Working to End Hunger in America

Hunger is not a costume. It is a reality faced by 47.9 million people (one in seven households) across the country who are struggling to put food on the table.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit theft, resulting from the weak security measures on SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, undermines SNAP’s central purpose: helping households with limited resources afford food. Criminals exploit weaknesses in EBT payment systems to steal benefits after households have established eligibility, leaving participants to absorb losses they often cannot replace. Between fiscal year 2023 and 2025, states documented and reported 2.2 million fraudulent transactions. These losses affect a population already facing substantial economic hardship. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) fiscal year 2024 data show that 79 percent of SNAP households included a child, an older adult, or a nonelderly person with a disability, and 80 percent included someone who worked. Despite working, these households averaged $1,117 in gross monthly income and $551 in net monthly income. This shows that employment does not necessarily provide enough income to meet basic needs and underscores SNAP’s pivotal role.

Every Marylander should be able to put food on the table without fear that seeking help could jeopardize their future.  

Changes made by the Department of Homeland Security to the public charge final rule create another barrier to food security for immigrant and mixed-status families in Maryland. By expanding how public benefits may be considered in certain green card applications and visa determinations, the policy leaves families uncertain about whether seeking help with food, health care, housing, and other essential needs could affect their pathway to lawful permanent residence (“LPR” or “green card”).