During the 43 days of the government shutdown from October 1 to November 12, 2025, low-income families and individuals have faced significant uncertainty over food assistance. The recent government shutdown has delayed the November 2025 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which assists about 42.4 million people in 22.7 million households in need. New changes to SNAP eligibility have complicated the process for many families and individuals who depend on government assistance. To mitigate this concern in Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s community (ERHS), Principal Dr. Portia Barnes announced ERHS’ participation in the Grab & Go breakfast program, providing free breakfast for students starting Monday, October 24, 2025.
The Maryland Meals for Achievement program (MMFA) provides funds for schools within the state to support students’ nutritious needs in preparation for classroom learning. The MMFA currently supports 581 schools throughout the state. Its ongoing efforts to financially support the breakfast program has been praised for encouraging students to start their days with a fulfilling breakfast, which in return increases students’ attitude, participation, and performance in school.
At least 40% of ERHS students are on free or reduced meals. This statistic is also the minimum threshold for a school to receive funding from the MMFA. “During these difficult times, it was imperative that we opt for this program to support our ERHS families,” Ms. Kimberly Ford, an administrator at ERHS, expresses. The free breakfast program not only allows every student to receive free breakfast; it also grants them permission to eat their breakfast in their first period classrooms. Although the Grab & Go breakfast program is only approved under this 2025-2026 school year, she assures that ERHS will continue to advocate for meal programs to support Raider families…