propane), wood, and coal to eligible householders
statewide. Eligibility for assistance is based on
household size, income, fuel type, and geographic
location. Those with the greatest need receive the
highest level of assistance. Benefits reflect a fixed
portion of average fuel consumption based on fuel
type. They range from 32 to 85 percent of average
consumption. Heating assistance is offered to eligi-
ble renters, roomers, boarders, and homeowners.
Maryland is the first state to offer this aid to shelters
for battered spouses and the homeless.
The Program also offers Emergency Energy Assis-
tance to householders certified eligible for regular
MEAP benefits. Provided on a one-time-only basis,
this assistance is for fuel deliveries, utility cut-offs,
emergency repairs, blankets, emergency space heaters,
or emergency shelter. It may not exceed $180. Benefits
provided are paid directly to energy vendors selected
by the eligible household. Vendors deliver fuel to a
household until the family's benefit amount is ex-
hausted. Vendors who participate in the Program do
so under contract with the State.

FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES
Mary E. Fields, Director

311 West Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 767-7835

Food and Nutrition Services was organized in
1991 to oversee Emergency Food Assistance and
Homeless Services. These programs are aided by
the State Advisory Council on Nutrition and the
Governor's Advisory Board on Homelessness.

STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON NUTRITION

David M. Paige, M.D., Chairperson, 1991
Staff: Mary E. Fields (410) 767-7835

The State Advisory Council on Nutrition was created
by the Governor in 1985 (Executive Order
01.01.1985.35).The Governor reconstituted the Coun-
cil in January 1988 (Executive Order 01.01.1988.02).
The Council advises the Governor on develop-
ing a comprehensive State policy on food and nu-
trition and coordinating federal, State, local and
private programs to prevent malnutrition and poor
dietary habits. The Council reviews existing pro-
grams to identity deficiencies and promotes a pub-
lic/private partnership to identify and address the
nutritional needs of Marylanders.
The Council's fourteen members are appointed
to two-year terms by the Governor. Two represent
local government, one represents the University of
Maryland Cooperative Extension Service, and five
are individuals with interest or expertise in nutri-
tional matters. The Senate President designates a
member of the Senate and the House Speaker a
member of the House of Delegates as Council
members. Four ex officio members include repre-

sentives of the Departments of Human Resources,
Health and Mental Hygiene, and Education, and
the Office on Aging. Staff is provided by the De-
partment of Human Resources and the State De-
partment of Education.

EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE
Melvin Ginsburg, Administrator
(410) 767-7213
Emergency Food Assistance began in March
1983 under federal law as the Temporary Emer-
gency Food Assistance Program (P.L. 98-8). The
Program formalized the distribution of surplus
dairy commodities begun in January 1982. Origi-
nally administered by the Food Distribution Sec-
tion of the State Department of Education, the
Program was moved to the Department of Human
Resources in January 1988. In 1990, the Program
was renamed the Emergency Food Assistance Pro-
gram in accordance with the federal Food and Ag-
ricultural Resources Act of 1990.
Emergency Food Assistance distributes food
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to needy
people in situations of emergency and distress. To
reduce surplus federal commodity inventories, food
is delivered quarterly to local emergency organiza-
tions for distribution to individuals and to local
emergency food pantries. Eligibility for assistance is
based on income and household size or prior certi-
fication in any of the following programs: Food
Stamps; Medical Assistance (Medicaid); Public As-
sistance; or Maryland Energy Assistance.

HOMELESS SERVICES
Harriet Goldman, Director

311 West Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 767-7219

Within the Community Services Administra-
tion, the Governor established the Homeless Serv-
ices Program in 1984 (Chapter 777, Acts of 1984).
The Program provides crisis and transition shelter,
food, and services to homeless people (Code 1957,
Art. 88A, secs. 131-133). Using federal grants and
some State general funds, the Program provides
housing counseling and manages aftercare in several
jurisdictions. The Program also manages an eviction
prevention program.

GOVERNOR'S ADVISORY BOARD ON
HOMELESSNESS

Jane Harrison, Chairperson, 1994
Staff: Marjorie Yoshida-Fiske (410) 767-7182

The Advisory Board of the Shelter, Nutrition,
and Services Program for Homeless Individuals was
created in 1984 (Chapter 777, Acts of 1984). In
1988, it became known as the Governor's Advisory
Board on Homelessness. The Board coordinates
the Homeless Services Program.