(Annapolis, Md)—On Thursday, Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency to protect the health and welfare of Marylanders.
He also signed an executive order providing $10 million in emergency funding for food banks and food assistance partners across the state.
SNAP benefits are covered through October 31, but will end November 1 if the Trump Administration does not release additional funding.
“Withholding funding from food assistance is not just illegal, it’s also cruel. 680,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP to put food on the table—we’re talking about 120,000 older adults; 270,000 children; and 130,000 Marylanders with disabilities. The federal government is looking them in the eyes and saying ‘You’re on your own,’” said Gov. Moore.
“But in Maryland, we protect our people. It’s not the work of a single day or a single announcement. It’s an ongoing pledge—one that we refuse to abandon or abridge. We will keep taking this week by week, and work with our legislative partners to do the most we can with the resources we have. In Maryland, we take care of each other. It’s who we are. And together, we will weather this storm and leave no one behind.”
Moore has directed $10 million from the Fiscal Responsibility Fund to purchase and distribute food to food banks, local and school pantries, and mobile programs that deliver meals to older adults and Marylanders with disabilities.
The Maryland Department of Emergency Management will support the Maryland Department of Human Services in working with food assistance partners to ensure resources are distributed equitably and efficiently.
Marylanders in need of food assistance can visit 211Maryland.org to find the nearest food pantry or food bank.
“Donald Trump is intentionally withholding billions of dollars in emergency funds provided by Congress that would keep SNAP benefits flowing in November during this Republican shutdown—deliberately choosing to inflict pain and hunger on millions of American families, including hundreds of thousands of Marylanders,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.
“While this Administration turns its back on people struggling to feed their families amid rising costs, Team Maryland continues to stand with them. As we continue to fight in Congress to reopen the government with a responsible funding agreement to rein in Trump’s lawlessness and prevent health care costs from skyrocketing, I’m glad that Governor Moore is taking action to help keep food on Marylanders’ tables.”
The Maryland Department of Human Services will continue to process new SNAP applications at MarylandBenefits.gov.
