As the federal government shutdown continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may not be available beginning in November. We understand that this uncertainty may cause concern for many members of our community.
At UMA, we are committed to supporting one another. If you are affected by this situation or if you would like to help, there are several ways to access and contribute to food assistance across our campuses and centers.
Food Assistance at UMA
UMA Food Pantries are open to all UMA students and employees.
Augusta Campus Pantry
Located in the Randall Student Center. Food resources are also available at the UMA Capital Center and at the dorms in Hallowell. Contact Rose Pelletier, Coordinator of Student Life, at rosep@maine.edu or 207-621-3442 for hours or assistance. Learn more.
UMA Community Cupboard: Free Food Every Tuesday
The Office of Student Life has partnered with the Augusta Food Bank to provide free food items every week for UMA students, faculty, and staff on Tuesdays from 11:30am until the food is gone. Find them in the Randall Student Center with great options like fresh produce, meats, bread, and desserts.
Bangor Campus Pantry
Located in Lewiston Hall. The pantry provides food and other essential items. Contact Joy Steward, Coordinator of Student Life, at joy.steward@maine.edu or 207-262-7912 for hours or assistance. Learn more.
Bangor: Eastport Hall Fridge/Freezer and Coffee Bar Cabinet
Located in Eastport Hall, this resource includes soups, milk, pasta, and canned goods available to students. If there’s something you or your family could use that isn’t available, contact Alissa Gervais, Coordinator of Student Life, at alissa.gervais@maine.edu or 207-262-7817.
Lewiston Center: Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry
Located inside the campus library, this pantry offers food, household, and personal items for members of the UMS community. Bring your UMS ID to access the pantry during normal library hours. For more information, contact Liz Bull at elizabeth.bull@maine.edu or Maureen Perry at mperry@maine.edu, or call 207-753-6540. Learn more.
Emergency Funds for Students
Students facing immediate financial hardship can apply for assistance using the Urgent Student Funds Request Form. Limited emergency funds are available to help UMA students with unexpected needs. For questions or support, contact Crystal Woehrle-Logan, Administrative Specialist, at crystal.woehrle-logan@maine.edu or 207-621-3531.
Sodexo Swipe Out Hunger Program
UMA partners with Sodexo to fight student food insecurity through a Meal Swipe Bank. Students may self-nominate using the Swipe Out Hunger Meal Request Form. Once approved, meals are loaded to their ID and can be redeemed simply by swiping at Moose Tracks Cafe in Augusta, and the Hungry Moose Cafe in Bangor.
Additionally, students may choose to work in the kitchen to receive either hourly pay or a meal plan equivalent. This program is designed to support non-residential students who may be struggling, while also helping address Sodexo’s current workforce shortage. We’ll work with students individually to determine which option best meets their needs. For more information, please contact Santiago Rave at santiago.rave@sodexo.com.
Upcoming Food Drives
Faculty and staff are also stepping forward to help. We are coordinating food drives on the Augusta and Bangor campuses. We will provide more details as they become available. If you have questions, contact Rose Pelletier, Coordinator of Student Life, at rosep@maine.edu or 207-621-3442.
Supporting One Another
At UMA, we are looking at all the ways our community can come together to support one another. This includes exploring opportunities for food donations, volunteer efforts, and other ways to strengthen the resources that help our students and employees. We will be in touch with more details as they become available.
UMA’s strength has always been our care for one another. Thank you for continuing to look out for your classmates, colleagues, and neighbors. Together, we can make sure that no one at UMA goes without support.