Bowie Food Pantry Serving Federal Workers During Federal Government Shutdown

Governor Moore Visits Prince George’s County Food Pantry Serving Federal Workers During Federal Government Shutdown

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore visited the Bowie Food Pantry in Prince George’s County. Within the past two months, the pantry has experienced a significant increase in demand for food assistance due an influx of federal employees in need, including many who remain unemployed following mass federal layoffs earlier this year.

“This shutdown is a continuation of the reckless actions we’ve seen since Day One of this federal administration,” said Gov. Moore. “Now the president would rather allow the government to remain shut down than negotiate in good faith, leaving Maryland’s economy and working families to deal with the consequences. But while the president continues to look away, Maryland will do everything in its power to deliver relief to those struggling.”

The Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Fund provides food assistance and emergency financial aid to area residents. Approved clients receive four pre-packed bags with dry and canned foods, fresh produce, and personal care items once or twice a month. To cover a new surge in demand caused by the government shutdown furloughs, the pantry has been forced to make exceptions to its food assistance qualifications to meet the needs of county residents—55,000 of whom are federal workers. At the current rate, the pantry expects to log roughly 100 more client visits in October than they did in August. 

“The Bowie Food Pantry continues to provide year-round food assistance to qualifying residents of Prince George’s County,” said Bowie Food Pantry Executive Director Michaeline Gandolph. “As the federal government shutdown continues and the price of food goes up, we are seeing a noticeable increase in demand from local families and individuals impacted by furloughs, reduced hours, and financial uncertainty. Our mission has always been to provide food for those in need in Prince George’s County.  We are doing everything we can to meet that demand. We are deeply grateful to our donors for their continued generosity and support.”

Many of the pantry’s clients are also participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In a letter dated Oct. 10, the Trump Administration directed Maryland not to issue SNAP benefits, in addition to choosing not to release contingency funding, as required by law. As a result, SNAP benefits are likely not to be deposited on EBT cards beginning Nov. 1 and 680,000 Marylanders who rely on SNAP to eat—including nearly 270,000 children—stand to go hungry.

“Donald Trump continues to drag out his government shutdown as he refuses to negotiate with Democrats – and our dedicated federal civil servants are unfairly bearing the brunt,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “I’m grateful for the work that the Bowie Food Pantry is doing to support Marylanders in need, including many patriotic federal workers who are struggling to put food on their tables through no fault of their own. We can end this shameful shutdown and get federal employees back to on the job – but Republicans must come to the table to responsibly fund the government, hold the President accountable to the law, and prevent millions of Americans’ health care costs from skyrocketing.”

“If Republicans refuse to reopen the government by November 1, this President will decide whether families will be able to access their SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “I have pushed this Administration to use every available resource to fund this lifesaving program. Children should not go hungry because Republicans have decided to shut down the government. I commend the Bowie Food Pantry for the work they do, especially in this challenging time. In the meantime, we will keep fighting for Marylanders.”

“I thank Governor Moore for visiting the Bowie Food Pantry today. The Pantry has supported Marylanders through all of the crises that Donald Trump has brought upon them, from senseless firings to disastrous tariffs that have sent food prices skyrocketing,” said U.S. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. “After shutting the government down, the White House has told the American people that its “main focus” is building a new ballroom, and House Republicans are nowhere to be found. Today, Governor Moore is showing that his main focus is on supporting Marylanders during this difficult time. I am grateful to the governor and all of the staff, volunteers, and donors to the Bowie Food Pantry for their steadfast service to our community.”

“I want to thank Governor Wes Moore for his leadership and compassion in standing with the families of Prince George’s County today,” said U.S. Congressman Glenn Ivey. “Far too many of our neighbors, especially federal workers who’ve been furloughed, fired by DOGE, or RIF’d under Russ Vought’s reckless directives, are struggling to make ends meet. The Bowie Food Pantry is doing heroic work, but no one should have to rely on charity because of political games in Washington. Governor Moore and I are working closely with federal team Maryland, state, and local partners to ease the suffering across Prince George’s County and beyond. Together, we’re fighting to restore stability, dignity, and fairness for every worker and every family affected by this shutdown.”

As the federal government remains shut down, the Moore-Miller Administration will continue to mobilize resources to assist both furloughed federal employees and “excepted” federal employees (also called “essential”), who are required to continue working during the government shutdown without pay. 

To assist essential employees, Governor Moore announced the launch of the Federal Shutdown Loan Program earlier this month, which offers a one-time no-interest loan of $700 to help workers meet expenses like rent and groceries. The loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive the back pay they are owed by the federal government. 

Furloughed federal employees—who are not working and are not being paid during the government shutdown—may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program. They are required to repay those benefits after the shutdown ends and they receive retroactive pay. 

Furloughed employees of federal contractors—who are not working and are not being paid—may be eligible for state unemployment insurance benefits.

The federal government is the largest employer in the State of Maryland. Prior to this year’s federal workforce cuts, 269,000 Maryland residents were employed by the federal government and more than 160,000 federal civilian jobs were located in Maryland. Since the Trump Administration has taken office, Maryland has lost more than 15,000 federal jobs—the largest number in the nation. Past government shutdowns have had direct repercussions in Maryland, with President Trump’s partial shutdown in 2018-2019 costing thousands of Marylanders $778 million in wages.

“Gov Moore and I stand together in our care and concern for residents impacted by the fed gov shutdown,” said Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “We depend on partners like the Bowie Food Pantry and their incredible volunteers while we weather this difficult time.”

“During this very challenging time, the District 4 County Council office remains steadfast in our commitment to support our residents,” said Prince George’s County Councilmember Ingrid S. Watson. “Our visit to the Bowie Food Pantry underscores our vital partnership with Governor Moore to ensure that everyone has access to essential food assistance and resources. Together, we are dedicated to standing with our community and ensuring no one goes hungry.”

The Bowie Food Pantry is generally open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. for drive-up food pick-up.

As the shutdown continues, Maryland will continue to offer a broad range of supports for federal employees and other workers impacted by federal actions, such as: