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
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Why This Indicator Matters
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.
What the data shows
In December 2024, a total of 54,623 Maine children ages 18 and younger received SNAP benefits. In December 2024, 22.1% of Maine children received SNAP. This is a higher percentage than the previous three years.
In December 2024, six counties had rates of SNAP between 31% and 35%. These were: Washington (34.3%), Piscataquis (33.3%), Somerset (33.2%), Oxford (32.7%), Androscoggin (32.6%), and Aroostook (32.0%). By contrast, the counties with the lowest rates of SNAP were: Cumberland (14.2%), Sagadahoc (14.9%), and York (15.3%).
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What the data shows
In December 2024, a total of 54,623 Maine children ages 18 and younger received SNAP benefits. In December 2024, 22.1% of Maine children received SNAP. This is a higher percentage than the previous three years.
In December 2024, six counties had rates of SNAP between 31% and 35%. These were: Washington (34.3%), Piscataquis (33.3%), Somerset (33.2%), Oxford (32.7%), Androscoggin (32.6%), and Aroostook (32.0%). By contrast, the counties with the lowest rates of SNAP were: Cumberland (14.2%), Sagadahoc (14.9%), and York (15.3%).
Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
The number/percent of children ages 0-18 who were receiving Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during December. The state total includes children whose county is unknown or who reside out of state. The numerator is the number of children under age 19 who received SNAP in December and the denominator is the number of children ages 0-18 based on the most recent estimate from Maine's Office of Vital Statistics.
Notes
Data for 2003 through 2024 represent enrollments in December of those years. Data for 2022 was recalculated to include children ages 18.
Last Updated
September 2025