With SNAP benefits set to expire, Maryland declares state of emergency
A State of Emergency was declared in Maryland as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to lapse on November 1, Gov. Wes Moore announced Thursday.
The move allows the governor to distribute $10 million to food banks and other supporting organizations across the state.
"We need to move quickly to make sure we are getting the most support to those most in need," Moore said during a news conference.
Gov. Moore said 680,000 people rely on the assistance throughout Maryland.
"I understand the weight of what it means to put this state under a state of emergency, particularly when the state of emergency is not a natural disaster, when it is a human-made one," Gov. Moore said. "It is a Washington-made one. It is a Trump administration-made one."
SNAP benefits to lapse Nov. 1
SNAP benefits, overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will not be distributed starting at the beginning of November due to the ongoing government shutdown.
The program supports nearly 42 million people across the country by providing food stamps to low-income households.
According to CBS News, recipients receive about $187 per month. While benefits will not be distributed for the month, recipients will still be able to use their existing funds.
Maryland leaders react
Maryland Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey expressed disappointment over the governor's decision to direct funds to non-profit organizations rather than supplement SNAP.
"Instead of restoring SNAP benefits through a program Marylanders already understand and rely on, the governor once again passed on the opportunity to lead," Hershey said in a statement. "Other governors found a way to do this the right way — directly and transparently."
Local food bank prepares for high demand
The Community Action Council of Howard County is ready to feed more hungry families.
However, Tracy Broccolino, the president of the community council, said the demand for food has persisted since the beginning of the year.
"About 80 to 100 shoppers a week, just a few years ago," Broccolino said. "That has grown to about 100 shoppers a day."
The community council expects more than 13,000 households in Howard County to lose SNAP benefits. That includes 7,000 children.
"We are not only expanding our shopping hours here at the Howard County Food Bank, we're also down-streaming food to our partner pantries and also other community partners," Broccolino said.
Extended hours for the food bank begin November 6. The council will also offer temporary categorical eligibility for existing SNAP recipients while SNAP is suspended.
Federal workers without income may visit the Howard County Food Bank twice per month during the government shutdown. Proof of Howard County residency and a valid federal employee photo identification are required.
The Maryland Food Bank also expects an influx of visitors when SNAP benefits stop.
Maryland takes action
Maryland joined a group of 24 other states and Washington, D.C., in suing the Trump administration over the lapse in SNAP benefits.
The states are calling on a judge to direct the USDA to provide SNAP benefits through a contingency fund.
The lawsuit alleges that the administration's decision to end benefits is unlawful and puts millions of Americans at risk.
"The money has been appropriated; they are choosing not to distribute it," Gov. Moore said. "This is heartless, this is cruel, and this is unforgivable."
