Maryland will cover the federal shortfall and fund full November SNAP benefits, with Governor Moore authorizing $62 million after the federal government committed only partial support.
Maryland will step in once again to protect food assistance for residents caught in the federal shutdown fallout.
After two federal courts ruled on Friday that the Trump Administration must unlock contingency funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Administration responded today, stating that it will only cover 50% of November benefits.
Governor Wes Moore announced this afternoon that Maryland will fill the gap, releasing $62 million from the State’s Fiscal Responsibility Fund to ensure full November SNAP payments for roughly 680,000 residents.
One of the first and most basic priorities of governing is to ensure that families do not go hungry,” said Governor Moore. “We will continue to do everything in our power to protect our people in these difficult times.”
Governor Moore framed the move as necessary but unsustainable over the long term. “It’s time for the federal government to do its job and fully fund food assistance.”
State Backfills Federal Shortfall
Maryland and other states challenged the federal freeze in court and won. Even so, federal officials agreed to fund only half of November SNAP benefits, forcing states to bridge the gap to protect families.
Governor Moore’s executive order fills the gap, ensuring that Maryland families receive full November SNAP benefits, and the State expects federal reimbursement, as SNAP remains a federal responsibility.
However, Maryland has not received assurances that federal funds will replenish State spending, a sharp departure from prior shutdowns.
Today’s announcement follows last week’s emergency declaration and $10 million allocation for food security partners preparing for a potential benefits freeze and surging demand from furloughed workers.
Why It Matters for Counties
When federal benefits are unavailable, residents often turn to county services first. SNAP interruptions push more families toward local food programs, call centers, and emergency supports. County budgets already sit tight, and shutdown-driven layoffs increase service demand even faster.
Right now, Maryland counties face:
- Significant populations who rely on food assistance
- Rising unemployment claims connected to the federal government shutdown
- Increased pressure on food banks and local partners
- Uncertainty that complicates planning and staffing
Maintaining full SNAP benefits prevents an immediate spike in local needs and keeps households spending in local economies. The governor’s action buys time and reduces strain on county agencies while the shutdown continues.
What Comes Next
Maryland will begin issuing State-funded SNAP payments next week to ensure residents receive their full November allotment. The Department of Human Services continues to process applications and maintain access to benefits while federal systems remain disrupted.
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.
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