SNAP - Shutdown Emergency Info Hub
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This is a temporary hub for Marylanders and food assistance organizations to access key information, food assistance, and volunteer/donation coordination resources in response to the federal government shutdown and lapse in SNAP benefits.
Key Information
- Read
Governor Moore's Executive Orders about the shutdown and SNAP benefits interruption
- Access
Maryland's website for workers affected by all of the recent federal actions. It features helpful information for unemployment insurance, food assistance, housing and utility resources, financial assistance, resources for veterans, and more.
- Read the
Governor's State of Emergency Fact Sheet, which contains essential information about the status of existing state assistance programs, food access and financial resources for impacted Marylanders, and response actions announced by the Governor.
- Vist the MD Department of Human Services to
learn about important changes to SNAP benefits that went into effect November 1, 2025, including new eligibility requirements.
Choose a topic below to jump to that section:
Food Access
In this section, you'll find resources related to finding and acquiring food during the emergency period.
Quick Tips for Food Pantry Visitors
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If this is your first time visiting a food pantry, you may need to bring your government issued ID, proof of address, or income information. To stay up to date on hours and distribution rules, check your local food pantry’s website or call ahead to confirm.
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It is not necessary to be a SNAP recipient to receive food through food distribution organizations and events.
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If you are unable to leave your home, call and ask if your food pantry offers delivery services.
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Many pantries also provide basic supplies (soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper) and baby supplies (diapers, wipes, and formula).
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For pet food, visit Bmore Kind Pet Food Bank’s
website.
The button below directs to a guidebook of food programs and community resources.
These can help you with a free hot meal and long-term food assistance through programs like SNAP, WIC, or grocery savings programs.
The guide also helps families with school-aged children with additional summer food support, and even seniors.
Food Finders & Money Available
Food Banks & Food Bank Locators
Maryland Access Point (MAP) - Trained MAP counselors can help older adults and individuals with disabilities understand their options and connect them to local resources, including food banks, utility assistance, and nutritious meal programs like congregate dining at senior centers and home-delivered meals. 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465)
Capital Area Food Bank Food Finder - The Capital Area Food Bank Food Finder displays the food pantries closest to you within Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, DC, and Northern Virginia.
Capital Area Food Bank - Free Food for Federal Workers and Contractors - Capital Area Food Bank serves Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland and jurisdictions in Northern Virginia and DC.
Mid-Shore Emergency Food Locator - The Mid-Shore Emergency Food Locator provides food pantry locations for Dorchester, Talbot, Caroline, Kent, and Queen Anne’s Counties.
Maryland Food Bank Food Finder - The Maryland Food Bank Food Finder displays the closest food pantries in Maryland to your address excluding Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties (refer to Capital Area Food Bank Food Finder).
Financial Help Available
Maryland Market Money Bridge Benefit - Through this temporary measure, SNAP customers who experience declined or unavailable transactions at participating markets starting November 1st will receive up to $20 in Maryland Market Money tokens per household per market day to purchase SNAP eligible food directly from local farmers and producers.
FRESHFARM Emergency Response Plan - FRESHFARM launched an emergency response providing SNAP participants with $30 in FreshMatch tokens at FRESHFARM farmers markets in DC, Maryland, and Virginia (and DC partner markets), regardless of whether they currently possess funds on their EBT card or not. FRESHFARM is also providing $30 in FreshMatch benefits to any furloughed federal employee presenting a valid government ID.
Volunteer & Donation Coordination
In this section, you'll find information on how to donate food, time, or money to help our community partners bridge this gap.
Important note: Not all organizations have the same ability to receive a rush of new donations or volunteers.
Please use the resources below to learn the specific needs of the organizations near you, so you'll be able to provide the help they need the most.
Donation & Volunteer Opportunity Resources
United Way of Central Maryland Volunteer and In Kind Needs Request Form - United Way of Central Maryland’s online volunteer platform helps coordinate support for organizations across the state that need volunteers or in-kind donations. Approved projects will be posted to the United Way of Central Maryland volunteer and donation site, which serves as a bridge between needs and resources. (Eligibility is limited to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations.)
United Way of Central Maryland Volunteer and Donation Opportunities - See all volunteer opportunities and donation requests organized by local jurisdiction.
Volunteer with the Maryland Food Bank - Opportunities available for individuals and small groups to pick produce on a farm, help in an office, and support community outreach.
Volunteer with the Capital Area Food Bank - Opportunities available for individuals, small groups, and corporate groups to deliver food, sort and pack donations, work in the urban demonstration garden, and help with direct community assistance.
Host a Food Drive for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank - Donations from food drives support the Anne Arundel County Food Bank’s food pantry partners, the Backpack Buddies program, on-site feeding centers, senior and baby pantries, and the Mobile Food Pantry.
Maryland Department of the Environment Food Donation Guide - Features essential information about where and how to safely donate food across the state, including through digital donation matching tools.
Resources for Grocers & Food Retailers
In this section, you'll find resources for helping mitigate harms that may affect your business from interrupted food benefits.
The button below directs to a survey to help MDEM understand the extent of the disruption your business is experiencing.
This is not required, but we do encourage all affected businesses to fill it out so that we can work to best address your needs.
Additional information can be found on the Maryland Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) homepage.
Please email questions to [email protected].
Additional Resources
Business Damage Assessment Survey - This survey consists of a more formal, in-depth damage assessment for the incident. Impacted businesses can report losses due to the Federal Shutdown and SNAP Suspension. Information submitted through the survey will be shared with federal, state, and local government agencies.
The Food Industry Association (FMI) Government Shutdown Information - FMI is a trade organization representing the entire food supply chain, from producers to retailers. FMI created an informational SNAP resource webpage to support members with concerns they are hearing including concerns about asset protection and security; inventory management and replenishment planning; and supporting increased demand when SNAP benefits resume.
State & Local Updates
In this section, you'll find the latest updates from the State of Maryland and any cities, towns, counties, or the like that take a specific action to address this emergency.