Every Marylander deserves peace of mind and a full plate. As our state navigates uncertainty around SNAP benefits, we’re reminded that food security is essential to mental health. Governor Wes Moore’s $10 million emergency allocation to food banks offers hope but the need for community action remains. NAMI Maryland stands ready to lift up those affected, provide emotional support, and help ensure that compassion guides our collective response.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared an emergency allocation of $10 million to help food banks and hunger relief organizations across the state. This comes as nearly 680,000 Marylanders, including over 270,000 children face the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting November 1.
The move underscores a deepening crisis. Food banks statewide are already reporting demand surges of 20% or more, and many are bracing for further increases in the coming weeks. Governor Moore called the funding a “lifeline for families who can’t wait for Washington to act.”
Food Insecurity and Mental Health: An Overlapping Crisis
At NAMI Maryland, we know that food insecurity is a mental health issue. When families lose access to stable nutrition, the ripple effects extend far beyond hunger.
- Stress and Anxiety: Uncertainty about where the next meal will come from leads to elevated stress hormones and chronic anxiety.
- Depression and Isolation: Stigma and shame often silence those in need, cutting them off from social and emotional support.
- Impact on Families: For parents and caregivers, the inability to provide food can trigger guilt and hopelessness; for children, hunger can impair development, concentration, and emotional regulation.
Mental health and food security are not separate challenges, they are intertwined threads of community well-being.
Governor Moore’s $10 Million Food Bank Support
The Governor’s emergency declaration directs funds to major food distributors, including the Maryland Food Bank, local pantries, and faith-based aid organizations. These funds aim to keep shelves stocked and prevent immediate shortages as the federal SNAP shutdown looms.
However, this stopgap measure while critical cannot replace sustained federal support. Maryland and other states face uncertainty over reimbursement if they fill federal funding gaps. As the situation evolves, state and nonprofit leaders alike are calling for collaboration and compassion to ensure no Marylander is left behind.
NAMI Maryland’s Role: Strengthening Minds and Communities
NAMI Maryland is mobilizing in response to this growing crisis. Through our community outreach, education, and many initiatives, we aim to strengthen both mental resilience and social connection in times of stress.
We will:
- Share trusted information on SNAP status updates, food resources, and emotional support services.
- Partner with food banks and community centers to host joint events that combine food distribution with brief mental-health check-ins, resource sharing, and creative expression activities.
- Provide coping tools for individuals and families experiencing distress due to food insecurity or financial strain.
These partnerships are rooted in one belief: when basic needs are met, hope and healing follow.
How You Can Help
Everyone can play a role in protecting Maryland’s well-being both physical and emotional.
- Check your benefits status or help a friend or family member do so. Call 1-800-332-6347 or visit your county Department of Social Services.
- Locate your nearest food bank — including the Maryland Food Bank and community partners statewide.
- Volunteer or donate to local food-aid programs if you can. Even small efforts strengthen the safety net.
- Start the conversation. Talking openly about food insecurity reduces stigma and creates pathways to support.
You are not alone. Compassion and community are Maryland’s greatest strengths.
Together, we can transform this moment of uncertainty into an opportunity for unity and care.
Stay Involved
- Subscribe to NAMI Maryland updates at namimd.org/newsletter
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram (@NAMIMaryland) for ongoing updates
- Contact us at info@namimd.org to collaborate or volunteer
- Donate
As the shutdown continues, Maryland will continue to offer a broad range of supports for federal employees and other workers impacted by federal actions, including:
- Maryland Department of Human Services Federal Government Shutdown Q&A
- 211 Maryland
- Support in finding a new job through 33 American Job Centers and a specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center, including individualized career guidance, résumé workshops, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, and networking support;
- Additional career resources, such as information on transitioning to a teaching career;
- A weekly virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees and federal contractors, and attended by more than 1,700 workers to date;
- Job fairs and recruitment events;
- Unemployment insurance;
- Resources for veterans;
- Legal resources; and
- Resources related to health coverage, housing, and food, cash, and other assistance.
Visit response.maryland.gov/
NAMI Maryland
Empowering Marylanders through mental health education, support, and advocacy.
