Resources

UMB Resources

UMB FREE - Students can help minimize food waste and receive free food by signing up for alerts about food available at events around campus. 

Emergency Financial Support - UMB provides a variety of support options for students facing financial emergencies. These options include student emergency funds provided by each of UMB's seven schools. Funding is available to U.S. and international students. Application requirements may vary.

Community Resources

Find Food Near You - The Maryland Food Bank has an updated list of open partners in the state. You can search food resources in Maryland by ZIP code. 

State of Maryland Resources

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program aiming to safeguard the health of those who are pregnant, breastfeeding/chestfeeding (up to one year after delivery), those up to six months postpartum and not breastfeeding/chestfeeding, infants and toddlers, and children up to age 5 who are low-income and at nutrition risk. Visit Maryland.gov for more information, including how to apply and eligibility requirements.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Also known as the Food Supplement Program (FSP), SNAP provides monthly assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food to meet their food and nutritional needs. Everyone has the right to apply for SNAP — including UMB students. To learn if you meet the eligibility requirements, review the SNAP Eligibility for Students section below and/or contact the Maryland Department of Human Services.

SNAP Summary 

The SNAP Program provides a monthly sum of money on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to be used, like a debit card, at authorized grocery stores and other food retailers.

To receive assistance applying for SNAP, call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552 or visit the Apply for SNAP webpage. 

SNAP COVID-19 Update 

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, a law was passed that made more students temporarily eligible for SNAP, starting Jan. 16, 2021. The temporary student rules will begin to end in June 2023. Some students may no longer be eligible for SNAP or may need to provide additional information when they recertify to continue their SNAP benefits. Visit the USDA website for more information.

SNAP Eligibility for Students 

Most students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least half time are not eligible for SNAP. However, students qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet one of the following conditions:

  1. take part in a state or federally financed work-study program;
  2. maintain a work schedule of at least 20 hours a week (no averaging);
  3. receive cash assistance benefits under a TCA program;
  4. are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6;
  5. are taking care of a dependent household member over the age of 5 but under 12 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours, or to take part in a state or federally financed work-study program; or
  6. are a single parent in school full time with a child under 12; or
  7. are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
    1. a program under the Workforce Investment Act,
    2. a program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974,
    3. an employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act, or
    4. an employment and training program operated by a state or local government.
  8. are receiving disability and receiving SSI, SSA, or VA disability payments, or
  9. have a disability verified by a doctor or licensed psychologist.

For more information on eligibility, click here to visit the Department of Human Services' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program webpage. 

Where Can I Use SNAP? 

The USDA has created a SNAP Retailer Locator. Just enter a zip code, address, city, and/or state to locate SNAP-authorized retailers.  

SNAP Guidance from the Office of Student Financial Assistance & Student Employment 

Find out how your financial aid information impacts your ability to qualify for SNAP benefits by contacting the Office of Student Financial Assistance & Student Employment. 

More Information

External Link Disclaimer

The links above are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the University of Maryland, Baltimore of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation or organization. The University of Maryland, Baltimore bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.