On Monday morning, Oct. 27, 23 community leaders, municipal representatives, and local organizations gathered at the Rotary Club of Boothbay Harbor for an emergency meeting to address the sudden disruption in SNAP ( Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)  benefits caused by the federal government closure. The meeting was convened to assess the impact on local households, coordinate an immediate response, and develop a strategy to support affected residents.  

Holly Stover, director of the CRC, opened the meeting by emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the importance of a unified community response. The disruption had left 283 households across Boothbay (101), Boothbay Harbor (118), Edgecomb (51), and Southport (13) without access to essential food assistance. The total number of individuals is 480 in the 283 households that are directly impacted by the SNAP suspension of benefits.

Participants began by sharing updates on how their organizations were responding.   

The CRC has purchased 283 ($250) Hannaford gift cards that will be distributed to SNAP households beginning Nov. 10. 

Hannah Corkum, CRC Community Navigator, outlined the process of distributing the cards, which will begin the week of Nov 10. All SNAP participants will receive a letter in the mail that they will need to bring with them to their respective Town Office or at one of the four low-income housing developments (Davis Island, Campbell Creek, Bayview/School Street, and Bay Landing).  They will need to bring the letter from DHHS, a photo ID and their EBT card to receive a Hannaford card from Hannah. If there are questions about the initiative, please contact Hannah at hannah.corkum@crcboothbay.org .   

Michael Maxim, former board member with the CRC and program lead for the CRC Food for Thought Program, reported that for the month of November, the program will double the FFT deliveries with an increased emphasis on meals. Typically, the program provides additional snacks for the weekend, but this will be an intentional increase of meals. FFT presently serves 28 families on the peninsula for a total of 58 individuals. Referrals for FFT go through the CRC Community Navigator, Hannah Corkum.   

The Boothbay Region Food Pantry representatives John Lunt and Greg Barter reported that they are anticipating increased demand and are working to allow participants to come two times per month instead of once. They have also opened the Food Pantry to all federal workers who are currently furloughed and unpaid. They explained that participants can come in now to sign up for a Thanksgiving and Christmas food voucher. They also reminded the group that people can request emergency food anytime by calling the pantry at 207-350-2962.  

Shawna Kurr, BRES principal, stated that they are increasing the food/snack closets at the BRES and BRHS. She also mentioned that free breakfast and lunch are provided to all schoolchildren and that it is a beneficial program, particularly in this SNAP crisis. She also mentioned that they are working with the CRC to launch the “Cooking with Kids and Compassion” program, which is a grant-funded initiative to have meals prepared with school staff, teachers and community members. The meals will be fresh or frozen and sent home with students who need a meal for themselves and/or family.   

AnniPat McKenney with Maine Health/Lincoln Hospital, Coulombe Center for Health Improvement reported that each of the Primary care practices at Lincoln Hospital has a “Help Yourself Shelf” food pantry in their respective lobby area that is food for all of the patients.

EmmaRose van der Veen of the Carousel Marina and Whale’s Tale Restaurant stated that she had met with her family members and they decided to create a SNAP Substitute Meal Menu that will include three meal choices, a beverage, and ice cream for any SNAP participant who comes to the Whale's Tale Restaurant during November. They will ask for the EBT card to be shown when they present the bill, and there will be no charge for the meal(s). The group was very appreciative and grateful to hear about the generosity of the van der Veen family. 

Joanna Breen, executive director of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, stated that the library has snacks available for children when they participate in activities or groups. In addition, they will be offering a Saturday morning continental brunch for anyone who is a SNAP participant beginning Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   

Kathryn Sullivan was present from Meals on Wheels, a locally run not-for-profit non-affiliated with Spectrum Generations. The meals are all made at St. Andrews Village, which is presently challenged because the chef is out on medical leave. Kathryn did say that people are welcome to call her at 207-380-5439 to inquire about the availability of Meals on Wheels.   

It was also mentioned that Brady’s Community Lunches will begin on Nov. 3. The Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor will be holding their first “Food with Friends Community Lunch” on Nov. 5.   

Dan Bryer, Boothbay town manager, described the General Assistance Program administered through all municipalities. This is potentially an additional resource for people struggling with the emergency elimination of SNAP benefits.   

In summary, we discussed the challenges brought on by the closure of the federal government, and attendees also explored ways to coordinate and collaborate on food assistance more effectively. We reviewed available resources, including food supply, increased access points, and transportation challenges. Several opportunities for collaboration emerged, including expanding shared communication platforms to streamline efforts.  

Communication strategies were discussed to keep the public informed. Plans included regular updates via websites and social media, printed flyers in the community, and general information called in to the Community Resource Council at 207-633-6272. 

As the meeting concluded, participants agreed on several next steps. There will be a group meeting at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce TBD about organizing a large food drive at Early Bird. There was discussion of including BRHS Interact Club and the BRHS field hockey team in this effort.   

The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Rotary Club. The meeting adjourned with a strong sense of commitment to ongoing collaboration.