Food Security Gap: Federal Shutdown Compounds Food Insecurity Crisis in Montgomery County
During a November 12, 2025 media briefing, Montgomery County officials identified a critical gap in food assistance affecting approximately 100,000 residents—working families who earn too much to qualify for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits but lack sufficient income to afford rising food costs. The federal government shutdown has intensified existing vulnerabilities in the county’s food security infrastructure, prompting local officials to expand emergency relief measures.
Heather Bruskin, Director of Montgomery County’s Office of Food Systems Resilience, detailed the cascading effects of federal funding disruptions on residents already struggling with economic pressures. The briefing revealed that Maryland SNAP recipients experienced partial disbursements during the shutdown, with state funds temporarily filling federal gaps. Maryland allocated $65 million to cover partial SNAP payments while federal funding remained uncertain, according to county officials.
The SNAP Gap: Who Falls Through the Cracks
The food security gap primarily affects what county officials describe as working families “just on the bubble of hunger.” These households exceed income thresholds for federal SNAP qualification—typically set at 130 percent of the federal poverty line—but lack sufficient earnings to absorb rising food costs without sacrificing other necessities. In Montgomery County, where median rent consumes half the income for 50,000 households, additional food price pressures create unsustainable financial conditions.
County data presented during the briefing underscored the scale of unmet need. With 100,000 residents falling into this assistance gap and no federal program addressing their circumstances, local officials emphasized that reliance on county and nonprofit resources has become critical to preventing food insecurity from deepening.
MC Groceries Expansion: Local Solution to Federal Gaps
To address the food security gap, Montgomery County launched MC Groceries, a partnership with Instacart that provides monthly grocery stipends to working families ineligible for SNAP but facing financial hardship. According to Bruskin, the program has served more than 700 households over the past year, enabling families to purchase healthier foods and reduce immediate financial stress.
The county is now expanding MC Groceries to serve an additional 150 families, representing a significant increase in local food assistance capacity. Bruskin described the program’s target population as those struggling with affordability despite employment, noting that the expansion reflects growing recognition of unmet need within the county.
Eligible families receive monthly stipends for grocery purchases through Instacart’s platform, allowing direct access to fresh produce, proteins, and staple foods. The program aims to reduce barriers to nutritious eating while addressing the broader systemic challenge that federal assistance programs do not account for households earning above poverty thresholds but below living wage standards.
Federal Disruptions and State-Level Response
The federal shutdown disrupted the timing and adequacy of SNAP and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefit disbursements, creating immediate hardship for vulnerable populations. Maryland’s $65 million allocation provided partial relief, though state officials acknowledged that the intervention addressed only temporary gaps rather than systemic solutions.
County Executive Marc Elrich contextualized the food security challenge within broader economic pressures facing Montgomery County residents. He highlighted rising healthcare costs, unemployment concerns, and widespread housing affordability challenges as compounding factors that intensify food insecurity. Elrich expressed concern that federal policy uncertainty could force additional cuts to social safety net programs, potentially deepening the food security gap further.
County and Nonprofit Collaboration
Bruskin emphasized ongoing collaboration between Montgomery County departments, nonprofit organizations, and the Montgomery County Food Council to identify and reach residents affected by the shutdown and economic pressures. She recommended that residents experiencing food insecurity contact county offices and partner organizations to learn about available assistance and program eligibility.
County officials outlined a multi-pronged approach combining emergency relief through MC Groceries, coordination with food banks and nonprofits, and advocacy for state and federal resources to address systemic gaps. The briefing included recommendations for residents to access updated information on program eligibility and application processes through county websites and partner agencies.
Moco Is Looking Forward to Addressing the Food Security Gap
Montgomery County officials used the November 12 briefing to signal ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity despite federal policy challenges. The expansion of MC Groceries represents immediate action, though county officials acknowledged that sustainable solutions require addressing root causes including housing affordability, wage adequacy, and structural barriers to access for existing federal assistance programs.
Bruskin stated that the county would continue monitoring federal policy developments and state funding availability while expanding local programs to bridge documented gaps in food assistance. She urged residents facing food insecurity to reach out to county resources and reminded the public that assistance remains available through multiple channels despite ongoing federal uncertainties.
