Maryland Hunger Solutions Applauds Extension of SNAP Emergency Allotments

Media Contact:
Brittani Riddle
202-640-1089 ext. 3039
briddle@frac.org

Statement attributable to Michael J. Wilson, Director, Maryland Hunger Solutions

BALTIMORE, October 6, 2021 — Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) applauds the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) for its announcement that state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments have been extended through the month of October. Requests for November and December extension of allotments will be submitted by DHS.

SNAP benefits have been a critical lifeline for Maryland residents prior to and during the pandemic. The emergency allotments that were introduced to offset the alarming spikes in hunger during the pandemic have provided 800,000 residents with additional assistance to access nutritious food.

Many SNAP recipients had expressed concern and worry after initially being alerted that their benefits were being reduced at the end of September. We are gratified that DHS will now continue to utilize the waivers that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided to dozens of states and that Maryland will now be included among them.

This policy change means more than helping households put food on the table. It also will go a long way in continuing to stimulate our state’s economy by generating tens of millions of dollars for food retailers, and for our state’s food system. This is a win-win across our state.

This is another step forward in supporting the state in pandemic recovery.

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Maryland Hunger Solutions works to end hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of children and families in Maryland.