Did You Know? 4 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:
While our primary focus continues to be increasing access to nutritious food for any Maryland family or individual facing food insecurity through our statewide network of community partners, we know creating pathways out of hunger for more Marylanders is the shortest path to a hunger-free state. That’s why helping neighbors access resources—like FoodWorks (our culinary training program), SNAP benefits (via our Community Impact Team), and wraparound services that can address some of hunger’s root causes—is crucial to our state’s ability to thrive.
MYTH #2:
Families Who Use Food Banks May Not Really Need Them
TRUTH:
No one plans to be food insecure, and while there is some positive economic news, our latest research from February 2024 shows that more than 1 in 3 Marylanders struggled to afford usual household expenses and nearly 1 in 3 adults shared that their children were sometimes or often not eating enough because food was not affordable.
MYTH #3:
Food Banks Only Distribute Low-Nutrient, Canned, and Boxed Food
TRUTH:
The Maryland Food Bank is thoughtfully addressing the nutritional needs of our neighbors by offering a variety healthy options. Last year, more than a quarter of the food we distributed was fresh produce from our Farm to Food Bank program and other suppliers. And 68% was “SWAP Green,” which means they were foods that are low in sodium, sugar, and fat.
MYTH #4:
Food Banks Get All Their Food From Food Drives and Government Grants
TRUTH:
Food-insecure Marylanders were able to access more 41 million meals at our statewide partners last year. But while we continue to advocate for more resources for our neighbors in need from our friends in Annapolis, it is your support that is helping us deal with continued inflated food prices. Your compassion and generosity are the lifeblood of our organization. In fact, 41% of our support comes from individuals like you. 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.
