From our partners at the Food Marketing Institute

The section in the President’s 2019 Budget entitled ‘Reforming the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)’ certainly makes major changes, but not changes that SNAP-authorized food retailers see as positive or even efficient.

The budget proposal calls for diverting about half of the food-stamp allowance that most of the 16 million families who get SNAP benefits receive toward what the USDA is calling “America’s Harvest Box.” The box would be stocked with “100-percent U.S. grown and produced food” and include things like “shelf-stable milk, juice, grains, ready-eat-cereals, pasta, peanut butter, beans, canned meat, poultry or fish, and canned fruits and vegetables,” according to USDA.

In budget materials, USDA said it would be able to deliver this food at “approximately half the retail cost.” The remaining amount of the monthly SNAP benefit would still be available to recipients via traditional EBT cards, USDA said. The proposal applies to households receiving at least $90 a month in benefits, which covers more than 80 percent of recipients.

Reforming the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Budget proposes to strengthen work requirements for able-bodied adults and target benefits to the neediest households. The Budget also promotes the use of data and technology to improve program integrity and encourages State investments in evidence-based activities to help participants obtain and maintain employment. Finally, the Budget proposes to combine the traditional retail-based SNAP electronic benefit with the direct provision of nutritious and 100 percent American-grown USDA Foods to participating households. This cost-effective proposal “maintains our commitment to helping needy families avoid hunger while generating substantial savings.”

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AUGUSTA, MAINE – October 13th, 2017 – We’re proud to announce our respected 2017 award recipients.

Snyder’s-Lance of Saco is the 2017 Associate of the Year; Ricker Hill Orchards of Turner is the 2017 Producer of the Year; and Country Farms Market with two locations in Easton and Washburn is the 2017 Grocer of the Year.

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Last week, Republicans in Congress and the White House officials released their plan to overhaul the current tax code the Unified Tax Reform proposal.

On Sept. 27, the GOP unveiled a tax reform framework that was negotiated behind closed door by key players from the House, Senate, and White House, or the “Big Six.”

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To the MGFPA Membership:

In accordance with the MGFPA bylaws for an Amendment to the Bylaws:

Proposed amendments of these Bylaws must be submitted to Members in writing (by either paper or electronic means) and filed in the office of the Association at least fourteen (14) days prior to an Annual Meeting or Convention or Special Meeting unless unanimous written consent waiving said notice and filing requirements is given by Members.  Proposed amendments must be submitted at the annual meeting or convention or special meeting as the regular course of the business, and may only be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the Members present and voting.

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September 27th, Auburn, ME –  MGFPA in partnership with the Good Shepherd Food Bank, hosted Maine’s Fourth Annual Best Bagger Championship to honor our state’s “best” grocery checkout bagger. Bagging is a critically important step for many grocery stores as it is the last impression of the store’s attention to detail, emphasizes the employee and store’s dedication to exceptional customer service and helps ensure customers’ food gets home in perfect condition.

Congratulations to our Champion Best Bagger, Alexzandria “Alex” Matos of Shaw’s in Scarborough!

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