Mobile pantry will deliver produce, lean meats, and shelf-stable items to communities with limited access to transportation and food options
Crownsville, MD - Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB) will celebrate the launch of a new mobile food pantry that will deliver fresh produce, frozen lean meats, and shelf-stable foods directly to communities where transportation and access to healthy food options are limited. The launch event will take place at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank on September 18, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at 120 Marbury Drive, Crownsville, MD.
‘We saw a significant increase in the demand for food during the pandemic, and that need still exists,” said County Executive Pittman. “I am thrilled that we can offer this service, and I want to thank the Anne Arundel County Food Bank for their innovation and for all the work they do to ensure our communities have access to one of the most fundamental rights - food.”
The custom 2021 Ford F-59 Step Van will hold approximately 3,000 pounds of food and basic necessities, allowing the AACFB to serve about 100 households with each visit. The van is equipped with six racks for shelf-stable item storage as well as a refrigerator and freezer to keep perishable and frozen items fresh. The food bank worked with county agencies to identify two locations in southern Anne Arundel County to serve as launch sites for the mobile food pantry program. The Mobile Pantry will begin distribution at Lyons Creeks and Maryland Manor mobile communities with the goal of expanding to other parts of the county in the future.
“No one should have to worry about how they will get their next meal,” said Anne Arundel County Food Bank Chief Executive Officer Leah Paley. “All of our network partners operating food pantries are seeing increased demand. Months of increased food, transportation, and other basic living costs are forcing families to make difficult decisions. Skipping a nutritious meal should never be a choice, but unfortunately, we know this happens all too often.”
During the event, County Executive Pittman, AACFB CEO Leah Paley, and Food Pantry Sponsors will provide remarks before the pantry departs for the distribution sites. Local elected officials, representatives from food pantry partner sites, and community organizations will also be present.
Each September, national organizations and local and state food banks unite to bring awareness to food insecurity across the nation. During Hunger Action Month, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB) calls on county residents to take action on the issue of hunger in our communities. As part of its local campaign, AACFB has created an action calendar with steps to help our neighbors in need and ease food insecurity.
The calendar, and more information on Hunger Action Month, are available online at www.aafoodbank.org/action.
