Food pantries around Maine have reported record numbers of people requesting food assistance, with some pantries seeing the number of new enrollees jump 30% to 50% in October.
Gillian Graham
Staff Writer
Gillian Graham reports on social services for the Portland Press Herald, covering topics including child welfare, homelessness, food insecurity, poverty and mental health. A lifelong Mainer and graduate of the University of Southern Maine, she has worked as a journalist since 2005 and joined the paper as a staff writer in 2012. During her time with the Press Herald, Gillian has told the stories of everyday Mainers and tackled issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness. She enjoys telling compelling stories that help people better understand and connect with the communities and people around them. In her free time, Gillian loves spending time with her husband and family, hand embroidery, and hunting for vintage treasure at flea markets and antique stores.
Maine voters surprised by Golden’s decision not to seek reelection
Residents of Maine’s 2nd Congressional District say they are sympathetic to the congressman’s concerns about increasing incivility and political violence.
Turnout strong as Mainers weigh in on state referendums, local races
Mainers on Tuesday braved high winds on a crisp fall day to make their voices heard on as Question 1, which would have required voter ID and made other changes to Maine’s elections, and Question 2, a so-called red flag law. Many towns also held municipal elections.
Mainers turning out to vote on state referendums, local races
Maine voters are considering changes to election and gun laws with Questions 1 and 2, with municipal races and referendums also on the ballot for many.
Judges rule Trump administration can’t suspend SNAP during shutdown
In a lawsuit that Maine joined, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani said the government must pay out at least partial benefits to the millions of Americans — including 170,000 Mainers — who rely on food stamps.
Here’s where SNAP is distributed in Maine
Nearly 170,000 people across the state receive the monthly food assistance benefits.
Extreme drought expands in southern Maine, despite recent rain
The National Weather Service says the state needs at least another foot of rain before the ground freezes to overcome drought conditions.
Angus King co-sponsoring bill to keep SNAP, WIC going during shutdown
The Maine independent is also joining Republican Sen. Susan Collins in supporting a similar piece of legislation that seeks to maintain funding food assistance in November.
Will Halloween be rainy in Maine? It might not stop trick-or-treaters
Rain is expected Thursday and Friday, but the heaviest showers should wrap up before it’s time for trick-or-treating, forecasters say.
What will it take to end Maine’s drought before winter?
The state needs significant rainfall — at least a foot — before the ground freezes to alleviate the dry conditions that date back to August. Otherwise, the drought likely won’t end until the snow melts next spring.