Did You Know These Common Myths About Food Insecurity?
You Might Be Surprised to Learn That Food Banks Do So Much More Than Provide Food
And who really comes to the food bank for food assistance? Read on to learn about the common myths around food insecurity and food banks. What you learn may change your mind about hunger in Maryland.
MYTH #1:
Food Banks Only Give Out Food
TRUTH:
The Maryland Food Bank is here to help every food-insecure family or individual with urgent food assistance through our network of 1,200 partners. But we’re also creating pathways out of hunger, with initiatives like our FoodWorks culinary training program, registering more than 1,000 eligible households for benefits through our SNAP Outreach Team, and working with our partners to provide wraparound services — like financial literacy programs, educational opportunities, and access to health care — that go beyond providing food.
MYTH #2:
Families Who Use Food Banks May Not Really Need Them
TRUTH:
No one wants to be food insecure. In fact, some Marylanders visiting a pantry for the first time may feel ashamed asking for help. The reality is that people who need food often aren’t taking advantage of it. A recent survey showed that 40% of Marylanders who are food insecure WON’T visit a food bank or distribution event because of stigma. And with close to half a million Maryland households losing their SNAP emergency allotments this past March, more neighbors are in need than ever.
MYTH #3:
Food Banks Only Distribute Low-Nutrient, Canned, and Boxed Food
TRUTH:
The Maryland Food Bank is dedicated to providing nutritious, healthy food, including fresh, locally grown produce. In fact, our Farm to Food Bank program secured more than 2 million pounds of fresh produce for distribution last year, providing healthy food to neighbors while supporting Maryland farmers.
MYTH #4:
Food Banks Get All Their Food From Food Drives and Government Grants
TRUTH:
Maryland Food Bank was able to provide nearly 40 million meals last year, largely because of generous donors like you. As we have faced rising food and distribution prices, we have turned to our supporters to close gaps and ensure we can meet the increasing urgent needs of our neighbors. Your compassion and generosity are the lifeblood of our organization. We appreciate and depend on your support.
Maryland Food Bank’s Hunger Response by the Numbers
(July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023)
43.5 Million
meals to Marylanders in need
119,178
meals distributed per day
20%
increase in cost of store-bought food since the pandemic
105,570
Back Up Boxes (BUBs)
2,448,780
pounds of fresh local produce secured through Farm to Food Bank
2,063
Pantry on the Go events held
Thank You for Helping us Feed our Communities
It is time to end hunger in Maryland. Please continue your generous support of the Maryland Food Bank today. Every $1 helps provide up to 1 meal.
