The Power of Collective Action
From One Benefit to a Broader Pathway
Families too often encounter public benefits as a series of disconnected systems. A household receiving Summer EBT may also be eligible for SNAP, but without a clear bridge between programs, families are left to navigate separate rules, systems, and application processes on their own. Too often, that means a moment of eligibility becomes a missed opportunity for support.
In Maryland, mRelief and the Maryland Department of Human Services showed what it looks like to change that.
With support from Share Our Strength, the partnership launched a targeted outreach campaign connecting families receiving Summer EBT to SNAP eligibility information and enrollment support. Using state-provided data, mRelief identified families most likely to qualify and reached them through direct SMS outreach designed to be clear, timely, and easy to act on.
The results of this partnership were measurable: mRelief’s campaign doubled the number of SNAP enrollments Maryland received during that time. This project showed what becomes possible when institutions share information transparently and work toward a common goal.
Campaign Reach
170,700
Households with children
Households Enrolled in SNAP
2,700 households
Unlocking an estimated $5.5 million in SNAP Benefits
Meeting the Moment Together
As we faced many historic challenges in 2025, we were reminded that it is our strong network of collaborators who drive the work we do. After the passage of HR-1, mRelief hosted a town hall dedicated to giving our community of partners a virtual space to unpack these policy changes, explore their implications, and chart a path forward.
In addition to breaking down the complexity of the bill, we gave our partners from across the country the opportunity to share how they were adapting in this policy environment. Many partners noted valid concerns raised by families in mixed-status households about the handling of their personal data at the federal level, as well as a general decrease in individuals willing to apply for public benefits.
Although we were meeting under somber circumstances, one partner reminded us that SNAP is more than some cash for food every month; it’s a portal to museum tickets, farmer’s market discounts, and many other public benefits. This perspective was a helpful reminder to us all that connecting people to SNAP is connecting people to so much more than food.
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SNAP is more than some cash for food every month; it’s a portal to museum tickets, farmer’s market discounts, and many other public benefits.
— mRelief Partner
Town Hall Participants
120+
service providers, advocates, public servants
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Partner
Our work shows that coordinated action can transform systems. Partner with mRelief today to help us ensure that no legislative barrier can block the right to food.