Food Insecurity in Lewiston and Auburn

Being disproportionally affected by diet-sensitive chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.  (2) 

The Meals Program serves a hot lunch Monday-Saturday at 11:00. They serve 100-200 plates each meal to men, women, and children who are hungry, often as a result of homelessness, mental illness, or disability.  (4) 

Typical Meals may include items such as fresh sandwiches, salads, pastas, fruits. pastries, and breads.

Bates College currently donates excess food from their daily meals and Hannaford Supermarket donates about-to-expire bakery, meat, deli, bread, and produce items. This food is then redistributed to housing communities and residents throughout Lewiston.  (5) 

More than 100 households are served by the food pantry each week, mostly working families as well as elderly people and homeless people. They distribute thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables and have recently increased the amount of food provided each week, adding meats and non-meat proteins like eggs and cheese. They also distribute 4,000 diapers every month.  (5) 

Cooking Matters provides low-income people at risk of hunger with hands-on cooking and nutrition classes led by volunteer professional chefs and nutritionists. These four to six week classes are held in local community agencies and schools. Classes are free to participants and host agencies. At each class, participants receive a bag of groceries and recipes to try at home.  (6) 

Through the Community Health and Hunger Program, the Food Bank partners with healthcare providers to connect food insecure patients with community resources and the food they need to live healthier lives.  (7) 

The Food Mobile is a “pantry on wheels” that delivers high-quality, nutritious food to communities across Maine. Distributions are year-round and conducted outdoors.  (8) 

These programs give children leadership opportunities in a safe environment and allow kids to work to cultivate fresh and healthful foods. These ongoing programs happen within many Lewiston/Auburn schools, the Lewiston Public Library, the Hillview children’s garden and kitchen, and the Knox Street children’s garden.  (9) 

Teaches individuals “healthy habits” such as reading food labels, making healthy and informed food choices, building balanced meals and incorporating more fruits and vegetables and whole grains into everyday eating. Teaches participants how to cook simple recipes, build confidence in the kitchen, and learn tips for food shopping and meal planning.  (10) 

The Good Food Bus is a mobile food market that creates easier access to good food. It is a market on wheels with stops across Lewiston-Auburn and surrounding areas. Its goal is to bring food that is local, convenient, and affordable to the people of Maine.  (11) 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) focuses on supplementing the diets of limited-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to the age of 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.

6.67% of Lewiston Residents utilized WIC as of 2013. WIC participants receive checks or vouchers to purchase specific foods each month that are designed to supplement their diets with specific nutrients that benefit WIC’s target population.  (12) 

As of 2013, 68% of kids in Lewiston were eligible for free or reduced price lunch.  (12) 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides people of limited income with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores and accredited farmers’ markets.

In 2012 the average monthly SNAP benefit per person in Maine was $124.16.  (12) 

A variety of supermarkets in Lewiston accept SNAP and WIC, including (but not limited to): Hannaford, Save-a-Lot, and Shaw's. The Lewiston Farmer's Market also accepts SNAP and WIC, and residents can purchase locally grown "good food" at the Farmers Market. (11)