Rep. McClain Delaney Visits Upcounty Hub to Discuss Shutdown’s Impacts on SNAP and Special Food Assistance for Federal Workers in Montgomery County

Rep. McClain Delaney Visits Upcounty Hub to Discuss Shutdown's Impacts on SNAP and Special Food Assistance for Federal Workers in Montgomery County

GERMANTOWN, MD - Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was joined by state and local leaders at the Upcounty Hub-a one stop shop for food assistance and other essential resources-to condemn the stalling of SNAP assistance during the government shutdown. With the Administration's refusal to tap into contingency funds and extend benefits through next month, federal funding for SNAP will run out on November 1st with many states-including Maryland-unable to fully support the program absent federal aid.

When federal assistance is halted, centers like the Upcounty Hub are even more critical to keeping local communities fed. The Upcounty Hub is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to assist all qualifying individuals and families by providing food essentials like fresh produce, protein, and other staples. The center will also have special services and extended hours for federal workers displaying a federal identification badge every Monday until the shutdown ends.

"One in nine people in my district-half of them children-are dependent on SNAP, and more than 680,000 Marylanders at this moment are at risk of going hungry. The Administration's refusal to use Congressionally-approved contingency funds already set aside for SNAP emergencies-precisely for instances like these-illuminates the level to which there is no heart or humanity for our fellow Americans. I am proud to work alongside state and local leaders across Maryland, including the wonderful Upcounty Hub team in Montgomery County, to fight this outcome and ensure that our families and federal workers are well-fed and supported during this difficult time," said Rep. April McClain Delaney.

"President Trump isn't just keeping the government shut down-he's now turning the screws on children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families in poverty," said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. "Unilaterally ending federal food assistance is both illegal and cruel. Team Maryland is stepping into the breach to help fill the gap. But no state can make up for a White House that has abandoned its basic responsibilities to govern. President Trump must come to the negotiating table in good faith and end this shutdown."

"We are thankful that the community is coming together and we are thankful for our Council for giving $7.75 million of additional support to the many nonprofits like us who care about our community and want to make sure that our children do not go hungry," said UpCounty Hub Founder and Chief Executive Officer Grace Rivera-Oven. "On Mondays we're going to be opening our doors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for federal workers to come to our pantry to have the support that they need at the Upcounty Hub in Germantown. Thank you to the community, our representatives, and our business supporters for helping us during these very difficult times."

Numerous state and community leaders joined the Congresswoman at a press conference today to tour the facility, express their support for federal workers across the county, and pack snack bags for Montgomery County Public Schools students. Officials in attendance included: Maryland Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques; Maryland State Senator Nancy King (District 39); Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart; Maryland State Delegates David Fraser-Hidalgo (District 15), Lily Qi (District 15), Joe Vogel (District 17), and W. Gregory Wims (District 39); Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Chief James Bridgers; Montgomery County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard; Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience Director Heather Bruskin; and UpCounty Hub staff and volunteers.

Learn more about the Upcounty Hub, including its team members and special program hours, on its website.

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.