Governor Moore Declares State of Emergency Amid Federal Shutdown, Allocates $10 Million for Food Insecurity

Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency in Maryland to address the economic fallout from the federal government shutdown and to bolster food security initiatives across the state. The executive action, announced by the Governor’s office, includes the allocation of $10 million in emergency funding to aid Marylanders facing food insecurity. This measure comes in response to the federal government’s failure to fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and the significant impact of an estimated 15,000 federal job eliminations within Maryland.

The federal shutdown has created a critical situation for hundreds of thousands of Maryland residents who rely on SNAP for their nutritional needs. Approximately 680,000 individuals, including a substantial number of children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, are directly affected by the potential cessation of SNAP benefits beginning November 1. The state’s action aims to bridge this gap and prevent a widespread hunger crisis.

This $10 million in emergency funding will be disbursed from the Fiscal Responsibility Fund to support various food assistance programs. The Maryland Department of Human Services is in the process of identifying and reviewing organizations for equitable distribution of these funds, prioritizing those in communities with the greatest need. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management will provide necessary support to the Department of Human Services throughout this process. The allocated funds are intended for the purchase and distribution of food to food banks, local pantries, school pantries, and mobile distribution programs. Additionally, the funding will facilitate meal deliveries to homebound individuals, including older adults and those with disabilities who may have difficulty accessing distribution sites. Residents seeking immediate food assistance are encouraged to visit the 211 Maryland website to find nearby food pantries or food banks.

The governor’s directive also acknowledges the broader economic impact of the federal shutdown on Maryland’s workforce. Thousands of federal employees and contractors have been furloughed, leading to a significant increase in unemployment insurance claims. Since October 1, the Maryland Department of Labor has processed over 20,000 unemployment claims, with a notable surge of 5,200 claims filed in the week ending October 25 alone. In response to these challenges, the state is offering a comprehensive suite of resources for federal workers and other affected individuals. These resources include access to 33 American Job Centers and a specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center, which provides individualized career guidance, resume workshops, mock interviews, and job search strategies. Virtual workshops tailored for former federal employees and contractors have already drawn more than 1,700 participants.

The Maryland Department of Human Services is also reminding SNAP beneficiaries to keep their contact information current on MarylandBenefits.gov to ensure continued access to benefits once the shutdown concludes.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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