Photo credit Pat Siebert, courtesy Maryland Governor’s Press Office
Governor Wes Moore visited the Bowie Food Pantry in Prince George’s County on October 24, 2025. The pantry has experienced a significant increase in demand for food assistance.
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Governor Moore Visits Prince George’s County Food Pantry Serving Federal Workers During Federal Government Shutdown
By PRESS OFFICER
Office of the Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Oct. 24, 2025)—Governor Wes Moore today visited the Bowie Food Pantry in Prince George’s County. Within the past two months, the pantry has experienced a significant increase in demand for food assistance due an influx of federal employees in need, including many who remain unemployed following mass federal layoffs earlier this year.
“This shutdown is a continuation of the reckless actions we’ve seen since Day One of this federal administration,” said Gov. Moore. “Now the president would rather allow the government to remain shut down than negotiate in good faith, leaving Maryland’s economy and working families to deal with the consequences. But while the president continues to look away, Maryland will do everything in its power to deliver relief to those struggling.”
The Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Fund provides food assistance and emergency financial aid to area residents. Approved clients receive four pre-packed bags with dry and canned foods, fresh produce, and personal care items once or twice a month. To cover a new surge in demand caused by the government shutdown furloughs, the pantry has been forced to make exceptions to its food assistance qualifications to meet the needs of county residents—55,000 of whom are federal workers. At the current rate, the pantry expects to log roughly 100 more client visits in October than they did in August.
“The Bowie Food Pantry continues to provide year-round food assistance to qualifying residents of Prince George’s County,” said Bowie Food Pantry Executive Director Michaeline Gandolph. “As the federal government shutdown continues and the price of food goes up, we are seeing a noticeable increase in demand from local families and individuals impacted by furloughs, reduced hours, and financial uncertainty. Our mission has always been to provide food for those in need in Prince George’s County. We are doing everything we can to meet that demand. We are deeply grateful to our donors for their continued generosity and support.”
Many of the pantry’s clients are also participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In a letter dated Oct. 10, the Trump Administration directed Maryland not to issue SNAP benefits, in addition to choosing not to release contingency funding, as required by law. As a result, SNAP benefits are likely not to be deposited on EBT cards beginning Nov. 1 and 680,000 Marylanders who rely on SNAP to eat—including nearly 270,000 children—stand to go hungry.
“Donald Trump continues to drag out his government shutdown as he refuses to negotiate with Democrats—and our dedicated federal civil servants are unfairly bearing the brunt,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “I’m grateful for the work that the Bowie Food Pantry is doing to support Marylanders in need, including many patriotic federal workers who are struggling to put food on their tables through no fault of their own. We can end this shameful shutdown and get federal employees back to on the job—but Republicans must come to the table to responsibly fund the government, hold the President accountable to the law, and prevent millions of Americans’ health care costs from skyrocketing.”
“If Republicans refuse to reopen the government by November 1, this President will decide whether families will be able to access their SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “I have pushed this Administration to use every available resource to fund this lifesaving program. Children should not go hungry because Republicans have decided to shut down the government. I commend the Bowie Food Pantry for the work they do, especially in this challenging time. In the meantime, we will keep fighting for Marylanders.”
“I thank Governor Moore for visiting the Bowie Food Pantry today. The Pantry has supported Marylanders through all of the crises that Donald Trump has brought upon them, from senseless firings to disastrous tariffs that have sent food prices skyrocketing,” said U.S. Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. “After shutting the government down, the White House has told the American people that its “main focus” is building a new ballroom, and House Republicans are nowhere to be found. Today, Governor Moore is showing that his main focus is on supporting Marylanders during this difficult time. I am grateful to the governor and all of the staff, volunteers, and donors to the Bowie Food Pantry for their steadfast service to our community.”
