For Maryland’s more than 250,000 federal employees—many of whom live in Baltimore and its surrounding areas—uncertainty lingers as the government shutdown reaches the one-month mark. With lawmakers still at a stalemate over healthcare spending, there’s no clear end in sight, which means that workers and contractors will continue to struggle with the ripple effects of going unpaid, being furloughed, or losing their positions entirely—especially as the Trump Administration prioritizes cutting the federal workforce.
Unsurprisingly, local Baltimore businesses and organizations are lending a hand by offering discounted meals, free admission, and food donations. Thankfully, Gov. Wes Moore has released $62 million from the State’s Fiscal Responsibility Fund to ensure that SNAP benefits (utilized by an estimated 680,000 Marylanders, nearly 270,000 of whom are children) are available in full this month. But food security is still top-of-mind as paychecks for hundreds of thousands remain on pause.
Whether you’re looking to benefit from them, or support them, here are a few local resources to take note of.
Food Drives
Baltimore Keychain Library: What started as a “take one, leave one” program for toys and trinkets, the Baltimore Keychain Library has become a symbol of hope and kindness in the Hampden community, now focusing on collecting pantry items and essential products for those in need. Anyone can drop off nonperishable food, boxed pantry goods, and other household essentials, and pick up any items they need. The library porch is located on the 3500 block of Elm Avenue.
Bmore Community Fridge Network: The subject of our recent profile, this entirely volunteer-run initiative operates 17 community fridges installed around the city—with more in the works. Visit its detailed map of stocking sites to either donate to, or benefit from, the collection of fresh, free foods. If you’re donating, organizers ask that you label and date the food, and note any allergens. Learn more about the grassroots mission, here.
Greedy Reads: When you stop by to pick up your next cozy fall novel, be sure to bring an extra canned good or toiletry with you. Both stores in Fells Point and Remington have set up donation boxes for shelf-safe items and hygiene products to contribute to local food pantries in the wake of the shutdown.
Maryland Food Bank: The Maryland Food Bank is supporting federal employees impacted by the shutdown by providing free groceries and helping them apply for SNAP benefits and other assistance programs through its pantry network. The food bank encourages those impacted to use its online Find Food tool for convenient pickup. Learn more about volunteering, here.
“Food is a Human Right” Food Drive at Oleum: Food security is a cause that hits home for chef Alisha Adibe, a military spouse whose family grew up utilizing government assistance programs to purchase groceries. As such, her vegan restaurant in Fells Point is hosting a food drive to collect cans, pantry goods, baby food, toiletries, hygiene products, and pet supplies for families in need.
So What Else Food Rescue Bank: With weekly operations across Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County, the So What Else food bank has extended its reach to help federal employees and contractors affected by the shutdown. The nonprofit provides fresh produce, pantry items, and resources to families across Maryland. Receive assistance or get involved, here.
Restaurant Discounts
Arepi: In Fells Point, the owners of this Venezuelan outpost are offering free arepas to anyone who shows up with proper ID. “Coming from a country that’s faced its share of challenges, we’ve learned that community and solidarity are what keep us standing,” reads a post by brothers Harold and Luis Dams, who opened their shop last year after vending for years at the Fells Point Farmers Market. The signature corn cakes are stuffed with everything from shredded chicken and mozzarella to plantains and black beans.
Ceremony Coffee: Workers waiting for the shutdown to end are invited to warm up with a comforting cup of joe on the house at any Ceremony location (Mt. Vernon, Harbor Point, Federal Hill) with proper government ID.
Ekiben: In keeping with their commitment to the community, last week, owners Steve Chu and Ephrem Abebe dropped an Instagram video sharing that they’re giving away free meals to impacted workers in-store with proper government ID until the shutdown ends. (We shouldn’t be surprised, these are the same guys who drove six hours to serve a woman with a terminal diagnosis their famous tempura broccoli—her favorite dish—after all.) If you’re going unpaid, visit any of the beloved Asian-fusion spot’s three locations in Fells Point, Hampden, or South Baltimore to enjoy a famous rice bowl or steamed bun on the house.
Beyond Baltimore, the team has also partnered with chef José Andrés’s nonprofit World Central Kitchen to pack and serve 500 meals per day for workers in Washington, D.C. Those interested in contributing to the cause are welcome to donate a meal when ordering at Ekiben online or in-store.
Water Song: Following Ekiben’s lead, the team at this Chinese and Latin-fusion restaurant in Federal Hill is offering a free rice noodle bowl or order of tacos to every worker who comes in with their federal ID. As they said on Instagram, “No stress, let’s help each other.”
Honeygrow: At all DMV locations, including those in Charles Village and at Harbor Point, this salad and stir-fry chain is showing its support by offering 20 percent off any in-house order to impacted employees as long as the government shutdown continues. An ID is not required to make this process as easy as possible.
Mera Kitchen Collective: Given the state of the world, the global eatery in Mt. Vernon is currently offering a community meal on a pay-what-you-can basis. As part of a special Dia de Los Muertos menu, the kitchen will serve a special guajillo and ancho pepper soup with hominy, avocado, and cilantro.
Free Admission at Cultural Institutions
American Visionary Art Museum: AVAM in Federal Hill is offering free admission to those impacted throughout the shutdown. When you arrive, show your federal ID, and you will be granted access to explore the museum and see all of the beautiful, whimsical art inside—including the current 30th-anniversary mega exhibition Fantastic Realities.
Baltimore Museum of Industry: Through January, the Key Highway fixture honoring the city’s labor and innovation accomplishments is offering free admission to government workers with proper ID. Take the day to wander through the permanent exhibitions (including the popular Neighborhood Corner Bar, delving into the city’s bar culture from the Industrial Revolution until Prohibition) and those currently on view, such as The Daily Hustle, a photo exhibition by the late I. Henry Phillips, Sr. depicting Baltimore’s Black workers and business owners.
Reginald F. Lewis Museum: Similarly, the Inner Harbor’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum is offering free admission to federal employees and their families, encouraging them to “explore the exhibits as a cultural and historical break.” Workers can show their government ID at the Visitor Services desk to roam the works celebrating Black history, culture, and art. Among current exhibits on view are Titan, exploring the legacy of Reginald F. Lewis, and iWITNESS: Media & The Movement—which delves into the effects of the media on the modern American Civil Rights Movement.
Baltimore Soundstage and The Nevermore Hall: These neighboring live music venues at Power Plant Live are offering federal workers free tickets to select shows upcoming throughout November and December. “Music brings people together,” a joint social post reads. “Everyone deserves a night out.” All you have to do is complete this Google form requesting tickets to your preferred concert and affirming your current work status.
This list will continue to be updated. Explore more resources, here.