The number of Mainers experiencing hunger continues to rise and is the highest it’s been in a decade, according to a report released this week. The data in the Feeding America report is based on conditions in 2024. Hunger prevention advocates say the level of need is likely higher now because of rising grocery costs and changes to federal food assistance programs. According to Feeding America, childhood food insecurity in Maine remains the highest in New England, with nearly 50,600 kids experiencing hunger. Related Thousands of Mainers no longer receiving SNAP benefitsThe Feeding America report found that nearly half of Mainers experiencing food insecurity had incomes above the eligibility threshold for SNAP.