ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 30, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - In response to the State of Emergency Declaration made by Governor Wes Moore on Thursday, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a new initiative to support Maryland families and farmers during the federal government shutdown. The Maryland Market Monday Bridge Benefit is a temporary enhancement to the existing Maryland Market Money program, which provides matching funds for purchases made with federal nutrition benefits at farmers markets, farm stands, and community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs statewide.

The purpose of this emergency measure is to help families and farmers weather the uncertainty caused by the government shutdown. Under this program, SNAP customers who experience declined or unavailable transactions at participating markets will receive $20 in Maryland Market Money tokens per household per market day. These tokens can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food directly from local farmers and producers.

Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks stated, "Maryland is committed to ensuring that no family goes hungry, especially during times of federal disruption." He added that the MMM Bridge Benefit builds upon the success of the existing Maryland Market Money program by using its statewide infrastructure to bridge the gap for families facing food insecurity while also supporting local farmers through direct sales.

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The MMM Bridge Benefit will operate through more than 50 participating Maryland Market Money Food Access Points, which serve over 700 Maryland farmers and food producers. This response aims to maintain continuity of food access and support the state's local food economy during this critical time.

Here's how it works: when a SNAP transaction is declined due to "no funds available" or "transaction declined," market staff may issue $20 in MMM tokens per household per day. These tokens can then be redeemed for SNAP-eligible food items at participating vendors. Regular MMM matching benefits will continue as usual for approved SNAP, FMNP, and WIC transactions.

This temporary intervention ensures that farmers markets and farm stands remain a reliable source of nutritious, locally grown food for Marylanders while also fairly compensating producers for their goods. The MMM Bridge Benefit reflects the Maryland Department of Agriculture's ongoing commitment to strengthening food system resilience and addressing food insecurity across the state.

While this enhancement is a temporary measure, it aligns with Maryland's broader goal of ensuring all residents have access to healthy, local food in every community and under every circumstance. For more information on the Maryland Market Money Program, please visit https://www.marylandmarketmoney.org/ or contact Food Access Programs Manager Cristina Berthelot at cristina.berthelot@maryland.gov.

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