SNAP Outreach Program

The State of Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) under the guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) submits a comprehensive plan to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach Program created through the Food and Nutrition Act (Section 11(e)(1)(A), as amended. During Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2019, DHS intends to submit a three year Plan to fund and coordinate the SNAP Outreach services.

The purpose of the State Plan is to collaborate with FNS and to ensure the general public is informed and educated about the SNAP benefits available to individuals and families that may qualify, but are not aware of the program. In addition, outreach services are designed to address the misinformation and stigma associated with receiving SNAP benefits. SNAP serves as the primary safety net to address issues of hunger within the State of Maryland. The benefits are used to support individuals’ and families’ ability to purchase and obtain healthy food choices and to prevent hunger.

In addition to the positive benefits of reducing hunger in Maryland, the use of SNAP benefits has a positive economic impact. It has been shown that every SNAP dollar spent results in an additional $1.80 in additional spending. Such action produces an affirmative impact on local grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and/or other locations where SNAP benefits may be used.

A third benefit of the SNAP Outreach Program is that it allows Maryland to develop a comprehensive community based outreach infrastructure which provides greater flexibility and access for residents and supports Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS). The SNAP Outreach Program has no direct bearing on the State General Funds. This program is funded through federal funds and private contributions from program partners.

Interested community based organizations who wish to participate in SNAP Outreach Programs should contact Adrienne Bennett via email at adrienne.bennett@maryland.gov.

If you need help applying for SNAP benefits, go to SNAP outreach community based organizations, and click on the organizations closest to your address. If there is no one in your vicinity, click on any organization that serves statewide.