Find a Food Pantry or Support in Sanford, ME

The Maine Senior FarmShare Program in Sanford, ME, is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of income-eligible older adults by providing access to fresh, locally grown produce at no cost. Each growing season, seniors can receive a FarmShare valued at $50 directly from participating Maine farmers, promoting healthy eating and supporting local agriculture. Enrollment begins in April, and shares are available on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that our community's seniors can enjoy the nutritional benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. While meeting eligibility requirements is essential, it is important to note that available shares are limited, making timely registration vital for participation.

Located in Sanford, ME, Youth Full Maine's Food Pantries are dedicated to providing essential food assistance to students and their families. We strive to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food by distributing fresh produce that meets basic dietary needs. Our commitment to addressing food insecurity in the community drives us to make healthy food options available, promoting well-being for both students and their households. We invite families to reach out and participate in our programs to help alleviate hunger and support wellness.

The Dysphagia Outreach Project Food Bank in Sanford, ME, is dedicated to assisting low-income individuals facing the challenges of dysphagia by providing essential resources tailored to their needs. Our organization offers a variety of life-enhancing services, including food thickeners, pre-modified foods, therapy tools, oral care supplies, and adaptive equipment, ensuring that those with swallowing difficulties receive the support they need to maintain their health and dignity. Through our commitment to food assistance, we aim to create a caring environment where individuals can access the crucial resources necessary for better quality of life. We welcome all eligible community members to visit us and discover the comprehensive support we offer.

Financial Assistance for Families Working in the Restaurant Industry, located in Sanford, ME, is dedicated to providing essential support to food and beverage service employees and their children facing financial hardship due to medical crises or illnesses. We offer financial assistance for a range of urgent needs, including rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, funeral expenses, and medical costs, as well as essential child-related expenses like diapers, formula, and childcare. Understanding the challenges our community faces, we strive to ensure that families receive the support they need during difficult times. Our program allows past recipients to reapply for assistance after a year, ensuring ongoing aid for those in need, while lifetime assistance is capped at $7,500 to help as many families as possible. We are committed to standing by the restaurant industry workers who nourish our community.

The DHHS Community Care Program in Sanford, ME, is dedicated to bridging gaps in healthcare and social services for all Mainers, especially those facing barriers to access. Through our user-friendly online referral system, individuals can easily connect with a wide range of resources tailored to their needs. We provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services, support for mothers and children, assistance navigating the healthcare system, health and wellness education, and essential options for food, heating, and transportation. Our compassionate team is committed to offering timely support for stress and anxiety and addressing specific COVID-related concerns. Once you fill out our referral form, one of our community partners will reach out within 1-3 days to discuss your needs and explore suitable options, ensuring that you can access the assistance you deserve based on your household’s unique circumstances.

Located in Sanford, ME, Food Stamp Assistance is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the process of obtaining crucial food assistance through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). We understand that applying for government benefits can feel overwhelming, especially during tough times. Our mission is to simplify this process by guiding you through eligibility screening and providing resources to help you access emergency food support without the added stress. Whether you prefer to use our simple online screener or text FOOD to 74544 for a quick eligibility check, we are here to ensure you can secure the benefits you need. In addition, we connect you with local partners who can assist you in completing your application, making it accessible and straightforward for everyone in the Sanford area who needs it.

The Selma Schimmel Vital Grant in Sanford, ME, is dedicated to providing essential support for individuals confronting significant financial challenges stemming from chronic, terminal, or rare conditions like cancer, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s Disease. This compassionate program offers critical utility assistance and grocery assistance to ease the burden of these medical diagnoses. Please note that the grant provides support for either utilities or groceries, catering to the urgent needs of those struggling. Additionally, Vital Options International (VOI) collaborates with local organizations to connect individuals with further resources and assistance, ensuring a comprehensive support network for our community members in need.

At Critical Financial Assistance in Sanford, ME, we are dedicated to supporting military families navigating challenging financial moments. Our mission is to provide essential resources, including food assistance, auto and home repair services, vision care, and transportation support. We understand the unique struggles faced by veterans and their families, which is why we also offer assistance with critical expenses such as rent, mortgage, child care, and essential home items. Our program is designed to ensure that those who qualify can access the help they need through a straightforward application process, though we appreciate your understanding in light of potential processing delays due to high demand. Together, we can alleviate some of the burdens and help military families thrive during tough times.

At the Financial Resource Center in Sanford, ME, we understand the overwhelming challenges families face when confronted with a cancer diagnosis. Many find themselves navigating not just the complexities of treatment but also the daunting financial burden that comes with it, leading to difficult choices between paying for rent, medical copays, or even keeping essential groceries on hand. We are committed to ensuring that no family has to choose between their health and their basic needs. By providing critical financial assistance tailored to the unique needs of families battling cancer, we work to alleviate stress, improve health outcomes, and restore peace of mind during one of life's toughest journeys.

The Maine Senior FarmShare Program is dedicated to supporting income-eligible older adults in Sanford, ME, by providing them with the opportunity to receive a free share of local produce, valued at $50, directly from Maine farmers throughout the growing season. Each spring, seniors can register with participating farmers to access this vital food assistance, although shares are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative not only fosters access to fresh, nutritious food but also strengthens connections between seniors and local agriculture, ensuring that our elderly community members can enjoy the benefits of local produce while promoting sustainable farming practices.

Maine Harvest Bucks (MHB), based in Sanford, ME, is dedicated to enhancing access to fresh, local produce for low-income families through its innovative nutrition incentive program. By partnering with farmers’ markets, CSA farms, and farm stands, MHB provides vital food assistance by allowing SNAP/EBT shoppers to earn $5 in Maine Harvest Bucks for every $10 spent. These Bucks can be used immediately or saved for future purchases, ensuring that healthy, local food is within reach for everyone in the community. Join us in supporting sustainable food systems and making nutritious choices accessible to all.

Supportive Services for BIPOC Sex Workers is a dedicated collective based in Sanford, ME, led by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the sex trades. We prioritize the inclusion of sex workers in all leadership and decision-making roles, ensuring that our services are tailored to the unique needs of our community. Our mission is to advocate for labor rights and provide essential resources such as financial assistance, mental health support, medical care, and legal services. By expanding access to these critical services, we empower People of the Global Majority to thrive in their personal and professional lives, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes dignity and respect.

Located in Sanford, ME, Financial Assistance Funds is dedicated to supporting children with special health care needs and their families. Our mission is to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical care, offering assistance for critical expenses such as medical bills, prescriptions, and durable medical equipment. In addition, we recognize the importance of non-medical costs, providing support for home and vehicle modifications, and essential daily living expenses like food, utilities, and transportation. We also cover healthcare utilization costs, helping families with travel expenses to medical facilities and lodging during treatment. Grants of up to $500 are available per family each year to ensure that every child gets the support they need. Our application process is straightforward, with requests reviewed in the order they are received, allowing for timely assistance to those who qualify. We are here to empower families during challenging times, ensuring that their focus remains on health and well-being rather than financial stress.