November EBT Benefits Paused Due to Federal Government Shutdown

What We Know

• On October 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service notified all states that November 2025 funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be issued at this time due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

• This week, Maine Governor Janet Mills announced $1.25 million for Maine food pantries and anti-hunger programs. The emergency funding includes $1 million from the Governor’s Contingency Account and $250,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation. These funds will be distributed through Good Shepherd Food Bank and Maine’s network of Area Agencies on Aging to support food pantries and Meals on Wheels programs that assist families, children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities who have been affected by the loss of federal food benefits.

• EBT cards are not frozen. Any current SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards WILL remain available for use to purchase food.

• You can still apply for SNAP. SNAP benefit applications, renewals, and updates continue to be accepted and processed by Maine DHHS during the federal government shutdown.

• Apply over the phone at 1-855-797-4357

• Download and print an application

• Visit My Maine Connection and apply online

Maine DHHS will provide updates as soon as new details become available.

Find Food Now

• View/download our Food Resource Guide for Hancock and Washington counties https://healthyacadia.org/s/Food-Resource-Guide-2025.pdf.

• Call 211, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or visit 211Maine.org.

• Directory of food pantries in Maine

• Other emergency food resources

• FindHelp.org

• Follow Healthy Acadia on Facebook - we’ll share additional food resources in our communities as we learn of them. Do you have information to share about a local business, group, or organization that’s providing free or discounted meals at this time? Message us or send an email to info@healthyacadia.org.

How You Can Help

• Donate your end-of-season garden surplus through our Downeast Gleaning Initiative for distribution to local food pantries

• Full Plates Full Potential's "How to Help" page.

• Good Shepherd Food Bank "Get Involved" page.

• Consider donating to your local food pantry, food bank, or food security organization:

  • Money - to purchase food wholesale/in bulk

  • Volunteer to help organize donations, deliver,

  • Food - check with your local food security organization to see what’s needed most right now.

  • consider making sure cans have pop-up lids in case someone doesn't have a can opener).

• Presente Maine distributes food to New Mainers regularly and can always use both volunteer support and money. They are also facilitating the Maine Solidarity Fund, which offers direct relief in the form of cash transfers up to $2,500 for families of detained individuals and transgender community members.