SNAP Benefits to be Reduced For Thousands of Mainers Beginning March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of things about the way millions of Americans had to live their lives. Thankfully, things like social distancing requirements and masking mandates seem to be pretty well in the rearview mirror at this point, though there are still some COVID-era things that are still in place but are getting ready to expire.

One of those things, that will affect thousands of Maine families, is the COVID-era increase to the SNAP benefits.

That COVID increase is set to expire next month, according to WGME 13.

The news station is reporting that the monetary boost in Maine SNAP benefits was the result of a Federal Government program that had been rolled out during the pandemic. However, those extra benefits are set to expire on March 1st, 2023.

The expiration of these extra federal benefits called "Emergency Maximum Assistance" is sure to hit tens of thousands of Mainers hard as they have been accustomed to the extra money on their cards, especially while grocery prices continue to soar to all-time highs.

Mainer Dannettee Killinger, who uses SNAP benefits to purchase food for her disabled son each month, told WGME that with the Emergency Maximum Assistance program in effect, she received $516 a month. However, she said that on March 1st when these benefits expire, that monthly total will plummet to just $26.

Mainers who are in need can call 211 to get a list of food pantries in their area. Additionally, WIC is available for qualifying Mainers, too.