Maryland has officially resumed full SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits as of November 18th, following what became the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown lasted 43 days, surpassing the previous 35-day record, and resulted from prolonged gridlock in Congress over federal spending.

During the shutdown, many federal operations were halted or delayed, including programs that support millions of Americans who rely on food assistance. For the first time in SNAP’s history, funding was at risk of running out, creating uncertainty for families who depend on the program for everyday groceries.

To minimize the impact on Maryland residents, Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order guaranteeing that households using SNAP would receive at least 50% of their benefits throughout the shutdown. This state-level action helped families continue buying food despite the federal funding lapse.

Once the federal government reopened and funding was restored, the Maryland Department of Human Services issued a total of $46,941,257 in SNAP benefits to compensate for delayed payments and return families to their full benefit levels. These restored payments provided immediate relief for thousands of Marylanders who had been affected.

The shutdown not only disrupted federal agencies but also highlighted how essential programs like SNAP are for families, including those within school communities. As benefits resume and operations return to normal, state officials emphasize the importance of stable federal funding to avoid similar disruptions in the future.