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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
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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.
What the data shows
The number of children ages 5 & under receiving SNAP statewide as of December 2024 was 16,262, or 22.1% of the child population ages 5 & under.
The rate of SNAP use for children under age 6 varies by county in 2024 was above 32% in three counties-Washington (34.6%), Androscoggin (32.1%), and Aroostook (32.1%). By contrast, Cumberland York, and Sagadahoc had the lowest rates, all between 14.5% and 16.6%.
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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
The number of children ages 5 & under receiving SNAP statewide as of December 2024 was 16,262, or 22.1% of the child population ages 5 & under.
The rate of SNAP use for children under age 6 varies by county in 2024 was above 32% in three counties-Washington (34.6%), Androscoggin (32.1%), and Aroostook (32.1%). By contrast, Cumberland York, and Sagadahoc had the lowest rates, all between 14.5% and 16.6%.
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. Note: 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
Notes
Data represents enrollments in SNAP as of December of those years.
Last Updated
September 2025