UMB Employee Pantry Information
Dear UMB Community,
As we continue to navigate the effects of the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, I want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting every member of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community. Many individuals and families are experiencing financial uncertainty, and these challenges remind us of the importance of compassion, dignity, and care.
In that spirit, I am pleased to announce the UMB Employee Pantry, developed in collaboration with the UMB Student Pantry — but separately funded as a temporary resource open to UMB employees. The UMB Employee Pantry will provide access to nutritionally rich, shelf-stable snacks and groceries. There are no income requirements and no verification is needed to receive support.
After placing an order, when your order is ready, you will receive instructions to pick up your order from the third floor of the SMC Campus Center. The Employee Pantry is committed to respecting dietary and cultural needs and offers halal, kosher, vegan, and vegetarian options while supplies last.
Additional information about the Employee Pantry and related resources can be found online. You also can direct any questions to employeepantry@umaryland.edu.
In addition to the pantry, the following statewide and regional resources may be helpful during this time:
- Maryland Food Bank and Feeding America provide searchable lists of food assistance sites across Maryland.
- The Capital Area Food Bank lists resources for Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
- 211 Maryland offers a comprehensive, location-based search for food assistance, housing support, utility relief programs, and more.
- The Maryland Governor’s Office provides information on financial assistance and flexibility programs, including the Federal Shutdown Loan Program.
- Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener allows residents to quickly check eligibility for food, cash, medical bill, and energy assistance.
- The Baltimore City Mayor’s Office and Maryland Governor’s Office list rental assistance, mortgage support, and utility protections, updated as programs change.
- The state of Maryland also offers behavioral health programs and resources.
I also encourage faculty and staff to make use of UMB’s Employee Assistance Program, which offers confidential, 24/7 support for counseling, financial guidance, legal consultation, and work-life resources.
Our University has always been at its best when we take care of one another. If you could benefit from this support, I encourage you to use the UMB Employee Pantry — it is here for you.
On behalf of the entire UMB community, I want to express my gratitude for the teams whose collaboration and rapid response made the temporary Employee Pantry possible. I also thank each and every one of you for your continued dedication to our mission and to each other.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
