Special Food Distributions for Federal Workers and Contractors

With federal workers and contractors across our community now having gone almost two weeks without a paycheck due to the government shutdown, The Capital Area Food Bank is getting ready to respond to increased need. Data and experience tell us that this is around the time when many families facing a loss of income will be forced to start making hard choices. As negotiations in Congress still appear to be moving slowly, we are currently planning to move forward with special supplemental distributions to assist federal workers and contractors. They will begin next week — the week of October 20th — and continue until the shutdown ends.

Distributions will be held at locations throughout our existing partner network (3 in MD, 1 in VA, and 1 in DC). At each site, we will be providing 150 boxes of shelf-stable goods and an equivalent number of boxes of produce. Depending on traffic, we will scale up the following week if the shutdown is still ongoing. To receive food, visitors will need to show a government work ID.

More information on where neighbors can access free groceries can be found on our website:
www.capitalareafoodbank.org/dmv-help

Support for Former Federal Employees: Emergency Loan Program Now Available

The Maryland Department of Labor has launched a new Federal Emergency Loan Program to support former federal employees in Maryland who have recently lost their jobs due to layoffs, agency relocations, or closures. This no-interest loan initiative was created under the Protect Our Federal Workers Act, signed by Governor Wes Moore, and aims to provide immediate financial relief to those impacted.

Eligible individuals may apply for a $700 no-interest loan, repayable after 180 days, with a possible 90-day extension. Applicants must be Maryland residents, recently terminated from federal employment on or after January 1, 2025, and currently experiencing financial hardship. To learn more and access the application portal, please view the resource flyer below or visit labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers.

2025 END OF SESSION LETTER

On Monday, April 7th, 2025, at 12:00 a.m., the 447th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly ended. I deeply appreciate your input and wonderful unwavering support as we continue to put initiatives into law which will move us onward, upward, and outward. Many decisions in this session were very difficult, such as our overwhelming opposition to internet gambling but with your help, I voted with a focus and firm conviction in protecting our future and interest. While many of our legislative bills did not pass, I am looking forward to reintroducing them next session. This was a fast-paced session which kept us focused and extremely busy. I would like to share legislation and bond bills which directly impact our communities.