Shutdown Impacts and Resources for Impacted Workers

SNAP benefit payments for November have been impacted by the shutdown. Participants will receive partial payments of benefits beginning November 11th. Households with typical disbursements the 10th of the month or earlier will receive benefits on the 11th. All other recipient payments should be received on the regular schedule. Benefit amounts will vary as only funds from the State of Maryland are available at this time. Participants should check EBT card balances before use if possible. The amount and timing of federal government SNAP payments is still uncertain.

  

Food assistance resources from Montgomery County Government:

  • OFSR’s Food Assistance Flowchart: Available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese.
  • Food Assistance Resouces Map: An interactive, searchable directory of 100+ food distribution sites across the County, with filters for location, accessibility, and type of assistance.
  • Montgomery County Food Resources Page: A comprehensive hub with details on food distributions, meal delivery services, and SNAP enrollment, including an updated calendar of food distributions. 
    • **Many distributions are "Appointment Only" in order to ensure sufficient supplies are available and keep wait times manageable. Please follow instructions in the food assistance event listing to request an appointment. Providers are experiencing significant demand for services but our network of partners are doing everything they can to support families quickly and safely.**
  • OFSR Programs: OFSR has a number of programs that would be valuable referral partners, including Nutrition Benefits Outreach and Food as Medicine grantee organizations.
  • FARMS applications: All meals are free for students who qualify for Free and Reduced-price Meals. New enrollments are accepted at any time for families experiencing a change in income.
  • Resource Navigation Support:
    • 311: Call 311 for non-emergency county services, including help locating food assistance.
    • Montgomery County Food Council Food Resource Specialists: 301 818-3614
    • Montgomery County DHHS Navigation Team: (240) 773-8265

Food assistance resources from other local and regional partners:

  • Capital Area Food Bank Distributions: Free, weekly distributions for workers impacted by the government shutdown.
  • FRESHFARM: Visit a FRESHFARM market information tent with your SNAP/EBT card or federal ID to receive $30 in FreshMatch to spend on fruits and vegetables.
  • So What Else is providing free weekly food and essentials to federal workers affected by the government shutdown.
  • Instacart: Instacart is offering 50% off groceries (up to $50) for active SNAP customers and launching online food drives for 300 food banks nationwide to support families affected by the potential lapse in SNAP funding.
  • Maryland Market Money: When a SNAP transation is declined due to “no funds available” or “transaction declined” market staff may issue $25 per day in MM tokens per household per day. Montgomery County is offering additional support to supplement this emergency benefit at Montgomery County access points.

What this means for SNAP and WIC Participants (UPDATED 11/10/2025)

SNAP

The USDA has issued guidance and taken action to allow states to provide full November SNAP benefits for the 42 million Americans who rely on the program. It is likely that SNAP disbursements for November will be delayed by approximately one week. The OFSR will share specifics on the timeline as they become available. Participants should check EBT card balances before use if possible. As of November 1st the HR1 SNAP program changes have taken effect, including new work requirements for older adults and families with other children and revocation of eligibility for refugees and asylees.

WIC

In early November USDA announced the release of partial funding for November WIC benefits. This is temporary support, families should continue using their benefits and watch for further updates from Maryland WIC.

For now, participants should continue applying for benefits and using their benefits as usual, while staying tuned for local updates.