COMMUNITY | Feeding Families, Funding Farmers Markets

In his monthly column for the Biddeford Gazette, State Sen. Henry Ingwersen discusses the benefits of a bill he sponsored to address hunger and support local farmers

By HENRY INGWERSEN | State Senator, Dist. 32

In just a few weeks, many of the farmers markets across our state will set up their booths and stalls for folks to buy fresh, local produce and homemade goods. It’s something that I look forward to every spring.

It’s also perfect timing. Earlier this month, one of my bills was signed into law. LD 468, “An Act to Address Food Insecurity by Helping Maine Residents Access Locally Produced Food,” will remove barriers to accessing nutritious, locally grown produce and help Mainers mitigate the impacts of food insecurity.

**SEN INGWERSEN** (Left) celebrates the signing of his bill LD 468, An Act to Address Food Insecurity by Helping Maine Residents Access Locally Produced Food, into law by Gov. Janet Mills. | *Contributed photo*

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When folks shop around, I hope they remember Farm Fresh Rewards and Maine Harvest Bucks, which many farmers markets accept. My new law will provide critical financial support to these programs so that Maine families – including those on SNAP – can continue to get the best of locally grown and harvested food right here.

Once it goes into effect, the bill will provide $500,000 in one-time funding for nutrition incentive programs, like Farm Fresh Rewards and Maine Harvest Bucks.

Each year, Harvest Bucks helps over 10,000 Mainers live healthier lives. Because of this program, people who shop with SNAP earn bonus bucks to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. It’s available at farmers markets, community supported agriculture (CSAs) and farmstands across the state.

This bill is a win for local farmers, a win for our local economy and a win for Mainers looking to access fresh, healthy produce.

Once it goes into effect, the new
law will provide $500,000
in one-time funding for nutrition
incentive programs, such as Farm Fresh
Rewards and Maine Harvest Bucks.

Jimmy DeBiasi, the executive director of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets, celebrated the funding for this bill and explained its impact:

“This state funding will help tens of thousands of Mainers eat more local fruits and vegetables, learn about new food, get connected to more community resources and fight social isolation. More than 75 farmers markets, farm stands and CSAs across Maine help low-income shoppers stretch their dollars through Maine Harvest Bucks and Maine Senior FarmShare. These programs advance public health goals while having a meaningful impact on our local farm economy, as farmers get the full dollar of their sales and gain new customers.”

In our district, we are lucky to have some great local food options.

The Biddeford Public Market (45 Water Street) is open from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 24 through August 5. It’s co-hosted by the Heart of Biddeford “Music in the Park” concert series, so you can listen to great tunes and shop for good food.

The Dayton Farmers Market (24 Jessica May Road) is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays from mid-May through October.

The nearby Kennebunk Farmers Market (Garden Street Parking Lot) is open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays from May through November.

The nearby Saco Farmers Market (4 Scammon Street) is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays from May through October.

Now that my colleagues and I have finished our work for the legislative session, I look forward to being in the district, spending my time listening to folks.

I’ll also be bringing my grandkids to the local farmers markets, where they can see the delicious, fresh and local produce available to them in their community.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Henry Ingwersen (D) is serving his second term, representing District 32 in the Maine Senate, which includes Biddeford and the surrounding communities of Arundel, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman. He may be reached at Henry.Ingwersen@legislature.maine.gov

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