Maryland Emergency Food Program (MEFP)

The Maryland Emergency Food Program (MEFP) administers annual grants to feeding organizations to purchase food to provide groceries and meals to families in need. These organizations are tax-exempt agencies and include soup kitchens, food banks, food pantries, shelters, residential treatment programs, and after-school programs. MEFP funds are allocated to all 24 jurisdictions in Maryland based on population, poverty, and unemployment. Currently, there are 104 MEFP-funded programs around the State.

Who is eligible?

MEFP does not directly provide food or access to food for individuals.
  • MEFP funds are annually granted to feeding organizations statewide that meet certain criteria and abide by MEFP guidelines.
  • Individuals who seek access to food can contact a local MEFP-funded organization:

MEFP Contact

Leslie Rice
Department of Human Services,
311 West Saratoga St.,
Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3500
Leslie.Rice@Maryland.gov

MEFP Applications

Program Update (March 11, 2024):

The FY 2025 guidelines, applications and submission details for both MEFP and SNAEP grant programs are being revised. We intend to make the application and award process more efficient. Once revisions are finalized, we will post and share the guidelines, application and submission details. Applications will be due 30 days from the posted date.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at emily.bauer1@Maryland.gov
or 443-257-0223. We welcome your suggestions on how we can improve MEFP and SNAEP. Thank you for your continued partnership to serve Marylanders.

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