Governor Moore Declares Emergency, Deploys $10M to Confront Shutdown Fallout and SNAP Funding Freeze

Governor Wes Moore issued a State of Emergency today to address the economic impact of the ongoing federal shutdown. The order also directs $10 million to food security partners as Maryland prepares for a potential lapse in nutrition assistance for more than 680,000 residents and continued job losses resulting from federal disruptions.

State Steps In as Shutdown Deepens

As previously reported on Conduit Street, MACo has offered a deeper look at the ripple effects of federal government shutdowns.

The Administration cited an urgent need to protect Marylanders amid mounting uncertainty:

  • SNAP benefits end after October unless federal funds unlock
  • Nearly 270,000 children rely on SNAP
  • Roughly 120,000 older adults and 130,000 Marylanders with disabilities face an immediate food insecurity risk.
  • More than 20,000 unemployment claims filed since October 1
  • The elimination of an estimated 15.000 jobs in Maryland during the shutdown

Federal agencies historically reimbursed Maryland for emergency support during prior shutdowns. This time, no such assurance exists. The Administration called the federal stance unprecedented and signaled that Maryland must carry the burden to avoid a hunger crisis.

How the State Will Deploy Funds

The executive order directs $10 million from the Fiscal Responsibility Fund to support statewide efforts to improve food access. Funding will flow to food banks, school pantry programs, community providers, and mobile delivery services for older adults and residents with disabilities.

The Department of Human Services will allocate funds using data-driven criteria to target the greatest need. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management will assist as needed. Priority areas include expanding food purchases, increasing distribution capacity, and supporting direct meal delivery.

Marylanders seeking assistance can locate food providers through 211 Maryland.

Broader Shutdown Impacts

Maryland continues to feel the strain of the shutdown’s cascading effects. Thousands of furloughed federal employees and contractors face missed paychecks, while a freeze on federal data releases complicates economic planning and assistance operations.

The Administration emphasized continuity for residents navigating the shutdown, including:

  • SNAP processing at MarylandBenefits.gov
  • Career services through 33 American Job Centers and a professional outplacement center
  • Weekly virtual workshops for displaced federal workers
  • Job fairs and recruitment support
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Legal and veteran support
  • Resources for health coverage, housing, and basic needs

A complete resource hub is available at response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.