Hunger Happens in Maryland Every Day

In the first year of the pandemic, so many of you supported the unprecedented number of Marylanders forced into food insecurity by an unforeseeable global event.

But before anyone had even heard of COVID-19, you helped us feed some of Maryland’s more vulnerable populations, creating a partnership that not only lifted up these neighbors in need, but the entire state.

Fueling the Next Generation Through a Pandemic

“COVID certainly made things more difficult on our families,” said Michelle Webster, principal of Featherbed Elementary School in Lochearn, Md. “They counted on us as a home base. So being able to know that the third Wednesday of every month, we were here with extra food and extra supplies right in their school community was just appreciated.”

The school’s staff banded together, volunteering to either sort and package food, or help distribute food during Pantry on the Go events, ensuring that families on Featherbed Lane — which does not have any grocery stores within walking distance — had regular access to food.

Supporting the USO’s Efforts to Feed at Fort Meade

“Our Military Family Market is specifically designed to benefit our military families and our service members, providing additional resources to help offset costs of living here on the installation, and partnering with the Maryland Food Bank has been wonderful,” said Brittney Freshwater, Center Operations Supervisor, Fort Meade USO.

Housing approximately 56,000 servicemembers and civilians, Anne Arundel County’s Fort Meade is the U.S. Army’s second largest workforce in the country, and we’re honored to partner with the USO to provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce monthly to more than 1,000 service members and civilians who live and work on the base.

“Having just a single-family income right now, with me being home with our son, you know, it’s definitely hard,” shared Meghan Evans. “Produce is expensive, so what the USO and the food bank are doing out here with all these fresh fruits and veggies is just fabulous for us.”

Helping Families in Bayview’s Diverse Community Make Ends Meet

“The nearest grocery store is not easy to get to for people in my community, many who live in nursing homes,” said Billy W., a volunteer for Fundación Janet Arce. “And I am so, so lucky to be in a place where I can help, to be the one to hand out the food we get from the Maryland Food Bank — people really need it.”

In eastern Baltimore City, the lack of accessible food and a deficit of job opportunities continue to challenge the Joseph Lee neighborhood. But since 2010, we’ve partnered with Fundación Janet Arce to help feed the community.

“I’ve lived in this neighborhood my whole life — 76 years — and I’m trying,” said Eli H. “I pick up scrap metal to make some money but getting this food really helps. It keeps you healthy and the fresh fruits and vegetables keep you from eating junk food from all from the convenience stores around.”

Providing relief for hungry Marylanders is truly what fuels our efforts each and every day. Because of your generosity and continued partnership, we’ll be here as long as it takes to feed every hungry Marylander.