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.

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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.

46%

of kids say hunger hurts their performance

2 Times

The rate Black communities experience hunger as compared to White communities [source]

60%

Older adults who are food insecure are 60 percent more likely to have congestive heart failure. [source]

Hunger in Maryland

Hunger exists all across Maryland.
Based on MFB’s Maryland Hunger Map analysis, approx. 2 million Marylanders may face hunger in 2025.
Community partners offered neighbors access at 780 statewide sites (in FY24).

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.

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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.