LPD Citizens Police Academy

LEWISTON — The Lewiston Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy provides an inside look over the day-to-day operations of the department. This is an opportunity to engage with the department and to be informed on the services they provide, to discuss current issues taking place within Lewiston and out, and to ask questions related to law enforcement.

The 10-week program will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays from Jan. 30 to March 3 at the department. Applications are available in the department lobby.

For more information contact Officer Joe Philippon at jphilippon@lewistonmaine.gov (preferred) or at 207-513-3010.

Church thrift shop closed

WILTON — The thrift shop at the Wilton Congregational Church will be closed during January and February.

If there is a need, contact Pam Brown at 207-645-2091.

Food budgeting workshops to be held

LEWISTON — There will be two food budgeting workshops, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at St. Mary’s Nutrition Center, 208 Bates St.

This workshop is intended to teach folks how to:

• Learn the basics of building a food budget;

• Work with trained nutrition educators to create personalized shopping and menu plans for the month of February; and

• Receive resources about ways to stretch food dollars and create affordable, nutritious meals.

Registration isn’t necessary, but it is helpful to ensure adequate resources are available.

For more information or to reserve a spot, call Rebecca at 207-330-7881.

SNAP, food benefit allotments

AUGUSTA — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits people received Jan. 17 included their entire February benefit.

Because of this, recipients will not receive another allotment in February.

Due to the federal government shutdown, Maine has worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to help meet February nutrition needs.

For more information contact the DHHS Office of Family Independence from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 1-855-797-4357, option 5.

Grants program for federal employees

The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund has launched a grant program to assist civilian federal employees facing unforeseen hardships due to the partial government shutdown. Feds with an annual salary of $55,000 or less who have been furloughed or are working in excepted status and not receiving pay can receive a $100 grant to help cover essentials like groceries and gas.

While this small grant does not replace missing pay, FEEA hopes it will help feds with things like feeding their families or paying commuting costs. Employees in need can apply at www.feea.org/shutdowngrant.