Maryland Pushes to Enroll More in SNAP Amid Federal Changes

State partners with nonprofits to boost awareness and access to food assistance benefits

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:42am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph of a family grocery shopping in a supermarket, with soft pools of warm color and light creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere.Maryland's mobile-first approach to SNAP enrollment aims to provide vital food assistance to families in need, even as federal policy changes impact eligibility.Baltimore Today

The state of Maryland is actively working to enroll more eligible residents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as federal changes impact eligibility and benefit amounts. The state has partnered with nonprofits to launch text campaigns and mobile-friendly application tools to reach families in need and connect them with SNAP and other assistance programs.

Why it matters

With rising costs of living and recent federal changes to SNAP, many Maryland families are struggling to afford food. The state's outreach efforts aim to ensure those in need can access critical nutrition assistance and avoid food insecurity.

The details

The Maryland Department of Human Services has teamed up with the nonprofit mRelief to create a text campaign targeting families already enrolled in the state's SUN Bucks summer nutrition program. Many of these households are also eligible for SNAP but not currently enrolled. The text campaign reached over 170,000 SUN Bucks participants, resulting in 2,700 new SNAP enrollments worth up to $5.5 million in potential benefits. The state has also launched a mobile-friendly application portal for multiple assistance programs.

  • In the fall of 2022, the Maryland DHS and mRelief launched the SNAP enrollment text campaign.
  • The text campaign reached over 170,000 SUN Bucks households last year.

The players

Maryland Department of Human Services

The state agency responsible for administering social services programs, including SNAP.

mRelief

A nonprofit organization that partnered with the Maryland DHS to create mobile-friendly tools for SNAP enrollment and other assistance programs.

Christopher Dipnarine

Founder and executive director of the nonprofit 4MyCiTy, which provides food distributions and support to families in need.

Colin Murphy

Deputy chief of staff for the Maryland Department of Human Services.

Brittany Jones

Executive director of mRelief.

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What they’re saying

“Last month, we saw a surge in families that have lost SNAP because they missed deadlines. There's a lot of education that I think is missing on just the enrollment, the reporting, the requirements.”

— Christopher Dipnarine, Founder and executive director, 4MyCiTy

“It's a priority of the Moore—Miller administration to make sure that folks are able to access the benefits that they're eligible for and that they deserve.”

— Colin Murphy, Deputy chief of staff, Maryland Department of Human Services

“In order to bring dignity to people, we are reaching them where they are, which is largely on their cell phones. Regardless of what your economic status is, you are likely in the United States to have access to a cell phone, so all of our tools and all of our campaigns prioritize mobile-first solutions.”

— Brittany Jones, Executive director, mRelief

“We were ultimately able to help 2,700 families claim SNAP benefits up to a value of potentially $5.5 million, which we're really happy to be able to help those families. We know budgets are tight, and we want to make sure they're getting the support they need.”

— Colin Murphy, Deputy chief of staff, Maryland Department of Human Services

What’s next

The Maryland Department of Human Services plans to continue its text campaign and mobile-friendly application tools to reach more eligible residents and connect them with SNAP and other assistance programs.

The takeaway

Maryland's proactive efforts to boost SNAP enrollment amid federal changes highlight the importance of making nutrition assistance programs accessible and user-friendly, especially for low-income families struggling with rising costs of living.