Locations
Maine
Statistics on children, youth and families in Maine from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Maine Children's Alliance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for children 5 years and younger in Maine
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for children 5 years and younger
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Why This Indicator Matters
The Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food to children who live in families with low incomes. The numbers fluctuate with the economy and also with changes in eligibility. Children who live in families who have sufficient food are said to have low food insecurity. This is associated with better outcomes in school and general health.
The number of children ages 5 & under receiving SNAP statewide as of December 2025 was 14,856, or 20% of the child population ages 5 & under. This is 1,406 fewer young children receiving SNAP or a 9% decrease since December 2024. All 16 counties saw a decrease in the number and percent of young children receiving SNAP for this same time period. Percent decreases ranged for counties from a low of -2% (Somerset) to a high of -15% (Franklin).
The rate of SNAP use for children under age 6 varies by county in 2025 and was at or above 30% in Washington (32%), Somerset (30%), and Androscoggin (30%). By contrast, Cumberland (13%), York (14%), and Sagadahoc (15%) had the lowest rates.
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The number of children ages 5 & under receiving SNAP statewide as of December 2025 was 14,856, or 20% of the child population ages 5 & under. This is 1,406 fewer young children receiving SNAP or a 9% decrease since December 2024. All 16 counties saw a decrease in the number and percent of young children receiving SNAP for this same time period. Percent decreases ranged for counties from a low of -2% (Somerset) to a high of -15% (Franklin).
The rate of SNAP use for children under age 6 varies by county in 2025 and was at or above 30% in Washington (32%), Somerset (30%), and Androscoggin (30%). By contrast, Cumberland (13%), York (14%), and Sagadahoc (15%) had the lowest rates.
Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
The number and percent of children ages birth to 5 who were receiving SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps) in December of each calendar year. State totals include children whose county is unknown, who are not Maine residents, or who are not in state. The numerator is the number of children under age 6 who received SNAP in December and the denominator is the number of children under age 6 based on population data from the Office of Vital Statistics.
Data Source
Maine DHHS Office of Family Independence Reports and Maine Department of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics
2025 Data Uploaded 9/1/2026
2025 Data Uploaded 9/1/2026
Notes
Data represents enrollments in SNAP as of December of those years
Last Updated
September 2026