January 23, 2019
Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Jackie Scott, Director, Department of Community Resources and Services, 410-313-1461
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) will hold a free weekly food distribution for families who have been impacted by the federal government shutdown.
“This history-making shutdown of the federal government is directly impacting one in ten residents of Howard County,” said Ball. “Sadly, without their paychecks, some families now cannot even afford groceries. Everything we can do, we will do to help them. It is imperative that the president and the Congress act immediately and return these hard-working public servants to their jobs.”
Beginning Friday, January 25 and continuing every Friday until the shutdown ends, families of furloughed employees can receive a bag of grocery items and snacks from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at The Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia. A valid government ID is required; supplies are limited, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The County’s Office of Community Sustainability will be assisting in the distribution with resources from its Roving Radish program.
“As the federal shutdown continues, we recognize the increasing hardships furloughed employees are facing,” said Jackie Scott, director of DCRS. “We are committed to supporting Howard County families in any way that we can.”
For questions or more information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/CommunityResources or contact Kori Jones, at 410-313-6400 (voice/relay) or kjones@howardcountymd.gov.