As Maryland Sees Four-Fold Increase in SNAP Applications Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic, No Kid Hungry Calls on Congress to Respond to Growing Need

As Maryland Sees Four-Fold Increase in SNAP Applications Amidst Coronavirus Pandemic, No Kid Hungry Calls on Congress to Respond to Growing Need

Contact: Johanna Elsemore, jelsemore@strength.org

June 22, 2020

BALTIMORE, MD – New data just released from the Maryland Department of Human Services shows a more than 400% increase in the number of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications received in April of this year, as compared to March. In both Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, the increase in SNAP applications was upwards of 600%. Both Charles and Baltimore Counties also experienced more than four times the increase in applications. In Howard, Montgomery, and Anne Arundel Counties, the number of applications more than tripled. Every county across the state saw an increase in need, with nearly 150,000 applications received in April.

The following is a statement from Tam Lynne Kelley, No Kid Hungry Maryland Senior Manager:

“The coronavirus is a health crisis as well as a financial one for Maryland families, as thousands are facing unemployment. Across our state, nearly a million people may face hunger this year, many for the first time. The unprecedented level of need is evidenced in the long lines at food banks and the recent four-fold increase in applications for SNAP. One of the best ways to feed kids is by ensuring their families have sufficient resources to afford food. SNAP achieves this efficiently and effectively, while also boosting our local economy.

As families and individuals across the country continue to feel the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis, hunger groups are uniting to urge Congress to strengthen and expand SNAP in the next coronavirus relief package:

• Increase the maximum SNAP benefit by at least 15% to respond to increased food costs.

• Increase the minimum monthly SNAP benefit from $16 per person, per month, as Maryland has already done for residents over age 62.

• Expand access to the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program to allow SNAP benefits to be used to purchase prepared food – a sensible policy change that will provide much needed support to our local restaurants.

• Extend the new Pandemic EBT program (P-EBT), which supports families with children that depend on free or reduced-priced school meals.”

On June 24^th, No Kid Hungry will lead a National Day of Action on SNAP to tell leaders in Congress that #SNAPFeedsKids. It will take place across our social media channels, rallying the nation to demand relief for hungry kids and families. Find resources to join this call to action in this social media toolkit.

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Read the full statement here: SNAP Enrollment Statement 6 22 20 (pdf)