A Gap in Resources:
Looking for
Non-Food Items
The current food stamp and cash assistance programs in Maine do not include funds for necessities such
as diapers, over-the-counter medicines and cleaning supplies. Other sources to help get these items are
few and far between.
At the October MAIN Conference, the need to find ways to get non-food items for Maine households
stirred up a lot of interest. People shared stories about not being able to get cough medicine or the
right-sized diapers for their children, toilet paper or shampoo.
We continued this discussion at the December 2006 MAIN meeting in Portland. University of New England
Social Work graduate students, Alexandra Sagov (a MAIN member) and Nicholas Ernst, presented two
draft proposals. The first proposal suggests setting up a voucher/coupon program within communities.
Individual shoppers, stores, community organizations and foundations would be involved in this project.
The second proposal involves a public awareness campaign that informs people about this gap in resources
and suggests ways that communities can help.
For more information, or to share your ideas, please contact
Maine Equal Justice.
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