The city of Bangor is lending a helping hand to low-income residents who have had to dispose of spoiled food as the result of this week’s storm-driven power outages.
Rindy Fogler, community services program manager for the city’s health department, said those seeking assistance are encouraged to bring proof of Bangor residency when they apply for the benefit at the department’s headquarters at 103 Texas Ave.
“We are basically writing a general assistance voucher, which is for a set amount of dollars, and it can be used at either Shaw’s or Hannaford’s in Bangor. It’s just like getting a check in hand they can use it that day,” she said. “It is an honor system. We are going to trust that people who walk through the doors actually do need help replenishing their food stores. And we’re going to take them on their word.”
Fogler said Bangor residents who currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are not eligible for city assistance. But officials at the state Department of Health and Human Services said Maine SNAP recipients who lost food purchased with those benefits during the storm may be eligible to receive compensation for their loss.
The department is requesting SNAP recipients to contact the Office for Family Independence at (855) 797-4357 for further assistance.