“I want to thank Governor Wes Moore for his leadership and compassion in standing with the families of Prince George’s County today,” said U.S. Congressman Glenn Ivey. “Far too many of our neighbors, especially federal workers who’ve been furloughed, fired by DOGE, or RIF’d under Russ Vought’s reckless directives, are struggling to make ends meet. The Bowie Food Pantry is doing heroic work, but no one should have to rely on charity because of political games in Washington. Governor Moore and I are working closely with federal team Maryland, state, and local partners to ease the suffering across Prince George’s County and beyond. Together, we’re fighting to restore stability, dignity, and fairness for every worker and every family affected by this shutdown.”
As the federal government remains shut down, the Moore-Miller Administration will continue to mobilize resources to assist both furloughed federal employees and “excepted” federal employees (also called “essential”), who are required to continue working during the government shutdown without pay.
To assist essential employees, Governor Moore announced the launch of the Federal Shutdown Loan Program earlier this month, which offers a one-time no-interest loan of $700 to help workers meet expenses like rent and groceries. The loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive the back pay they are owed by the federal government.
Furloughed federal employees—who are not working and are not being paid during the government shutdown—may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program. They are required to repay those benefits after the shutdown ends and they receive retroactive pay.
Furloughed employees of federal contractors—who are not working and are not being paid—may be eligible for state unemployment insurance benefits.
The federal government is the largest employer in the State of Maryland. Prior to this year’s federal workforce cuts, 269,000 Maryland residents were employed by the federal government and more than 160,000 federal civilian jobs were located in Maryland. Since the Trump Administration has taken office, Maryland has lost more than 15,000 federal jobs—the largest number in the nation. Past government shutdowns have had direct repercussions in Maryland, with President Trump’s partial shutdown in 2018–2019 costing thousands of Marylanders $778 million in wages.
“Gov Moore and I stand together in our care and concern for residents impacted by the fed gov shutdown,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “We depend on partners like the Bowie Food Pantry and their incredible volunteers while we weather this difficult time.”
“During this very challenging time, the District 4 County Council office remains steadfast in our commitment to support our residents,” said Prince George’s County Councilmember Ingrid S. Watson. “Our visit to the Bowie Food Pantry underscores our vital partnership with Governor Moore to ensure that everyone has access to essential food assistance and resources. Together, we are dedicated to standing with our community and ensuring no one goes hungry.”
The Bowie Food Pantry is generally open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. for drive-up food pick-up.
As the shutdown continues, Maryland will continue to offer a broad range of supports for federal employees and other workers impacted by federal actions, such as: ( https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants )
• Support in finding a new job through 33 American Job Centers and a specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center, including individualized career guidance, résumé workshops, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, and networking support;
• Additional career resources, such as information on transitioning to a teaching career;
• A weekly virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees and federal contractors, and attended by more than 1,700 workers to date;
• Job fairs and recruitment events;
• Unemployment insurance;
• Resources for veterans;
• Legal resources; and
• Resources related to health coverage, housing, and food, cash, and other assistance.
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Marietta House Museum Presents Lunchtime Lecture: White Marsh Historical Society
By STACEY HAWKINS
Marietta House Museum
Please join us on Wednesday, Nov. 5, noon–1 p.m. for Marietta’s Lunchtime Lecture: White Marsh Historical Society. Genealogist and President of the White March Historical Society, Kevin Porter, will discuss his ongoing and extensive work with Sacred Heart Church and cemetery that reveals generations of Queen family genealogy.
Recommended for ages 12 & up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a free program. Walk-ins are welcome. Visitors may bring a bag lunch. For those who would like to register, visit www.pgparksdirect.com and enter ticket code: MHM-SPEC-GA-20251105.
For more information, please call 301-464-5291 or email mariettahouse@pgparks.com
Marietta House Museum is located at 5626 Bell Station Road, Glenn Dale, MD and is a property of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
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Key Braveboy Administration Officials Sworn in After Council Confirmation
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County
LARGO, Md. (Oct. 22, 2025)—On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, eight senior nominees serving in County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s cabinet were confirmed by the County Council and officially sworn in to continue serving in the roles to which they were appointed.
At the swearing-in ceremony, County Executive Braveboy said, “This is a team of accomplished leaders. I know that their collective wisdom and knowledge, their educational backgrounds, their professional experience, and most importantly, their compassion for the people of Prince George’s County will complement my vision for Prince George’s County.”
