When we say “We Are Maryland’s Food Bank,” we truly mean we. Without your support we would not be able to provide healthy and nutritious food for Maryland’s children, seniors, members of the military, and working families who want to lead productive lives, free from the burden of hunger. We do this because food is a basic human right. We do this because we can remove some of the barriers to self-sufficiency by the act of providing food.
Nutrition matters. It’s that simple. A diet that supplies the body with the right vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle and allows people to achieve their full potential. In this series of blog posts, our resident nutritionist Kathy Egan (RDN, LD, MEd) will explore how the Maryland Food Bank is helping ensure that food-insecure Marylanders have consistent access to healthy foods and understand the importance of nutrition in their lives.
At the Maryland Food Bank, we know that child hunger has a significant impact, but we are learning more and more about just how far-ranging and long-lasting that impact can be. When a child shows traditional signs of food insecurity — struggling to focus, lacking the energy to participate in recess or sports, or experiencing physical maladies — it’s easier to recognize and address. The psychological effects, however, tend to be more difficult to identify and may manifest in different ways at different times in life.
Senior hunger touches far too many people in Maryland. From people living in senior communities to multi-generational living situations, more than 45,000 Marylanders experience food insecurity, and that number is on the rise.
MyPlate is the United States Department of Agriculture’s set of guidelines for helping kids establish healthy eating habits. The MyPlate model simplifies the “Food Pyramid” that many Americans grew up with into five food groups: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy. All of our MFB Kids programs (Summer Clubs, Supper Clubs, School Pantries, and HEART Markets) follow the MyPlate guidelines to ensure that kids (and their families) are able to build a solid nutritional foundation, positioning them for success.
Check out the latest local and national news about the Maryland Food Bank and how we’re addressing hunger in our communities.
