The Transformative Power of Food Banks

by

Everyone deserves access to nutritious food, yet many Marylanders face food insecurity that negatively impacts their overall quality of life. Unlike hunger, a basic physiological need that each of us experiences on a daily basis, food insecurity occurs when individuals or families lack consistent access to adequate and nutritious food due to a variety of factors, such as low income, high cost of living, healthcare expenses, unemployment, financial emergencies, discrimination, and other economic or social barriers.  

Although the underlying causes of food insecurity may differ, the consequences are similar. According to Feeding America (feedingamerica.org), food insecurity not only impacts physical and mental health, but it can also lead to poor concentration and low energy, which can affect performance at work or school, and contribute to social isolation and shame. 

A systemic issue, food insecurity impacts a broad range of people, and it can affect anyone. According to the Maryland Food Bank (MFB), a nonprofit organization founded in 1979, one in three Marylanders faces food insecurity—despite the fact that Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the nation with a population of more than 6 million people.

“To achieve food security for everyone, we must go beyond providing meals and address the root causes of hunger,” says Emily Alt, senior vice president, community programs, MFB. “That begins by listening to our neighbors—their needs, challenges, and hopes for the future—and then building solutions around what we hear. At the Maryland Food Bank, we are proud to work hand in hand with our network of partners to deliver community-driven responses that meet people where they are.”

The Critical Role of Maryland Food Banks

Food banks, such as MFB and Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB), a nonprofit organization founded in 1986, serve as a vital part of the food assistance safety net. These facilities function as warehouses or distribution hubs that collect and store large quantities of food and distribute it to their partners, which include food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other organizations. The partners then provide the food directly to people in need. Both MFB and AACFB also distribute food via mobile units that travel to areas where food assistance is difficult to access. 

Food banks obtain the food they distribute through donations from grocery stores, big box stores, and individuals. Food is also purchased from distribution companies or farms or provided by federal programs. 

 “The work we do is life changing,” says Leah Paley, CEO, AACFB. “Not only do we meet the immediate needs of food-insecure Marylanders by providing them with fresh, nutritious food, but we also help set them up for success by addressing the root causes of hunger. We aren’t just distributing food; we’re providing pathways to stability and well-being. I’m proud to be part of AACFB.”

With a network of 780 community partners and three office locations, Baltimore, Salisbury (Eastern Shore Branch), and Hagerstown (Western Branch), MFB distributes food across 21 counties and Baltimore City. During fiscal year 2025, MFB’s community partners recorded 611,440 visits per month and assisted 1,021,729 individuals. 

Based in Crownsville, AACFB works with its 74 network partners who operate 115 points of service (organizations where residents obtain food) throughout Anne Arundel County. Including mobile pantry distributions, AACFB’s partners averaged 45,347 visits per month and assisted 544,165 individuals during fiscal year 2025.

Challenges Facing Maryland Food Banks

According to the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC, frac.org), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal program that provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families, is the first line of defense against hunger and economic hardship. Cuts to SNAP under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are projected to impact thousands of Marylanders. 

Based on preliminary research findings released in July 2025 by the Urban Institute (urban.org), approximately 369,000 families in Maryland will lose some or all of their SNAP benefits. During state fiscal year 2026, which began July 1, 2025, more than 684,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP, according to the Maryland Department of Human Services.

Residents who lose their SNAP benefits will find it necessary to depend on food banks. And food banks, which are already facing challenges, such as increased demand and the high cost of food, aren’t prepared for this additional strain on their operations.

“Cuts to SNAP will greatly impact our food-insecure neighbors, who are working to make ends meet, and increase reliance on the food assistance network,” Alt says. “We estimate that we would have to more than double the amount of food we distribute just to fill this gap—something we’re not able to do with our current resources. While the Maryland Food Bank continues to stay in touch with our elected officials in Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, we can’t do it alone. We need many voices calling attention to this critical issue.” 

How Marylanders Can Help

Now, perhaps more than ever, food banks need Marylanders’ support. One of the most impactful ways to make a difference is through volunteering. Volunteers can host a food drive and help sort food at their local food bank. Marylanders can also make donations (monetary or food) and become advocates for food security, lending their voices to support this critical effort.

To learn more, visit MFB at mdfoodbank.org and AACFB at aafoodbank.org.

“We appreciate the ‘time, talent, and treasure’ of every member of the community, and we’re grateful for their assistance,” Paley says. “We encourage our supporters to make donations to help meet the anticipated rise in demand for supplemental food assistance. Every contribution makes a difference in alleviating food insecurity for our neighbors in need.”