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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We recognize that the Government shutdown may be causing some to feel a great deal of stress and anxiety, particularly as SNAP benefits have been suspended as of November 1, 2025. While SNAP benefits are suspended, and while the shutdown continues, the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland will be providing some resources and supports, but we need your assistance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFBMD Food Insecurity Grant<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Board of Directors has established the NFB of Maryland Food Insecurity Grant. Individuals may apply for a monetary grant of up to $150, and families may apply for a grant of up to $250. Each individual or family may only apply for one grant per month. To be eligible, the grant applicant must be blind or be the parent of a blind child. This grant is only open to those living in Maryland. Grant applicants must provide verification that they are the recipient of SNAP benefits or, if not receiving SNAP, documentation related to a financial hardship related to the Government shutdown (e.g. furlough or RIF), or other financial exigency. Those who are provided backpay for wages are expected to repay the grant upon receipt of their backpay. Priority will be given to members of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland but nonmembers are eligible to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXwtR_qNG-bI1NRtU4rUn1A6hy-YQ3eKWBj-Ka6LE8gtNqjw/viewform?usp=dialog">The application for the NFBMD Food Insecurity Grant is now live and may be accessed here.</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are also accepting monetary donations to augment the NFBMD Food Insecurity Grant Program. Those interested in donations may use the following methods:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Zelle: <a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org">President@nfbmd.org</a><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>PayPal: Use the “Donate” button at <a href="https://nfbmd.org">https://nfbmd.org</a>; or<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Send a check payable to NFB of Maryland to 1800 Johnson Street, Suite N1, Baltimore, MD 21230 and notate “NFBMD Food Insecurity Grant” in the memo line.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Emergency Food Assistance Resources:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NFB of Maryland is compiling a list of emergency resources for individuals to receive food, including food banks, pantries, and other distribution centers. We are seeking individuals to help develop and maintain this list, which will be broken down by county. If you would like to assist with this project, please email President Ronza Othman at <a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org">President@nfbmd.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have questions or need additional information, please reach out to <a href="mailto:President@nfbmd.org">President@nfbmd.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Regards,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ronza<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>