Food Access
One in six people in Waldo County face food insecurity—unsure where their next meal will come from, or whether there’s enough for their families to eat. At the Belfast Community Co-op, we believe that affordable food and healthy eating should be accessible to all.
We’re proud to partner with local organizations such as the Belfast Soup Kitchen, the VFW, and others to help get food to those who need it in our community.
In-store, we offer a variety of programs and resources and invite you to learn more about how we can help make nutritious food more affordable for you and your family.
CORE: Cooperative Ownership Reaching Everyone
The CORE (Cooperative Ownership Reaching Everyone) program helps make local, organic, and affordable food accessible to more people in the community. We offer rolling acceptance for new participants and annual re-enrollment verification for current and past participants.
Who qualifies for CORE?
- SNAP/EBT
- TANF
- HEAP
- SSI
- WIC
(or other verified forms of assistance—just ask!)
Benefits include:
- 10% discount on most products
- Discount stacks with Co+op Deals
- Extended $10/year equity payment option
How to apply:
To enroll or learn more about the CORE program, contact: ownership@belfast.coop.
Additional Food Assistance Programs
In addition to CORE, the Belfast Community Co-op accepts several food assistance programs and participates in state- and region-wide efforts to expand access to affordable food and fresh produce.
SNAP/EBT
SNAP/EBT is the largest program in the nation’s domestic hunger safety net, offering nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and providing economic benefits to communities.
Learn more on the SNAP website.
Farm Fresh Rewards at the Co-op
- This program is linked with Maine Harvest Bucks, which can also be used at farmers’ markets, CSAs, and farm stands statewide.
- Ask for an application at the service desk.
- Learn more about Farm Fresh Rewards.
WIC Program
We’re proud to be the first food co-op in Maine to accept WIC benefits!
- WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding/chestfeeding support, and referrals to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals, infants, and children up to age five.
- Visit the Maine WIC Portal to check eligibility or apply.
Ways to Help Our Community
At the Belfast Community Co-op, we believe that food justice includes healthy, affordable food for everyone—regardless of income. We’ve partnered with local organizations to help those in need. If you’re looking for a way to get involved, we can help!
Donations
Making a monetary donation is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to help get food to those who need it most. Through our Cases for a Cause program, donated funds are used to purchase cases of food at a reduced cost for local nonprofit partners, including the Belfast Soup Kitchen. This means your generosity goes further—helping provide more food to more people.
Donations can be made in-store or online through Shop For Me.
At the front of the store, you’ll find a food donation box. Non-perishable food donations are glady accepted and donated to the Belfast Soup Kitchen.
In 2025, we launched a new way to give back through our Co-op branded merchandise. For every Co-op-branded item sold—such as apparel, tote bags, and more—a portion of the proceeds supports our Cases for a Cause program. When you purchase something with the Co-op name, you can feel good knowing that you’re helping provide food to neighbors in need!
Want more info? Email info@belfast.coop