“Every one of them has answered the call and so far, have exceeded my expectations. These confirmations are more than a defining moment for the Braveboy Administration. It’s a monumental vote of confidence that signals we are implementing change and improving the quality of life for all Prince Georgians. Just as I’ve said many times, we are just getting started,” said Braveboy.
The following County officials were confirmed and sworn in:
• Maxene Bardwell, Chief Administrative Officer
• George Nader, Chief of Police
• George Nichols, Assistant Chief of Police (sworn in, council confirmation not required)
• Thelmetria Michaelides, Fire Chief
• Dr. Katina Gomez, Director of Homeland Security
• Linda Allen, Director of Finance
• Dr. Samuel Moki, Director of Environment
• Alice Williams, Director of Procurement & Purchasing Agent
• Vennard Wright, Director of Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
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Joint Center Presented Governor Wes Moore with Louis E. Martin Great American Award
By PRESS OFFICER
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
WASHINGTON (Oct. 23, 2025)—Today, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies honored Maryland Governor Wes Moore with its highest honor—the Louis E. Martin Great American Award—at The Gathering Spot in Washington, DC.
The ceremony included an award presentation and a policy discussion with distinguished panelists: Shalanda Young, 43rd Director of the United States Office of Management and Budget; Rey Ramsey, President and CEO of Nathan Cummings Foundation; and Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, as the moderator. The conversation highlighted how states—particularly Maryland—are meeting this moment through innovative approaches to governance that safeguard vulnerable communities, respond to federal funding cuts, and maintain investments for a better future.
“Governor Wes Moore represents the best of contemporary political leadership,” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad. “As the first ever Black governor in Maryland’s history, leading a state with one of the largest Black populations in the nation, he holds a unique perspective to help accurately assess the needs of his constituents. His leadership demonstrates how bold, values-driven governance can expand opportunity and protect vulnerable communities even in challenging times. Honoring Governor Moore with the Louis E. Martin Great American Award affirms our commitment to lifting up leaders who embody the spirit of equity and hope that Martin championed throughout his life.”
“I thank the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, not simply for this honor, but for the decades of service that have defined one of America’s great institutions of economic empowerment,” said Gov. Moore. “I stand on broad shoulders, shaped and shepherded by the Joint Center. Together, we will continue to deliver the kind of progress that those who came before us fought for, and those who come after us deserve.”
The Louis E. Martin Great American Award recognizes individuals who have made transformational contributions that further the promise of America as a land of hope and opportunity for all. First awarded in 2004, the honor memorializes Louis E. Martin (1912–1997), a principal founder of the Joint Center and the first chair of its board.
Past recipients include Federal Reserve Board Member Dr. Lisa D. Cook, former Joint Center President Spencer Overton, Secretary of State Colin Powell (posthumously), La June Montgomery Tabron, Cedric Richmond, Stacey Abrams, then-Senator Kamala Harris, former Joint Center President Eddie Williams, Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, Senator Cory Booker, former Ambassador Susan Rice, Congressmen John Lewis and James Clyburn, Dorothy Height, and Muhammad Ali.
Wes Moore is the 63rd Governor of the state of Maryland. He is Maryland’s first Black Governor in the state’s 246-year history, and is just the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States. Moore is a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, where he received an Associate’s degree in 1998, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He then went on to earn his Bachelor’s in international relations and economics at Johns Hopkins University. As the first Black Rhodes Scholar in the history of Johns Hopkins University, he earned a Master’s in international relations from Wolfson College at Oxford. Moore is also the author of the books “The Other Wes Moore” and “Five Days.”
Louis E. Martin was a 1934 graduate of the University of Michigan, a Chicago Defender journalist, the founding editor and publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, and a founder of the National Newspaper Publishers Association. In serving as an advisor to three presidents, Martin was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the nomination of Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967. Martin was one of the founders of the Joint Center in 1970, and served as its board chair from 1970–1979. Among friends and colleagues, Martin was known for expressing his warmest respects with his favorite compliment: “You are a great American.”
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.
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