-photo courtesy of Councilman Mike Ertel-
Baltimore County announced it will supply funding for food assistance for residents and federal workers affected by the federal government shutdown. Here is the official release.
County Executive Kathy Klausmeier—in partnership with the Baltimore County Council—today announced Baltimore County Government will draw more than $4 million from its supplemental fund balance to support food assistance for residents and federal workers affected by the federal government shutdown.
The assistance will ensure families are not left without food after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are due to be suspended on November 1.
In Baltimore County, approximately 50,000 households, representing 100,000 residents, receive approximately $18.6 million in SNAP benefits each month.
“Baltimore County is stepping up to make sure families and federal employees in the County aren’t left behind,” said County Executive Kathy Klausmeier.
“Food insecurity can happen quickly when paychecks stop, and we are helping to bridge that gap. I’m grateful to our partners on the County Council and in the community who are working to ensure no one in Baltimore County goes hungry.”
Funding Breakdown
$3 million will support existing grantees engaged in food security efforts, including:
• Community Assistance Network (CAN)
• Catonsville Emergency Assistance
• Maryland Food Bank
• Student Support Network
$750,000 will support existing County vendor providing food access, including:
• Meals on Wheels (for older adults, individuals with disabilities and families)
• MIK Industries (Snacks for young people at County RACs)
• Edward G. Rahll & Sons Inc. (produce distribution)
$500,000 will support additional nonprofits and philanthropic organizations. Eligible organizations can apply for funding through the Baltimore Community Foundation beginning the week of November 10.
County Employees Lead Food Drive
As part of the County’s response, Baltimore County Government employees will participate in a Countywide food drive beginning Monday, November 3.
Employees are encouraged to bring non-expired, nonperishable food donations to one of ten designated County locations. All collected items will be delivered to the Maryland Food Bank for distribution.
Resources for Residents
Residents in need of food assistance can locate nearby food distribution sites using the County’s Food Pantry Locator
which provides details on hours of operation, contact information, and directions.
Residents are also reminded that the Maryland WIC program remains open and operational. WIC families can continue to shop with their WIC cards, attend scheduled appointments, and apply for benefits. The program provides nutritional support for families with children up to five years old.
A full list of food and community resources can be found on the Baltimore County Government website.
As volunteering becomes critical, residents and organizations are encouraged to explore opportunities through the Baltimore County Volunteer Center, an online platform connecting residents with meaningful community service opportunities.
• Volunteer Center: 410-887-2715
• Learn more: baltimorecountymd.gov/volunteers
“There is no more important function of local government than taking care of our citizens,” said Baltimore County Council Chairman Mike Ertel.
“Many families, elderly and disabled heavily depend on their SNAP benefits. The County Executive’s decision to make sure food is available to those who will experience disruption of their SNAP is what county government needs to do while the federal government fails to act.”
“When the federal government lets us down, our own community must step up,” said Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones.
“I’m proud to support this effort to help our residents weather this crisis with dignity and make sure families can put food on the table. Baltimore County will do what leaders are supposed to: take care of our people.”
“I believe Baltimore County should demonstrate the type of bipartisanship woefully lacking in Washington and support our most vulnerable residents in time of need,” said Councilman David Marks.
“I will support this emergency effort.”
“Food security is a fundamental issue that no government should ignore,” said Councilman Izzy Patoka.
“Today in Baltimore County we are addressing hunger as an emergency issue because our federal government has failed us in its attention to this basic human need. I commend County Executive Klausmeier for taking immediate action to help Baltimore County families in this time of need.”
“I am grateful for the County Executive taking swift action as thousands of Baltimore County residents stand to lose federal SNAP benefits,” said Baltimore County Councilman Pat Young.
“This manufactured crisis at the federal level is an assault on our most vulnerable families. We must bring every available resource to alleviate the strain on our neighbors, families, and friends in their time of need.”
“This shutdown isn’t just reckless – it’s painful,” said Congressman Johnny Olszewski. “I thank County Executive Klausmeier for committing these desperately-needed resources to the people of Baltimore County who will soon find themselves struggling to put food on the table. I continue to call on Congressional leadership to get back to the table, work together and reopen the government today to end this cruel and unnecessary pain.”
“While state and local governments cannot replace federal investment in food security, we thank the food pantries and programs in our community who are using additional financial support from Baltimore County to meet the increased need with a pause in SNAP benefits looming due to the federal government shutdown,” said Baltimore County Department of Social Services Director Mark Millspaugh.
