November 7, 2025
Dear Students,
Amid the federal government shutdown, members of our student community and their families have been impacted, including with access to food and other essentials. The Center for Scholarships in the Division of Student Affairs and Career Readiness offers food access programs to support students in need including USG Grover Essentials, Manna Choice Market at The Grove, and USG Mobile Market.
Our practice of providing weekly snack bags from USG Grover Essentials has now expanded to three bags per week. Students can pick up these pre-packaged, grab-and-go bags from the front desk of the USG Student Affairs and Career Readiness suite anytime between 9 and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Appointments for Friday and weekend Grover After Hours snack bag pick-ups can be requested here.
Save these dates for upcoming on-campus food distribution programs in November:
- Manna Choice Market at The Grove – 3 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12
Students and their families can select fresh produce and other perishable and nonperishable healthy foods. Learn more and register.
- USG Mobile Market – 11 to 1 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17
Fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other food items are available on a first come, first served basis to our campus and the surrounding community. Learn more.
Here are some additional links to information that may be helpful:
- SNAP Benefits Information
- Partnership for Public Service Resources (includes information on financial assistance, utilities, housing, and more)
You can contact the Center for Scholarships about these resources by emailing usg-groveressentials@umd.edu or visiting the Student Affairs and Career Readiness suite in Building III, 1st Floor, Suite 1100.
The staff and faculty at The Universities at Shady Grove are committed to your success and well-being. We will continue to monitor developments amid the shutdown and support our community as circumstances evolve.
Sincerely,
Robyn Dinicola, PhD
Chief Student Affairs and Career Readiness Officer
