Dear University of Maryland Community,

We understand that this continues to be a challenging time for many in our community. Some of our family members, friends and colleagues are experiencing the impact of reduced resources and the loss of SNAP benefits, and some have been affected by recent federal layoffs and furloughs. These difficult times remind us that we are a connected community of care, driven by values that define who we are at the University of Maryland.

As we support one another, we also want to share important campus and community resources that are available to assist those in need.

Campus Resources and Opportunities to Help

The UMD Campus Pantry, located in South Campus Dining Hall, is open to support students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity. The Pantry has seen a significant increase in its use, and many of our regular suppliers are facing shortages given the current environment. We encourage our community to come together to support one another by participating in upcoming food drives:

• Monday, November 10: Drive-up and Drop-off Donation Drive
  South Campus Dining Hall Loading Dock, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 19: Tabling Event and Donation Drive
  Farmers Market, Tawes Plaza, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 1: Drive-up and Drop-off Donation Drive
  South Campus Dining Hall Loading Dock, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

You can also choose to support the UMD Campus Pantry by purchasing items through their Donation Registry or making a monetary gift through their Giving Site.

Students can also access additional support through the Thrive Center for Essential Needs, where they can apply for economic crisis grants and find other helpful resources.

Community Resources Beyond Campus

We encourage anyone affected to explore additional support available in our surrounding community:

• Prince George’s County offers a variety of assistance programs for impacted federal workers, including food, utilities, rent assistance, job training and health coverage. Impacted employees can register through the county to access these resources. The county has also established a database to track and support individuals experiencing food insecurity.
• The State of Maryland has developed a tool to help citizens find a nearby food bank.
• The Capital Area Food Bank has opened several “pop-up” food distribution sites, including one near Hyattsville.

Additionally, Governor Moore has declared a state of emergency in Maryland and announced that $62 million in funds will be allocated for food assistance across the state. While details are still forthcoming, we are hopeful that this investment will ease the burden for many.