In the first workshop session, local, state, and federal benefit program administrators and managers will share information about their services with the goal of increasing understanding of the resources available to people experiencing food insecurity. Participants will hear from experts on federal assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which provides eligible low-income individuals and families with funds to purchase nutritious food; WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) which supports low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children by providing them with nutritious food, education, and healthcare referrals; and LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) which helps low-income households with their home energy costs, including heating and cooling expenses, to ensure they can maintain safe and comfortable living conditions. They will also explore transportation options, and more, and develop strategies to better support client access to these programs. 

In the second workshop session, leaders from Heart of Maine United Way and Eastern Maine Development Corporation will offer their expertise on grant writing and fundraising through a panel discussion. Participants will learn about funding opportunities and best practices for crafting written proposals while gaining insight into the mind of a grant reviewer. 

Participants will leave the workshop with a strengthened set of skills and tools for serving their clients and community members, new connections with leaders from other food security organizations, and the foundations of cross-network partnerships.