The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced today that individuals and families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also known as SNAP or Food Supplement) will be receiving their February benefits early to help them withstand potentially severe impacts to SNAP caused by the continued federal government shutdown.

To note:

• Maine participants who received a SNAP benefit in January and were scheduled to receive the benefit again in February will receive it on January 17 (in other words, they will be receiving their February benefit on January 17);
• Participants will not receive another allotment in February. Families should be mindful of this when they are planning their shopping for the month, and budget accordingly.

If you or someone you know is impacted by the federal government shutdown and is in need of finding local resources, call 211 (or 1-866-811-5695) or text your zip code to 898-211.