Talbot County officials are acutely aware of the challenges facing local families, federal employees, and service providers as the impacts of the federal government shutdown and the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ripple through the community.
For Talbot County, it’s estimated 636 county residents are employed by the federal government; and 3,700 individuals rely on SNAP benefits to make ends meet each month.
As the shutdown continues, local leaders emphasize that Talbot County’s strength lies in its resilience and its network of community partners – especially as the holiday season approaches.
“Talbot County has always stepped up to care for its own,” said Council President Chuck Callahan. “We know this situation will affect many of our friends and neighbors, and we’re ready to work together to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Whether that means donating food, volunteering time, or simply checking in on one another—we all have a role to play.”
To support immediate needs, the Talbot County Council has requested an additional $150,000 in CARES Act funds, pending approval from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), to address emergency food and household assistance for two local food banks who are current subrecipients of CARES Act funds: Neighborhood Service Center and St. Michaels Community Center.
Earlier this year, the County also supported the expansion of the St. Vincent de Paul’s facility through a Community Development Block Grant, which just held its ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this month.
The Talbot Family Network, the County’s Local Management Board, is working closely with community partners to coordinate resources and identify both short- and long-term solutions. “Our network has grown stronger through collaboration among county programs and service providers,” said Nancy Andrew, Executive Director of Talbot Family Network. “Those partnerships help us take responsive action and work together to connect residents with the resources and support they need during this uncertain time.”
According to data collected by the Talbot Hunger Coalition, across the county, nine food pantries and three meal providers serve nearly 3,000 people each week—more than 12,000 people a month. Operating costs for larger pantries often exceed $8,000 to $10,000 per month, straining budgets even as community fundraisers like Empty Bowls, which raised $42,000 in February 2025, provide crucial support.
Talbot County Department of Social Services reports they issue more than $600,000 of SNAP benefits to more than 2,000 households consisting of approximately 3,700 individuals in Talbot County each month.
The County recognizes that the effects of the shutdown extend beyond food access.
Residents in need of housing assistance can find helpful resources on the Talbot County Office of Housing webpage at talbotcountymd.gov/housing or contact Housing Coordinator Shalunda Collins at 410-770-6821 or [email protected] for direct support.
Additional resources are available for financial and utility assistance, mental health and family support, and wellness services through local agencies listed on the Healthy Talbot website.
Talbot County encourages residents who wish to help to:
- Contribute financially to food banks and pantries;
- Volunteer your time with CarePacks, food banks, meal delivery programs, and community kitchens;
- Be a good neighbor. Check in on friends, coworkers, and neighbors who may be affected by the shutdown, especially seniors, single parents, and those relying on federal benefits.
“Even a simple text or visit can make a difference,” Callahan added. “That’s what makes Talbot County special. When times get tough, we show up for each other.”
For more information about local resources, visit https://healthytalbot.org/shutdown-response. The State of Maryland has also created a designated resource list at response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants for federal workers impacted by the shutdown.
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