ELLICOTT CITY, MD – In response to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits being suspended due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that Howard County Government will host a non-perishable food collection drive this Saturday, November 1st at multiple locations throughout the county to assist residents in need.
With more than 13,000 households in Howard County, including some 7,000 children, facing the loss of their SNAP benefits this weekend, our county government is stepping forward with a community-wide food collection drive to help our most vulnerable residents. In difficult times like these, Howard County’s spirit shines brightest as our neighbors come together, our partners mobilize, and we make sure no one goes hungry.
From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on November 1st, community members are encouraged to visit one of five locations to donate non-perishable foods items. Please follow event signs for collection point. These locations include the:
- Gary J Arthur Community Center, 2400 MD 97, Cooksville
- George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City
- Department of Recreation & Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia
- North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
- Rockburn Branch Park - Pfeiffer’s Corner Schoolhouse, 6109 Rockburn Branch Park Road, Elkridge
Following the countywide Food Collection Drive, items collected will be donated to governmental, nonprofit, and educational partners including:
- The Community Action Council of Howard County’s (CAC) Howard County Food Bank, located at 9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J in Columbia
- The Food Pantry at the Department of Community Resources and Services’ Howard County MultiService Center (MSC Food Pantry), located at 9900 Washington Boulevard, Suite 1 in Laurel
- Howard Community College’s (HCC) Fueling Dragons Food Pantry
- Columbia Community Care (CCC)
- Howard County Muslim Council (HCMC)
- Indian Cultural Association of Howard County (ICA) and Feed HoCo
Currently, the following non-perishable food items are requested:
- Bags of rice
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Spices
- Soups
- Tuna
- Peanut Butter
- Sauces and condiments
- Bags of dry beans
- Hot and cold cereal
- 100% fruit juice
In addition to these non-perishable food items, there is an urgent need for the following essential household and hygiene items to support local Howard County families, including:
- Diapers (size 4+)
- Hygiene products (feminine hygiene, adult incontinence, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
- Dish soap
- Cleaning products
As Howard County’s designated antipoverty community action agency, the CAC stands ready to act and respond to community needs, regardless of the reason. Today is no different. We are prepared to connect residents to critical resources through its five core services: food assistance, housing assistance, energy assistance, weatherization, and early childhood education.
“This food drive comes at a crucial time for our students and our county. With changes to SNAP benefits taking effect on November 1, many families are feeling added strain,” said Dr. Daria J. Willis, President of Howard Community College. “As an educational and economic anchor institution, we’re proud to stand with our county leadership in stepping up to ensure that no one goes hungry. It’s a powerful reminder of how, even in challenging times, we can come together to care for one another.”
“The pandemic showed us the power of community in coming together to step up during times of crisis,” said Erika Chavarria, Executive Director of Columbia Community Care. “We appreciate the love and dedication that we have seen across the county from our neighbors and friends in ensuring that all our families are fed and taken care of.”
“Food is a human right, not a privilege. In Howard County, more than 60,000 residents face food insecurity when we account for both traditional need and working families who fall below the ALICE threshold. We are proud to stand with the Howard County Government in this vital effort to reduce hunger and uphold dignity for all,” said Sanjay Srivastava, President, Indian Cultural Association and FEED HoCo, Inc.
“We believe no one in our county should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. By coming together, we’re helping support local families in need and building a stronger, more caring community,” said the Howard County Muslim Council.
In recent years, the CAC has experienced unprecedented demand for food assistance at its Food Bank, which has been further stretched by the ongoing government shutdown. In response, the CAC, in coordination with its community partners, has expanded its Food Assistance program, to include:
- Extending Food Bank shopping hours: Starting Thursday, November 6th, the Food Bank will remain open until 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Regular shopping hours are as follows:
- Tuesdays, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (walk-ins)
- Wednesdays, 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. (walk-ins)
- Thursdays, 1:00 to 6:30 p.m. (walk-ins)
- Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (by appointment only)
- Federal Employees: U.S. government employees without income may visit the Food Bank twice per month during the government shutdown to collect pre-bagged shelf staples. Proof of Howard County residency and a valid federal employee photo identification are required.
- SNAP Cardholders: While SNAP is suspended, SNAP EBT recipients may visit the Food Bank twice per month. Proof of Howard County residency and a valid SNAP EBT card are required.
Additionally, the MSC Food Pantry offers the following distribution hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Residents unable to make Saturday’s non-perishable food collection drive who would still like to help their neighbors in need, can make a financial donation to the CAC on its “Donate” website, stop by the Food Bank Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to drop off items for donation, or email CAC’s Engagement Team at engagementteam@cac-hc.org to learn how you can start your own virtual food drive.
Additionally, the following Howard County locations will continue to collect non-perishable food and household items in their lobbies throughout the week:
- Howard County 50+ Centers
- Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2400 MD 97, Cooksville
- North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel
- Roger Carter Community Center, 3000 Milltowne Drive, Ellicott City
- Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City
- Howard County Multiservice Center, 9900 Washington Boulevard, Suite 1, Laurel
- Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia
- Department of Recreation & Parks Headquarters, 7120 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia
Furthermore, the Maryland Department of Human Services’ Howard County Department of Social Services (DSS) is alerting residents who rely on SNAP benefits that while EBT cards will not be loaded with additional benefits beginning November 1st, your existing card will continue to work. Keep your EBT Card active because once funding resumes, November benefits will be issued retroactively. Additionally, during this time, DSS will continue to process new SNAP applications, so residents in need are encouraged to still apply.
DSS has also shared that cash benefits, including Temporary Disability Assistance Program and Temporary Cash Assistance, will still be issued in November, and that Medical Assistance Programs are currently not affected by the shutdown. DSS encourages residents relying on these programs to keep their information up to date and to apply at MarylandBenefits.gov to ensure they continue to receive all benefits when the shutdown ends.
For questions about SNAP, EBT cards, cash benefits, and Medical Assistance Programs, contact DSS at 410-872-8700 or email howco.dss@maryland.gov.
The Howard County Health Department is also reminding residents who are struggling with food insecurity or know someone who is, to check out the Howard Local Health Improvement Coalition's interactive Food Connection Map. This map can assist users in finding nearby healthy and low-cost, accessible food, and nutrition resources in Howard County.
Furthermore, Howard County pet owners in need of pet food and/or supplies, such as cat litter, should contact Howard County Police Department’s Animal Control Division at 410-313-2780 or email animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov to speak to someone further about the Division’s Pet Food Bank.
If you have any additional questions about the County’s November 1st non-perishable food collection drive and/or available resources during this difficult time, residents are encouraged to contact the Office of the County Executive’s Constituent Services Office at 410-313-2013 or email hocohelp@howardcountymd.gov.