Food and Energy

Two economic blows have rapidly increased food insecurity in our community:  thousands of federal workers and contractors have not been receiving paychecks and SNAP food assistance benefits have been delayed.  This disruption to individuals’ lives and the wider economy will continue to reverberate even after the government re-opens.

While SNAP benefits to Marylanders will arrive this week to address this emergency, the full monthly benefits are still in limbo, and the Trump administration continues its brutal policy violence as it asks the Supreme Court for permission to keep food away from hungry people in our country. At the beginning of this month, MAGA’s so-called One Big Beautiful Bill brought major changes to SNAP eligibility, affecting over 80,000 recipients in our state.  Devastating federal funding cuts to the SNAP program are also looming in 2026. 

I will continue to advocate for policies so no one in our community goes hungry.  During this recent crisis, I worked with state agencies such as the Maryland Department of Agriculture to provide emergency benefits through its Maryland Market Money program, which will ensure access to food from farmers markets, even for people who have no money left on their SNAP cards.  Over the years, I have passed numerous pieces of legislation to work towards a resilient and sustainable food system, where everyone has access to sufficient, healthy food. This work will continue. 

How To Get Help

Need food?  Montgomery County has developed a comprehensive Food Resources Page, which details food distributions, meal services, and other food resources. This information is available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese. 

Additionally, if you or someone you know is affected by layoffs, furloughs, or work without pay, please explore these resources available through the state. 

As always, my staff and I are here to help!

How You Can Help

→ Montgomery County Volunteer Center has compiled a list of places to donate food, where to volunteer, and even how to host a local food drive. 

→ My team is actively getting information about available food resources and utility assistance out to the public, including going door to door.  Want to help spread the word?  We will be canvassing in the White Oak area this Saturday.  Email Eli Brennan, my Field Director, (friendsoflorig@gmail.com) to get more details.

Making Our Electrical Grid Affordable, Reliable, and Sustainable

→ Saying Yes To Off Shore Wind

At a press conference last week, I joined Senator Chris Van Hollen and other advocates to express our continuing commitment to developing Maryland’s Off Shore Wind industry.  The Trump administration and their billionaire fossil fuel buddies are doing all they can to stop it.  Yet, we know wind power is good for the environment and the economy.  It will help lower utility bills and provide good-paying jobs. Let’s get these projects back on track.

→ Bringing On New Power Generation Quickly and Responsibly

Last year the General Assembly passed legislation to add more power to the grid here in Maryland. My work on that legislation led to a prioritization of battery storage, which is the quickest way to respond to growing load and paves the path for a clean energy future. I am carefully monitoring the proposals coming into the Public Service Commission at this time.  I am also keeping a close watch on an attempt by Exelon (which owns PEPCO and BG&E) to build ratepayer-financed power plants in Maryland.  This would require a major policy change by the legislature and raises major cost and consumer protection issues.

Thanksgiving Parade:  November 22nd, 10:00 am–noon

The annual Thanksgiving Parade through downtown Silver Spring is one of my favorite ways to playfully highlight issues I am advancing: clean energy, better food systems, pedestrian safety, and care for our environment.  Want to show you care about these issues, too? Sign up here to march with me.

Fundraiser Save The Date:  Sunday, December 7th 

I am running for re-election next year!  If you appreciate the work I have been doing, I hope you will support my candidacy by voting for me.  You can also support me financially by attending my December 7th Fundraiser.  R.S.V.P. here and thanks!

Need Help on a State Issue?

If you need help with a state issue, please contact my office at Lorig.Charkoudian@house.maryland.gov or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.

Onward, 

Lorig Charkoudian