Maine DOE Child Nutrition Programs Unaffected by SNAP

In anticipation of questions from the field, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to assure school administrators that Child Nutrition Programs will continue to operate as usual. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be issued for November, this does not affect school meal programs. Child Nutrition Programs and SNAP are administered separately, and school meal operations will not be affected by changes to federal SNAP benefits.Additionally, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) At-Risk Afterschool Program will continue for those Maine schools currently enrolled. Existing program rules remain in effect; meals must be consumed on-site and in a congregate setting to ensure that students receive the full benefit of these services.The Maine DOE has advised local Child Nutrition Directors to anticipate a potential increase in participation in school breakfast and lunch and the CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Program following the expected changes to SNAP benefits.School administrators may utilize this customizable Community (Food) Resources Template when responding to families who may be experiencing gaps in nutrition assistance, due to the ongoing federal shutdown. For families seeking additional food support, please consider sharing The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Map, organized by county, from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. In addition, 211Maine.org contains information about other available resources.With questions, please contact Jane McLucas, Maine DOE Director of Child Nutrition, at [email protected] you for your continued support in ensuring that all Maine students have access to nutritious meals every school day.