AARP Hearing Center
 
    
    
As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Marylanders—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
Remember, You Are Not Alone
If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.
Check Your EBT Balance
Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.
Find Local Supports and Services
Many food banks and pantries offer services tailored to older individuals, including home delivery and dietary-sensitive options.
Statewide Food Assistance
- 211 Maryland – Food Resources
- Maryland Food Bank
- Capital Area Food Bank
- Maryland Hunger Solutions SNAP application assistance: 1-866-821-5552
- Apply for SNAP online
- Find a local agency to apply for WIC
County-Level Assistance Programs
- Anne Arundel: Anne Arundel County Food Bank
- Baltimore City: Baltimore CHARMcare (food and other resources)
- Baltimore County: Baltimore County Food Pantry Locator
- Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s: Southern Maryland Food Connection
- Dorchester, Talbot, Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s: Mid-shore Health Improvement Coalition (food resources)
- Harford: Healthy Harford: Food Pantries & Free Community Meals
- Howard: Howard County Food Bank
- Montgomery:
- Manna Food Center
- Montgomery County Food Council
- Montgomery County Government Office of Food Systems Resilience
- Prince George’s: Prince George’s County Food Equity Council
- Washington: Community Action Council
Additional Resources for Individuals and Families
- Find Help – Search and connect to support for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help.
- Maryland Department of Aging: Nutrition and Meal Services
- 211 Maryland – Connect to the state’s most comprehensive health and human services resource database.
- The United Way of Central Maryland has a downloadable guide to community resources, Resource Guide to Basic Needs in Central Maryland.
- Prescription Drug Assistance
- United Way of the National Capital Area – Singlecare Prescription Savings Card
- GoodPill provides Maryland residents with access to many of the most commonly prescribed drugs for as little as $6 for a 90-day supply. https://goodpill.org/
Nationwide Resources
- Feeding America Food Bank Locator - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
- Hunger Free America - https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org
- Food Finder Interactive Map - https://foodfinder.us/
- WhyHunger Find Food Database - https://whyhunger.org/find-food
- Meals on Wheels America: Delivers nutritious meals directly to homes. Find a provider - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
- Little Food Pantries - https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/
- Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): These agencies often coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and other support services. Find your local AAA - https://eldercare.acl.gov/home
National Hotlines for Immediate Help
- National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
- WhyHunger Hotline: Call 1-800-5-HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479
- Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local food programs.
 
                    
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                 
                  
                    
                