Maryland Declares State Emergency Allocates $10M to Food Banks Amid SNAP Cuts

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency in response to the federal government shutdown that has halted SNAP food benefits starting November 1, affecting over 680,000 Maryland residents, including 270,000 children. To mitigate the impact, Moore has allocated $10 million from the state's Fiscal Responsibility Fund to support food banks, pantries, and other food distribution programs across Maryland. He criticized the federal government's failure to fund SNAP as cruel and illegal, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations despite uncertain federal reimbursement. The shutdown also affects 250,000 federal workers in Maryland who are missing paychecks, exacerbating economic hardships. Maryland joins other states that will not use state funds to continue SNAP benefits, facing a significant loss in federal assistance amid the ongoing shutdown. Governor Moore highlighted Maryland's resolve to support its residents through this crisis by mobilizing state resources and legislative partners to prevent hunger and hardship.