect food supplement benefits.
• What Happens with my Food Supplements when I get a job and leave TANF? (coming soon)
  Information about how earned income affects food supplement benefits.
• Report Changes to Keep Your Food Supplement Benefits (coming soon)
  What you need to report, when you need to report it and how to do it.

Where else can I get help with food?

If you’re having a hard time getting enough to eat, or if you want to stretch your SNAP a little further, try these resources:

• Call 211 and ask about food resources
• Search Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Finder Map for a list of food pantries and meal sites in your area 
• Visit a participating farmer’s market (Maine Harvest Bucks) or store (Farm Fresh Rewards) to earn extra SNAP dollars to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers 
• Contact your regional Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-353-3771 for information about additional supports including home-delivered meals for those who are homebound and cannot prepare food for themselves 
• For income-eligible older adults, learn more about the Maine Senior FarmShare Program at (207) 287-3491 or by emailing SeniorFarmShare.AGR@maine.gov