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What is the MC Groceries Program?

The MC Groceries Program helps families access fresh and shelf-stable food items through a convenient online shopping experience. Families can place their orders online and have their groceries delivered or picked up through a partnership with Instacart Fresh Funds. Eligible households may receive $100 in benefits per month for each eligible child 0-18 years old, up to $400.

Who can participate in this program?

To be eligible for this program, households must:

• Reside in Montgomery County throughout the program;
• Have at least one child under the age of 18 who is not eligible to receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
• Have a household post-tax incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g., $124,000/year for a household of 4)

• Have access to a form of backup electronic payment (such as a debit card, credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, or Klarna);
• Be able to navigate an English-only platform to use benefits;
• Consent to participate in a mid-year check-in

How to Apply

Enrollment is open for a limited period of time on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals referred by a Nutrition Benefits Navigator. New applications can be submitted starting August 18, 2025 until all openings have been filled. Households must complete a required pre-screening before they can access the application.

Here are the steps to apply:

1. Contact a Nutrition Benefits Navigator 
   You must call one of our program partners (listed below) to complete a brief eligibility pre-screening for MC Groceries and other nutrition assistance programs. 

   Montgomery County Food Council  
   📩 Email [email protected] 
   📞 Call 301-818-3614 

   📋 Submit a referral form 

   Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Navigation Line 
   📞 Call 240-777-4141 

   📋 Submit a referral form 

2. Complete a Pre-screen to Receive the Application Password 
   If the pre-screening criteria are met, the Navigator will provide you with a link and password to access the MC Groceries online application. 

   In order to be considered for the program, households must:    

   - Reside in Montgomery County 

   - Have at least one child under the age of 18 who is not eligible for SNAP benefits 

   - Have post-tax income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) 

            - You may check your income eligibility using this FPL calculator 

3. Complete the Online Application (Only complete applications with all required documents will be considered for program enrollment)

   - You will open the application submission form.

   - You will enter the Navigator-provided password to begin your application. 

   - You will upload documentation. Proof of identity documentation must not be expired. Proof of address and household income must be dated 30 days from date of application. You will need to upload:  

           - Household income verification (i.e. paystubs, letter from employer, taxes, pension or social security income) 

          - Proof of identity (i.e. driver’s license, state identification, passport) 

          - Proof of address (i.e. lease, utility bill, letter from landlord) 

          - Child/children proof of identity (i.e. birth certificate, passport, school documents) 

• Completing a pre-screening and/or submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment. 
• Only households that submit a complete application and upload all required documents will be reviewed for program enrollment eligibility. 
• Incomplete or missing documentation will delay the processing of your application. Program enrollment is first-come, first-served and based on completed applications. 
• All communications and follow-ups about your application will be sent to the email address you provided on the application.