MD Governor Declares State Of Emergency To Send $10M To Food Banks

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Gov. Wes Moore on Thursday directed the state to send $10 million to Maryland food banks ahead of looming cuts to federal food aid amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The directive came as Moore declared a state of emergency due to the "widespread economic disruption and damage to the welfare of Marylanders caused by the prolonged shutdown of federal government operations," he said in the order.

More than 693,000 low-income Marylanders, including more than 270,000 children, are set to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance in November after the U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states that benefits would not be paid during the shutdown.

In a notice posted on its website, the agency said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits flowing into November.

The program helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries.

• RELATED: MD SNAP Benefits Won't Go Out In November, Officials Confirm

"The failure of the federal government to fund SNAP benefits during this prolonged government shutdown creates a hunger crisis in Maryland, leaving our most vulnerable residents at risk of losing the most basic human need," Moore said in the executive order.

Moore's order marks an about-face from last week, when he said he would not tap into state cash reserves to pay for benefits, according to a WYPR report.

“I have been clear that there is no state that has the balance sheet to cover when the federal government says: ‘You know what? We’re just going to leave you on your own,’” Moore previously said.

While the funds will not supplement lost SNAP benefits, the order directs money for food banks to be taken from the state's fiscal responsibility fund and administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services.

Leaders in Washington need to work together to end the shutdown and serve residents, said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier in a statement.

“Approximately 100,000 Baltimore County residents – including newborns in need of formula, homebound seniors, and those with disabilities – rely on SNAP food benefits, and the suspension of this vital program will be devastating for our families, communities, and economy," Klausmeier said. "I'm deeply grateful to Governor Moore for recognizing this critical issue for the emergency it is and directing millions of dollars towards food banks and nonprofits across the state."

During an announcement of the order attended by Fox Baltimore, Moore said it was not a decision he made lightly.

“I hate the fact that we are here. But we are here,” Moore said. “It’s ironic that we have people in Maryland who are working and not getting paid. And we have politicians in Washington who are not working and getting paid.”

Maryland Democratic Party Chair Steuart Pittman released a statement following the announcement, lauding Moore's decision.

“Once again, Maryland families are paying the price for Republican chaos in Washington," Pittman said. "While Republicans continue to play politics with people’s livelihoods, Democrats are stepping up to ensure Marylanders have the support they need during this Republican created crisis. Donald Trump can and should end this shutdown today.”

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey also released a statement in response to Moore's announcement.

"Instead of restoring SNAP benefits through a program Marylanders already understand and rely on, the Governor once again passed on the opportunity to lead,” Hershey said. “Other governors found a way to do this the right way — directly and transparently. Gov. Moore chose the harder, less effective path, handing responsibility off to nonprofits despite his administration’s poor track record of accountability in that space. Marylanders deserved better than confusion and headlines."

Earlier this week, Maryland also joined a group of 26 states in suing the Trump administration, claiming the USDA unlawfully suspended SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.

“More than 680,000 Marylanders, including 262,000 children, rely on SNAP to put food on the table,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “We’re taking the Trump administration to court because Maryland’s children and families deserve better than a federal government that chooses to let them go hungry despite having the resources to help.”

• RELATED: MD Among States Suing Trump Administration Over Suspended SNAP Benefits