Hunger Affects All Marylanders
Hunger weakens our state’s ability to thrive. But imagine a Maryland where children don’t struggle to learn, working families no longer debate how to manage bills, older adults aren’t hampered by limited mobility, and people in Communities of Color can overcome institutional barriers to food security. Give Now
Maryland is still one of the wealthiest states in the nation, home to a diverse population of more than 6 million people, yet about one third of us may face hunger this year. But when we lift up our most vulnerable populations, the possibilities and opportunities for Maryland are limitless.
If we can increase access to healthy foods and nutrition education, more Marylanders may be able to avoid the crippling effects of diet-related health issues and can reach their academic and social potential.
Hunger & Communities of Color
No Marylander should have to face hunger due to the color of their skin. People living in Communities of Color disproportionally face barriers that keep them trapped in generational cycles of poverty and hunger. Studies show these communities have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Hunger & Children
Food insecurity can have lasting effects on children and impact their ability to succeed in school and other activities. Studies have shown children who suffer from food insecurity have also reported they’d had trouble concentrating in school, had less energy for social interactions, experienced anxiety or depression and had more absences from school than other children.
Hunger & Older Adults
Marylanders should not have to face food-insecurity in their later years due to circumstances like inconsistent income, limited mobility, and poor health. Studies show that food-insecure older adults have an increased risk of poor health, struggle to manage health issues, and are likely to have higher health care costs.
Hunger & Working Families
With today’s stagnant wages and the steadily rising cost of living, some individuals are working full time but still struggling to put food on the table. In fact, nearly 40 percent of food-insecure individuals in our service area earn too much to qualify for federal or state relief. This means that thousands of food-insecure Marylanders rely on the food bank and other forms of food assistance as they struggle to meet their basic needs.
Hunger in Maryland
- Hunger exists all across Maryland.
- Based on MFB’s Maryland Hunger Map analysis, approx. 2 million Marylanders may face hunger in 2024.
- Community partners offered neighbors nearly 1,100 distribution points (in FY23).
The Maryland Hunger Map
This resource is helping us do more for our neighbors, and we’re excited to have you explore the map to learn more about hunger.
Research and Reports
Find our latest original reporting and data-driven tools aimed at helping stakeholders and the public better understand and address the complexity of food insecurity in Maryland.
Latest News
2024 in Review: The Maryland Food Bank’s Top 10
In a year where inflation heightened the challenges families and organizations face, our staff and partners still met the growing need—sharing more than 43 million meals, while opening pathways out of hunger for more Marylanders. I hope you enjoy this retrospective of how you helped us do more in 2024!
Packing, Flocking, & Giving: 1,000,000 Meals for Hungry Marylanders
Thank you for packing, flocking, and giving on behalf of your neighbors in need during our three BIG year-end events – Pack to Give Back, the Ravens Food & Funds Drive, and Giving Tuesday!
What’s Really Behind Hunger? How A Vehicle Breakdown Uprooted the Murphy Family
When Marylanders like Jeni Murphy share their story and tell us what’s really behind the hunger they are experiencing, it illustrates the ripple-effects of a lost resource. These stories give us a glimpse of understanding about deeply a root cause of hunger can affect a family’s day-to-day life.
The Power of Voices Lead to Neighbors Making Choices
Choice is an important part of what makes us all feel human. Making choices allow us to feel in control, to let us determine the course of our own lives. That’s why the Maryland Food Bank is working to bring more neighbor choice food pantries, to more communities statewide.
