Westminster, MD, Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – Carroll County is offering information to assist residents who may need food resource assistance due to the federal government ending its COVID-19 Pandemic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Allotments. These emergency allotments ended yesterday, February 28, 2023.

The federal government recently announced significant changes impacting the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) that will end some benefits and services temporarily made available to customers due to the Public Health Emergency (PHE) during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The federal decision ends SNAP Emergency Allotments which were benefits provided to eligible households since April 2020. All SNAP households will see a decrease in benefits due to this policy change.

Carroll County has an array of existing food resources that people can access in times of food insecurity.  Please visit the link below for an updated list of available food pantries, soup kitchens, food distribution sites and congregate meal locations throughout Carroll County:

https://dhs.maryland.gov/documents/Local%20Offices/Carroll%20County/Food-Resource-Guide.pdf

Additionally, Carroll County Government operates five senior & community centers that provide daily hot meals for people aged 60 and older and people ages 50-59 with a disability. These meals are available upon advance reservation.  The meals are available for a donation or up to the full cost of the meal. Please contact the respective center for more information and eligibility requirements.

Mt. Airy Senior & Community Center                      410-386-3960

North Carroll Senior & Community Center            410-386-3900

South Carroll Senior & Community Center            410-386-3700

Taneytown Senior & Community Center                410-386-2700

Westminster Senior & Community Center             410-386-3850

The Bureau of Aging & Disabilities also administers a Home Delivered Meal Program for older adults who meet eligibility requirements. Please call 410-386-3800 for more information.