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. 

The Maryland Food Bank

• Residents can visit multiple sites across the city, with a range of hours/locations.
• Phone: (410) 737-8282

Maryland Market Money Bridge Benefit

• Starting November 1st, SNAP customers who experience declined or unavailable transactions at participating farmers markets, will receive up to $20 in Maryland Market Money tokens per household, per market day, to purchase SNAP eligible food directly from local farmers and producers.

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

• Food distribution most weekdays in West Baltimore and Southwest Baltimore – schedule available via their Facebook page.
• Phone: (410) 429-0657
• Spanish Language: (240) 471-5995
• Email: baltimore@sowhatelse.org

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)

• This program provides free group meals for older adults at 10 senior centers across the city. 
• Meals are free, but you must register for the program. To sign up, call (443) 573-0161.
• View list of locations, as well as days and times meals are served.
   

CHILD CARE

* NEW * Child Care Assistance 

• Federal employees/contractors who are furloughed but required to report in person to work, and SNAP-eligible families can apply for $2,500/month for November and December (a total of $5,000) to assist with child care costs.  
• Additional details on how to access child care support will be announced by November 6, 2025.
• If you would like to receive more information once available, please sign up here.

HOUSING & UTILITY BILLS

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

• Federal employees/contractors whose primary residence is a rental can apply to have their October and November rent covered.
• 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. 
    • Apply online or request a paper application: (800) 332-6347
  • Electric Universal Service Program  – financial assistance with electric bills. 
    • Maryland DHS: (800) 332-6347
  • Arrearage Retirement Assists – help with large, past due electric and gas bills.
    • Maryland DHS: (800) 332-6347
• Water4All - Baltimore City residential households whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may be eligible for water bill relief.
  • Visit a CAP center or call 410-396-5555 for assistance.

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

• Visit a Baltimore City Career Center
• Request Virtual Assistance
• Browse and apply for positions with the City of Baltimore
• Weekly Workshop (9AM Wednesdays) for former federal workers and impacted workers – Email: FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov 

Additional Resources:

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