HAGERSTOWN, MD (Nov. 1, 2025) – As the new month begins and the federal government shutdown continues, support programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which benefits 1 in 9 Maryland residents (Maryland Department of Human Services), cannot be maintained.
The Washington County Health Department is joining our local government and community organizations to help residents who need extra support at this time, try and find services and programs locally that may help. The list of resources below is not comprehensive, but can hopefully direct our friends, families and neighbors to services right here in our community:
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children) – Provides healthy foods, information on healthy eating, breastfeeding support and referrals to other services for pregnant women, new moms and infants/children younger than age 5 who live in Washington County: 240-313-3335 or https://washcohealth.org/wchd-programs/wic/. Maryland WIC remains open and operational at this time.
- HARC (Hagerstown Area Religious Council) maintains a comprehensive list of food and clothing resources in our area: https://washcohealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Food-and-Clothing-Resources-ENGLISH-updated-9-2-2025.pdf Español Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency in the State of Maryland on Thursday, Oct. 30, and has surged $10 million to food banks and food bank partners across the state.
- The Maryland Food Bank‘s Find Food webpage is a great resource to have.
- Maryland 211 has a dedicated Maryland Responds website serving as a one-stop location to find numerous resources currently available. To speak to a live person at the Maryland Information Network Call Center, dial 211 or visit 211MD.org.
- 988 – Offers 24/7, confidential support for those facing a mental health crisis. Call or text 988 to talk with a trained counselor. Chat is also available.
- Maryland Health Connection provides information about health insurance options and assistance with enrolling in coverage. Call 1-855-642-8572 or visit www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/.
- Washington County’s Community Action Council‘s mission is to respectfully assist all individuals in economic need within the community in achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency. It serves as the local anti-poverty agency. Learn more about services available here: https://www.wccac.org/.
- Reach of Washington County offers the Washington County Homeless Coalition’s street guide that includes helpful information on soup kitchens and meal locations, crisis hotlines and shelters.
- Pets may be affected as well when budgets tighten up. If you have the ability to help the Humane Society of Washington County have extra supplies on hand for animals in their care, as well as animals in the community whose families may be struggling, please visit their Wish List here.
