Support for Residents During the Federal Shutdown

City Support for Residents During the Federal Shutdown

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced a $4.68 million investment by the City of Baltimore to support residents and federal workers impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. This investment will fund programs that cover the cost of food, housing, and child care for impacted residents.

Below is a list of new or expanded programs, as well as existing resources and instructions on how to access support.

FOOD

NOTE: Residents DO NOT NEED to show proof of employment or SNAP/WIC to access any of the below resources.

Stay up to date on SNAP benefit changes in Maryland by visiting the SNAP Shutdown Emergency Information Hub from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.

 

Home Delivered Food Box Program (Baltimore City Health Department)

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  • This program delivers grocery boxes filled with non-perishable food directly to eligible residents’ doorsteps. 
  • Phone: (410) 396-2273

Produce Box Distribution Program (Baltimore City Department of Planning)

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  • Funding announced by Mayor Scott on October 28 will support an additional 17,647 boxes of fresh produce which will allow the resumption of weekly deliveries until at least January of 2026.
  • Residents can visit one of 30 sites citywide to pick up 15-pound boxes of produce. 

B’More Fresh

Residents with SNAP benefits can create an account with Safeway or Amazon to receive a $30 monthly voucher for fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, available through 2026.

Email: bmorefresh@baltimorecity.gov

The Maryland Food Bank

Maryland Market Money Bridge Benefit

Maryland Market Money (MMM) matches ALL federal nutrition benefits including:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT)
  • SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) & Pandemic/Disaster EBT (P/D-EBT)
  • Farmers Market Nutrition Program - Senior & WIC (FMNP)
  • WIC-CVV/B (Women, Infant, and Children Fruit & Vegetable Benefit)

The MMM program currently matches federal nutrition benefits dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum of $20 per person per day (unless otherwise noted by Food Access Point).

Baltimore City MMM locations:

Baltimore Farmers Market
Saratoga @ Holliday & Gay Streets
Sundays
7 am - 12 pm

32nd Street Farmers Market
400 block of E. 32nd St.
Saturdays
7 am - 12 pm

The Food Project

  • Residents can visit their distribution site in Southwest Baltimore on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 10:00 AM.
  • Phone: (410) 877-6020

The Baltimore Hunger Project

  • Distribution at partner schools in Baltimore City every Friday.
  • Elementary school students receive a Weekend Food Bag, which contains 4 servings of protein, single serving cereal box, shelf stable milk, 100% fruit juice box, applesauce pouch, fruit snacks, 2 granola bars, and plastic cutlery.
  • Phone: (410) 989-1247
  • Email: office@baltimorehungerproject.org

So What Else

Pratt Free Market

Distributions and Pantry on the Go days are held at Southeast Anchor Library (3601 Eastern Ave). Days and time vary.
 
4MyCity

Residents may go to 4MyCity to pick up food resources. No appointment needed. Open Monday through Friday 10:00AM to 6:00PM (closed 1:00PM to 2:00PM daily).

Eating Together in Baltimore (Baltimore City Health Department)

CHILD CARE

Child Care Subsidy Grant Now Available

Applications for child care assistance are now open. Federal employees/contractors who were furloughed but required to report in person to work during November 2025, and SNAP-eligible families can apply for up to $2,500 to assist with November 2025 child care costs.

To apply, visit: https://familyleague.org/funding-opportunities

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Baltimore City residency
  • Proof of furlough/in-person work requirements (federal employees/contractors) OR SNAP eligibility
  • Documentation of child care tuition costs
  • Proof of child enrollment with a licensed provider for at least three consecutive months prior to November 1, 2025

Questions? Contact childcaresubsidygrant@familyleague.org

 

HOUSING & UTILITY BILLS

* NEW * Rental Assistance (Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success)

  • Baltimore City Federal employees or contractors who are furloughed or working without pay during the government shutdown and whose primary residence is a rental property can apply for emergency rental assistance for October and November 2025.
  • Federal employees or contractors who are furloughed or working without pay during the government shutdown can apply for emergency rental assistance for October and November 2025. 
  • Residents can visit a CAP center for support.
  • Additional details on how to access rental assistance will be announced by November 6, 2025.
  • If you would like to receive more information once available, please sign up.

Utility Bill Support (MD Office of Home Energy Programs)

  • Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP):
    • Maryland Energy Assistance Program – assistance grants to help with home heating bills. 
    • Electric Universal Service Program  – financial assistance with electric bills. 
    • Arrearage Retirement Assists – help with large, past due electric and gas bills.
  • Water4All - Baltimore City residential households whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible for water bill relief.

Internet + Phone Bill Support

  • Comcast Xfinity Assistance Plan – residential customers can call 1-800-XFINITY and inform that they’ve been impacted by the government shutdown.
  • Verizon – federal workers can visit their website to set up a payment agreement.
  • AT&T – federal workers can visit their website to set up a payment agreement. 

EMPLOYMENT

Mayor’s Office of Employment Development

Additional Resources:

  • Need immediate emotional support? Call 988 to connect to a counselor who can help.