The City of Gaithersburg will double its food assistance funding in the coming days. Three local providers will receive $30,000 each in emergency grants to help residents still struggling from the federal shutdown’s suspension of SNAP benefits. Officials say the substantial boost Manna, the Community Hope Center, and Gaithersburg HELP have received will help meet a surge in demand that has not eased yet.
Mayor Ashman explains
Mayor Jud Ashman said the city stepped in because many families still struggle to recover from the sudden loss of essential nutrition support. “Although the current government shutdown has ended, we remain committed to supporting our community,” he said.
Ashman noted food insecurity did not disappear when the federal government reopened. The shutdown lasted for over a month after Congress failed to pass new funding bills. That meant major programs were frozen until lawmakers approved a temporary fix that now runs through January 30, 2026.
Lapse in Coverage
City Manager Tanisha Briley explained, “We know it will take time for people to recover from the lapse in funding of essential benefits.” She stresses the necessity of the emergency grants, given the need local providers see daily.
Since the shutdown began, all three groups have reported a clear uptick in the number of residents who ask for help. The extra money provided by the City of Gaithersburg will allow them to distribute more food and cover gaps caused by delayed or missing benefits.
Residents looking for more information can reach Community Services at 301-258-6395 or CommunityServices@gaithersburgmd.gov
