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<p class="MsoNormal">Dear CACFP Operators, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In response to questions from the field, the Maine Department of Education (DOE) would like to assure you that its
<b>Child Nutrition Programs, including CACFP will continue to operate as usual</b>, despite an anticipated reduction in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits nationwide beginning November 1, 2025.
<u>These programs are not connected.</u> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Existing program rules remain in effect; meals must be consumed
<b>on-site and in a congregate setting</b> to ensure that participants receive the full benefit of these services. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For families seeking additional food support, please consider sharing
<a href="https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/food-assistance/tefap/countysearch.html" target="_blank">
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Map</a>, organized by county, from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With questions, please contact Jane McLucas, Maine DOE Director of Child Nutrition, at
<a href="mailto:jane.mclucas@maine.gov" target="_blank">jane.mclucas@maine.gov</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you for your continued support in ensuring that Maine’s children and adults in your care have access to nutritious meals every day!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Maine CACFP Team<o:p></o:p></b></p>
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