Local Farms are Transforming Food Security
April 8, 2026
Lincoln County, Maine, is known for its diverse landscapes, showcasing both coastal beauty and rolling hills of farmland. Local farmers have a great relationship with the community, gaining support at the four farmers’ markets scattered throughout the county and numerous small roadside farmstands.
In 2023, Healthy Lincoln County (HLC), a program of MCD Global Health, identified a gap where only 30 of the more than 3,000 residents who utilize the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were using their benefits at farmers markets and stands to access local foods and support farmers.
HLC received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. This led to hiring a food access coordinator to streamline SNAP booths at the county’s farmers markets, assist small farmstands with onboarding SNAP technology, and educate the community about SNAP and other nutrition benefits.
Leifa Gordon handing out vegetable vouchers at the Damariscotta Farmers Market.
This grant bolsters HLC’s ability to strengthen relationships with local farms and farmers markets but also aims to inform community members how to use their SNAP benefits to buy from local farms.
“We are excited to leverage this USDA grant to enhance access to fresh, local produce for our community,” said Katie MacDonald, HLC director. “By collaborating with our dedicated farm partners and farmers markets, we aim to break down barriers and ensure that everyone can enjoy the nutritious benefits of locally grown food. This initiative is a significant step forward in our mission to support both our residents and local farmers.”
Because of HLC and other partners’ efforts, SNAP spending nearly tripled since 2023; Maine Harvest Bucks, a nutrition incentive program connected to SNAP spending, increased from $21 to nearly $1,400; and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program spending also increased.
In the 2024 season, HLC staff supported the Damariscotta Farmers Market by staffing an information booth to educate shoppers about SNAP and Maine Harvest Bucks, provide customer service and point-of-sale assistance to shoppers using SNAP, and streamline the administrative burden of SNAP reporting and voucher redemption. Future plans involve increasing booth presence at other farmers markets.
This story originally appeared in MCD's 2024 Annual Report.