By Peyton Stinnett
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Maryland Food Bank has become the largest anti-hunger organization in Maryland, donating more than 40 million meals annually, and now faces one of its biggest challenges this year as a source of food for people who lost their jobs and income because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 has placed immense pressure on the food supply chain, causing the amount of donated food to decrease,” said Denelle Joynes, public relations and grant writer at MFB.
“At the same time, the need and demand for food assistance across the state has increased greatly,” she explained. “To meet this unprecedented need and the increased number of food-insecure individuals across the state during COVID, MFB has had to purchase food at rates higher than ever before.”
Feeding America, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, estimate there are more than 600,000 people in Maryland struggling with food insecurity. Compounding the problem is Maryland’s unemployment rate, which went from 3.3% in March to peaking at 10.3% in April, accord to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Currently, the unemployment rate sits at 7.8%.
The Maryland Food Bank was created about 41 years ago by Ann Miller, a state Health Department employee concerned with the huge number of people and families facing food insecurity. Initially, Miller started a small group of volunteers, called the Maryland Food Committee, but changed the name to MFB after an increase in demand. Miller, who died seven years ago, said she created the food bank thinking hunger in Maryland was a temporary problem.
The food bank, considered the first on the East Coast and one of the first nationwide, opened its doors right outside Baltimore City initially. Two additional locations have been added, in Salisbury and Hagerstown to serve Eastern and Western Maryland as well.
MFB operations work with partners such as grocery stores, farmers and donors to purchase food and distribute the food to more than 1,000 distribution sites statewide. Officials estimate the three locations together donate 110,000 meals every day. Distribution sites include shelters, soup kitchens, senior centers, community food pantries, and faith-based organizations.
Without restrictions, anyone who needs assistance can seek help at MFB’s network partners.
“Most of those who rely on us are ordinary, middle-class families, working hard to get to a place where they are self-sufficient,” said Joanna Warner, the organization’s communication director. “Many Marylanders earn too little to make ends meet and must consistently turn to food assistance.”
Donating nutrient dense and good quality food has been a key priority for MFB. Nutrient dense food includes peas, beans, eggs, avocado, whole grains and raw nuts and seeds.
“In order to satisfy long-term hunger and combat malnutrition for food-insecure individuals and families, MFB aims to primarily distribute quality, nutritious foods,” Joynes said.
While the food bank collaborates with numerous shelters to distribute food to people and families in need, officials also focus on providing training and meeting other educational needs in the community.
FoodWorks is MFB’s collaboration with the Community College of Baltimore County to offer a fresh start to low-income individuals.
“While our training focuses on culinary arts, we also help build soft skills and prep students for interviews and resume building, making them suitable candidates for not only the hospitality industry that we prioritize, but for other work industries as well,” said Joynes.
Being a non-profit organization, the food bank also relies heavily on volunteers and donations.
“Companies can donate food and/or funds to the Maryland Food Bank to benefit the food-insecure populations we serve,” said Warner. “We also engage in cause-marketing campaigns, events, and welcome companies to volunteer with the food bank.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, MFB has struggled to keep a steady source of food at their distribution sites. Despite the challenges, the food bank is accepting donations to provide Thanksgiving meals for people in need.
“With nearly one in four Marylanders facing food insecurity, chances are, hunger has touched someone you know,” food bank officials said.