South Portland Food Cupboard

Food Assistance · Maine · Free

Community food pantry serving South Portland residents with groceries and household essentials. Fathers can call 207-874-0379 Mon, Wed, and Fri 10am-12pm or visit the Thadeus Street site during distribution hours. Bring photo ID and proof of South Portland residency. Services are free to income-eligible households; staff will help with intake paperwork on site. The pantry is stocked through Good Shepherd Food Bank partnerships and donations.

Contact & Details

Address: 130 Thadeus St, South Portland, ME 04106

Phone: 207-874-0379

Hours: Mon-Wed-Fri 10am-12pm

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Maine

Maine district courts handle most family matters; superior courts handle more complex cases and appeals. The Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery operates under DHHS. Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and Auburn are the largest cities. Pine Tree Legal Assistance is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program, with a strong online self-help library covering custody and support.

More Food Assistance in Maine

  • Feeding America – Maine Partners — National network that supports Good Shepherd Food Bank and partner pantries providing emergency food across Maine. Fathers can call 800-771-
  • WIC Program – Maine — Federal nutrition program providing food, formula, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education for pregnant women, new mothers, infants,
  • Full Plates Full Potential — Statewide anti-hunger nonprofit focused on connecting Maine children to federal school meal and summer nutrition programs. Fathers can call
  • Meals on Wheels – Maine — Home-delivered meal programs for seniors and homebound individuals across Maine, operated through local aging agencies. Fathers caring for a
  • Wayside Food Programs – Portland — Emergency food pantry, community meals, and food rescue program in Portland serving individuals and families facing food insecurity. Fathers
  • Lewiston-Auburn Community Food Pantry — Emergency food distribution serving the Lewiston-Auburn twin cities, operated in partnership with Good Shepherd Food Bank. Fathers can call

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.