Montgomery County DHHS Offers Food and Support Resources During Federal Government Shutdown

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) remains committed to supporting residents during the ongoing federal government shutdown. We recognize the uncertainty this situation creates, particularly for federal employees, contractors, and families who rely on essential programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

DHHS is actively monitoring the impact of the shutdown on food assistance programs and will continue to provide timely updates as new information becomes available.

Shutdown Impacts and Resources for Impacted Workers in Montgomery County

As of October 01, 2025, the federal government shut down due to the absence of a full-year appropriations bill or continuing resolution. This affects all programs reliant on annual appropriations, including SNAP.

Unlike previous shutdowns, this one begins at the start of the fiscal year without an approved budget, creating potential funding gaps that may lead to immediate disruptions.

The Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR) is closely tracking developments and will continue to update its website and community partners. The October 14 County Council briefing offers a detailed overview of the shutdown’s impact on the local food system.

What This Means for SNAP and WIC Participants

SNAP: October benefits have already been distributed and are not expected to be disrupted in the immediate future. While USDA may utilize contingency reserve funds to sustain SNAP, the availability and use of these funds remain uncertain.

SNAP benefits are expected to remain accessible through October 31, 2025. If the shutdown persists, deposits to EBT cards may be delayed starting November 1, 2025.

DHHS Social Services Offices will continue processing new SNAP applications. Residents are encouraged to keep their information current and apply at MarylandBenefits.gov to ensure uninterrupted access to benefits once the shutdown ends.

WIC: WIC typically continues operations during shutdowns; however, due to the lack of FY2026 funding, states may rely on contingency or carryover funds. In mid-October, the federal government allocated additional funding to sustain WIC benefits through the end of October.

Participants should continue applying for and using WIC benefits as usual. Updates regarding November benefits will be provided as they become available.

Please note: Beginning November 1, all SNAP recertifications and new applications will be processed under the updated eligibility criteria outlined in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA).

For more information and ongoing updates, visit the DHHS website or contact your local Social Services Office.

Resource Navigation Support:

Resources for furloughed Federal Workers and other Montgomery County Residents seeking support

Montgomery County provides extensive food assistance resources, including:

  • Montgomery County Food Resources Page: A comprehensive hub with details on food distributions, meal delivery services, and SNAP enrollment, including an updated calendar of food distributions. Please note that some locations have limited resources available and may require a prescheduled appointment. Check the calendar listing or call ahead for more information.
  • OFSR’s Food Assistance Flowchart: Available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese.
  • Food Assistance Resources Map: An interactive, searchable directory of 100+ food distribution sites across the County, with filters for location, accessibility, and type of assistance.
  • Capital Area Food Bank Distributions: Free, weekly distributions for federal workers and contractors: Wednesdays from 10am – 11:30am at So What Else: 6001 Executive Blvd, North Bethesda, MD 20852. To receive food at this distribution, visitors will need to show a government ID (employee or contractor).
  • FARMS applications: School meals are free for students in Montgomery County who qualify for Free and Reduced-price Meals. New enrollments are accepted at any time for families experiencing a change in income.
  • SUN Bucks: Although SUN Bucks applications are closed, unused SUN Bucks benefits start to expire in October. Make sure to check card balances and use benefits before it’s too late!
  • Additional Resources: Montgomery County Resources Page for Workers Impacted by Federal Government Shutdown