Ingwersen introduces bill to help Maine residents access local produce

Senator Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, introduced on March 6 a bill to address food insecurity in Maine and remove barriers against access to nutritious food.

LD 468, “An Act to Address Food Insecurity by Helping Maine Residents Access Locally Produced Food,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.

“Nutrition incentive programs such as Maine Harvest Bucks are a win-win-win for Maine. They promote food security among vulnerable Mainers, boost local agriculture and support positive health outcomes and behaviors,” said Sen. Henry Ingwersen. “Every dollar in SNAP used by this program spurs $1.70 in growth for the local economy. It is crucial that we continue supporting Mainers by building long-term solutions for hunger while supporting local farmers.”

“LD 468 is crucial for providing long-term stability and leveraging additional federal funds,” said Jimmy DeBiasi, Executive Director of Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets in supporting testimony on behalf of Maine Local Foods Access Network. “This investment is about ensuring all Mainers, regardless of income, can access fresh, local food while supporting our farmers and economy.”

LD 468 would give ongoing funding to nutrition incentive programs, such as Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards. The bill would help Mainers that are food insecure purchase local produce by providing bonus dollars or discounts when utilizing SNAP benefits at farmers’ markets, CSA’s, farm stands and retailers. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in February 2023 about 100,000 Maine households received SNAP benefits. This bill would work to remove barriers for lower-income Mainers to access high quality foods while also increasing positive health outcomes.

This legislation also works to address Maine’s climate goals. The Maine Climate Council’s “Maine Won’t Wait” strategy states that Maine will “increase the amount of food in Maine from state food producers by 2030.” Increasing in-state food production will reduce our reliance on out-of-state transportation of produce and significantly reduce Maine’s carbon footprint. This bill would allow Maine to have a long-term and sustainable solution for food insecurity and our climate.

LD 468 faces a work session and further action in committee.