As federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to stop November 1 amid the ongoing government shutdown, Maryland has declared a State of Emergency to protect residents from food insecurity.
Governor Wes Moore announced Thursday that his administration will release $10 million in emergency state funding to support food assistance across Maryland. The money will go to food banks, local pantries, school programs, and mobile meal distributions, aiming to offset the loss of federal benefits that more than 680,000 Marylanders depend on.
“Withholding funding from food assistance is not just illegal, it’s also cruel,” Moore said. “680,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP to put food on the table — we’re talking about 120,000 older adults; 270,000 children; and 130,000 Marylanders with disabilities. In Maryland, we protect our people… We will keep taking this week by week, and work with our legislative partners to do the most we can with the resources we have.”
Moore’s executive order authorizes the Maryland Department of Human Services to distribute the funding based on community need, supported by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.
The declaration comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would not release contingency funds to continue SNAP during the shutdown — a decision that led Maryland to join 25 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a federal lawsuit challenging the move.
Local Food Assistance in Pocomoke City
Community organizations in Pocomoke are prepared to help fill the gap for residents and families affected by the loss of federal benefits.
- Drive-Thru Food Pantry — November 1 (and monthly)
10 a.m.–12 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pocomoke City, 204 Fourth Street.
Sponsored by The City of Pocomoke, Della’s Closet, Maryland Food Bank, FBC Pocomoke, and CareFirst.
Contact: Della’s Closet at (443) 389-0220. - The Samaritan Shelter
- Food Pantry: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 1–2 p.m.
- Soup Kitchen: Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Visit mdfoodbank.org/find-food for additional pantry listings.
- Worcester County 50plus Center (4th & Walnut Streets)
Offers nutritious lunches Monday–Thursday at noon for a suggested $3.00 donation.
Call (410) 957-0391 to register. - Corner Sanctuary Community Garden “Blessing Box” (Clarke Avenue)
A 24-hour, anonymous food box where residents can take what they need or leave what they can.
Pocomoke Area Schools: Addressing Food Insecurity and Supporting Families
According to Pocomoke High School Principal Dr. Jenifer Rayne, all three city schools — Pocomoke Elementary, Middle, and High — are actively engaged in supporting students and families through multiple programs.
Food Assistance Programs:
- Maryland Food Bank partnerships at Pocomoke Middle and High Schools support students and families.
- Monthly food giveaways open to the broader community.
- Private food requests: QR codes in restrooms allow students to confidentially request food deliveries.
- Family deliveries: Parents or guardians may contact schools directly to arrange drop-offs.
- Thanksgiving support: All three schools collaborate annually to provide holiday dinners for 12–30 families.
- Hot meals served at various school and community events.
Fresh Food Initiatives:
- Market Mondays (PHS): Free fresh produce each week, coordinated by
- Mr. Cartwright, Community School Liaison
- Ms. Becky Mathews, Science Teacher
Ms. Mathews and her family donate produce from the local Farmers Market.
- Warrior Roots Community Garden (PHS): Students and staff grow fresh, healthy foods on campus.
Upcoming Community Event:
- Holiday Event – December 17, 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Pocomoke High School
- Free hot meals
- Coats, gloves, and hats
- Holiday Market for families
Statewide Coordination
The Moore administration’s $10 million emergency allocation will begin flowing to food assistance partners in the coming days.
Residents can apply for new SNAP benefits or update existing cases at MarylandBenefits.gov and find food support via 211 Maryland at 211Maryland.org.
As federal uncertainty continues, Pocomoke’s community and school networks are working together to ensure that no family faces hunger alone.
Photo Credit Corner Sanctuary – Pocomoke Community Garden
