(The following press statement from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington was issued on Oct. 31, 2025.)
As the Greater Washington region is experiencing a surge in food insecurity, residents in the community are simultaneously facing economic uncertainties caused by layoffs, federal furloughs, and cuts in social services and resources.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington is tracking the increase in food need and responding along with other providers by continuing to provide those the agency serves in Washington, D.C. and surrounding Maryland counties with comprehensive, wraparound social services including food distribution.
“We are monitoring the impacts of layoffs, furloughs, and cuts in government assistance –including the pending food assistance cut-off – on our region’s most vulnerable residents,” CEO and president Jim Malloy said. “In response to growing food insecurity, we are evaluating our food distribution operations, alongside other nonprofits’ efforts, and adjusting our frequency or increasing output as needed.”
Beginning earlier this year, rising needs have slowly climbed, including an uptick in food need. Catholic Charities’ food outreach services include:
- Food bank and pantry access
- Freshly prepared packed meals
- Affordable grocery bags at reduced cost
- Comprehensive case management addressing both the root causes of food insecurity and needs beyond food, including medical assistance, utility payment support, housing assistance, and financial counseling
https://www.catholiccharitiesdc.org/get-help/food-services/
“Food insecurity rarely exists in isolation,” Scott Lewis, Catholic Charities DC food security expert explained. “Our case management approach ensures clients receive holistic support for those in need, from picking up pantry goods from our food bank and local food pantries to help pay an overdue utility bill or connecting to healthcare resources. This comprehensive model recognizes the dignity of every person and addresses the interconnected challenges families and individuals face.”
Impact of SNAP Benefit Changes
The potential disruption or elimination of SNAP benefits will more than likely increase pressure already on emergency food providers throughout the region. While Catholic Charities DC anticipates and is positioning to respond to further elevated demands in the coming months as households that previously relied on SNAP navigate these changes, the agency’s priority is to continue supporting its clients and working with its partners – both public and private – to do so.
Community Support Needed
Catholic Charities welcome community support through:
- Donations: Financial contributions allow the organization to purchase food and support services efficiently.
- Virtual Food Drive: Community members can participate in our ongoing virtual food drive.
- Volunteers: Additional volunteers are welcome to meet increased demand.
About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
Catholic Charities DC is the largest independent social services agency in the Metropolitan D.C. area. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Washington, Catholic Charities DC invests in communities by providing critical services to hundreds of thousands of people in need throughout the District of Columbia and Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. The organization works to give help that empowers and hope that lasts to those it serves regardless of background, belief or circumstance. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiesdc.org or follow the agency on social media @CCADW.
(The press statement above was provided by Marie Maroun, the Communications and Marketing Director for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.)
