Expressions of Gratitude During the Holiday Season

It’s nearly 2026, and 1 in 3 of us continue to face hunger. But there are reasons for hope (and gratitude) this holiday season: you are helping people experience the joy that food can bring to their lives.

People like Dion, a neighbor in Baltimore, who kindly shared his thoughts during a post-holiday follow up conversation.

“My family was VERY happy! And we had so much food that when we got finished eating at Thanksgiving, my wife made turkey soup with vegetables, and we ate for two more days. I can’t say thanks enough to you!” he said.

There’s nothing like the power of kind words from neighbors, partners, volunteers, donors, and even other MFB team members to demonstrate the difference a meal can make.

Lifting Up an Individual Lifts Us All

“Wait, the Maryland Food Bank? I KNOW YOU! YES! YES! YES! I called in when I was having problems back when the pandemic started—you actually did what you said you would and got me the food I needed!” said Angela S.

At MFB community partner 40 West in Baltimore City, Angela S. shared her story during a holiday meal pick-up event.

“And now you’re here on a special day! Because it’s so expensive, some of us don’t have the funds to go into the stores to actually pay for what they’re giving us today—a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, even cranberry sauce!”

Angela mentioned her love for being with family and fixing food, but she acknowledges that her holidays may be a bit different this year.

“We have lost a couple of family members that we won’t get to celebrate with this year, including my husband. But being here makes me feel a little better—these people here at 40 West just bring us all together, no one is favored over anyone else—and food makes you happy!”

And on the other side of Baltimore, an older adult in need was kind enough to take a moment to offer a glimpse into her current situation.

“I’ll be 72 in a few weeks, and even though I am supposed to be retired, I’ve been working part-time for the past seven years,” said neighbor Amanda L. “Well, that’s gone now, and until I can get a deferment on my mortgage, I’m lucky that New Creation Christian Church and the food bank are here with food for me and my two grandkids—because those food stamps don’t last!”

Showing Empathy Through Shared Experience

On any given day, there are dozens of food distribution events—like the ones Dion and Amanda attended—going on across Maryland, and in listening to neighbors, as well as our community partners (the true experts in what their communities need) they’re sure happy that you’ve got their backs.

Today, Kris Quein is MFB’s Manager of Neighbor Engagement. Growing up in a single-income household, Kris experienced food insecurity from a young age. She recalls her mother creatively shielding her and her brother from their own challenges by doing things like adding cut-up hot dogs to store-bought pizza kits.

“She called them ‘weenizzas’ which made it fun, and got us to eat,” Kris offered.

“That may sound ridiculous now, but it’s one of the experiences I can draw on when connecting neighbors to wraparound services at food distribution events,” she continued.

Gaining even more shared experience navigating life (and sometimes hunger) as a single mother herself, Kris is appreciative of the opportunity to pay it forward. “This is the best job I’ve ever had. I get to feel good at the end of the day, because I know I’m doing something good.”

Collaborating with Care

Building relationships with people, whether they are Maryland Food Bank team members, donors, community partners, volunteers, board members, or other people passionate about food justice is one of the most effective ways we have to help end hunger in our state.

“At a Mobile Market event in Charles County, I noticed a woman sitting in her SUV, seemingly lost in thought. When I introduced myself and invited her to the distribution, she began to cry, sharing that she was down to her last $20, torn between using it for gas or food. She was so appreciative that she actually wanted to donate that $20 to MFB. Of course we declined, but her offer made me feel fortunate to be part of the Maryland Food Bank,” said Robert Corwell, Director, MFB’s Mobile Market program.

And while our Mobile Markets are meeting neighbors closer to where they live and work, community partners like Catherine’s Youth & Family Services are the neighborhood beacons, local destinations for relief.

Each year, thousands of volunteers provide tens of thousands of hours of service – work that is critical to our ability to feed our neighbors in need. And even with all those selfless acts, some volunteers still find time to go even further, and share how volunteering can actually give back:

“We find the kitchen to be the most incredible place to spend our time volunteering. The people who work there are dedicated almost beyond belief, and helping prepare meals for kids is very satisfying,” said Ken S. and Marguerite H., Maryland Food Bank donors and volunteers. “Food is a basic human need, but it also brings people together and enriches our lives, we want to make that possible for others.”

And while they may not be sorting donated food, repackaging bulk foods, or helping prepare meals for school children, members of MFB’s Board of Directors volunteer their time and talent, helping guide the strategic direction of the food bank.

In September 2025, longtime board member Mike Blair assumed the role of Board Chair.

“I feel grateful for the opportunity to have served on the Maryland Food Bank’s Board of Directors for the past three years and witness how team members make meaningful and impactful use of your support,” he said. “Now, as Board Chair, I’m looking forward to working with new CEO Meg Kimmel and team to make sure the food bank continues to be the innovative resource neighbors need it to be.”

Gratitude can be expressed in many ways: feeling grateful for things in your own life; expressing gratitude towards others; and most impactfully, acting empathetically towards others. These expressions of gratitude fuel our efforts to feed our neighbors in need, and we couldn’t feel more humbled.