On Monday, County Executive Marc Elrich addressed court developments that forced the federal government to use 5 billion dollars in contingency funds to cover half of November’s SNAP benefits, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore committed to funding the remaining portion. Elrich noted that SNAP payments will be delayed due to the federal administration’s actions and encouraged residents in need of immediate food assistance to access local food distribution resources.
Today’s court developments are important for families who rely on SNAP to get through the month. The federal court’s action forced the Trump administration to use 5 billion dollars in USDA contingency funds to cover roughly half of November’s SNAP benefits nationwide. The funding will mitigate the significant negative impacts on our local economy and support critical revenue for our food retailers and farm markets. This should never have taken a lawsuit. Cutting off food benefits to families, seniors, and children is not only unlawful, it is cruel.
I appreciate Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for stepping up once again to prevent harm to the people we serve. His announcement this afternoon that the State will now cover the remaining half of November’s SNAP benefits is welcome news and temporary relief for those receiving these benefits.
Because of the Trump administration’s delay in releasing contingency funds, SNAP distributions will not occur on their usual schedule. Under normal circumstances, Maryland’s November benefits would begin going out alphabetically on Nov. 4. The Maryland Department of Human Services now expects that households that should have received benefits this week will receive them next week.
This crisis has been very disruptive for families who are already stretched thin. County and State leaders, along with our Congressional delegation, will continue pushing for timely, reliable distribution of benefits every month.
If Montgomery County residents need food while they wait for benefits to be issued, or for any other reason, help is available. Our nonprofit partners are continuing regular food distributions and stand ready to support households in need. Information on food distribution sites can be found at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/foodhelp.
Montgomery County
Executive Marc Elrich
