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 0-18 in Maine
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for children 0-18
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Why This Indicator Matters
Supplemental 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.
In December 2025, a total of 50,088 (19%) Maine children ages 18 and younger received SNAP benefits. This represents an 8% decrease in the number of children receiving SNAP from December 2024. Percent decreases in the child population receiving SNAP ranged from a low of -5% in Somerset to a high of -14% in Franklin and Hancock.
In December 2025, six counties had rates of SNAP above 25%. These were: Washington (30%), Somerset (29%), Androscoggin (28%), Piscataquis (28%), Aroostook (27%) and Oxford (27%). By contrast, the counties with the lowest rates of SNAP were: Cumberland (12%), Sagadahoc (13%), and York (13%).
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In December 2025, a total of 50,088 (19%) Maine children ages 18 and younger received SNAP benefits. This represents an 8% decrease in the number of children receiving SNAP from December 2024. Percent decreases in the child population receiving SNAP ranged from a low of -5% in Somerset to a high of -14% in Franklin and Hancock.
In December 2025, six counties had rates of SNAP above 25%. These were: Washington (30%), Somerset (29%), Androscoggin (28%), Piscataquis (28%), Aroostook (27%) and Oxford (27%). By contrast, the counties with the lowest rates of SNAP were: Cumberland (12%), Sagadahoc (13%), and York (13%).
Definition and Source
PROVIDER
Definition
The number/percent of children ages 0-18 who were receiving Supplemental 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.
Data Source
Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Family Independence and Maine Department of Data, Research, and Vital Statistics
2025 Data Uploaded 9/1/2026
2025 Data Uploaded 9/1/2026
Notes
Data for 2003 through 2025 represent enrollments in December of those years.
Last Updated
September 2026