In Focus Archive
Sign on to Support Public Benefits for Legal Permanent Residents
Immigrant advocacy organizations have been alerted to a possible federal policy shift which would make legal permanent residents more vulnerable to deportation if they use federal means-tested public benefits. This would have a chilling impact on immigrant communities using benefits for which they are legally eligible. In fact, we are already seeing the chilling impact here in Maryland. Please join Maryland Hunger Solutions in signing on to this letter being circulated by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) which opposes the policy which will threaten millions of children with hunger and food insecurity, drive taxpaying immigrant families deeper into poverty, and discourage immigrants from accessing benefits to which they are eligible.
Sign-On to Safeguard the Federal Nutrition Programs
Nearly 2,600 national, state, and community-based organizations have joined the national letter to strengthen and protect federal nutrition programs. We urge organizations in Maryland to sign on to this letter reaffirming our collective commitment to a strong and effective national nutrition safety net for vulnerable, low-income individuals and families. Please join us and sign on here!
Oppose HB 533, Food Stamp Program - Time Limit Waiver - Prohibition
Legislation has been introduced in the state legislature which would prohibit the state from applying for or implementing waivers from SNAP the time limit for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), placing Maryland’s poorest residents at risk of losing this critical food assistance while they work or look for work. We urge you to add your organization’s name to a sign-on letter opposing the bill. More...
Statewide Call on Anti-Hunger Improvements for Seniors – Sept. 7th (1-2pm)
Maryland Hunger Solutions invites you to join a statewide conference call regarding anti-hunger program improvements for seniors in Maryland. The call will take place on September 7, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., and will include updates about the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) and the increase in the minimum FSP benefit level for seniors 62 and older. More...
MFANN Conference Now Accepting Proposals
The Maryland Food Access and Nutrition Network (MFANN) is now accepting proposals for the 6th annual MFANN Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference which will be held on Tuesday September 27th at the House Office Building (6 Bladen Street) in Annapolis, Maryland. Workshop submissions are due by Monday July 25th. Download the Request for Presenters (pdf) to view this year's topic areas and see how you can lend your expertise to this year's conference.
Take Action: Support Three Important Anti-Hunger Bills in the State Legislature
Maryland Hunger Solutions and our partners across the state are working to reduce poverty and food insecurity by advocating for the passage of the following bills in the state General Assembly, and we need your help! Please to sign letters to our State Senators and Delegates to let them know that these bills have support from their constituents.
Urge Governor Hogan to Raise the Minimum SNAP Benefit
More than 18,000 seniors in our state receive the minimum SNAP benefit of just $16 a month – an amount that’s simply not enough to afford healthy food. Add your name to the petition to Governor Hogan urging him to sign HB 445/SB 758. These bills will increase the minimum benefit to $30 a month. Tell Governor Hogan that Maryland seniors deserve a raise!
Webinar on Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
On Tuesday April 12th at 2pm, Maryland Hunger Solutions is hosting a webinar with the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) to discuss the reimplementation of the ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents) time limit for certain SNAP recipients in Maryland. More...
Maryland Rises to Fourth in the Nation for School Breakfast Participation
More low-income children in Maryland are starting the day with a healthy morning meal at school, according to a new national report released today, further demonstrating the positive impact of the community eligibility provision (CEP). More...
Participate in Hear the Maryland Crunch!
Join us on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at 9:15 and be one of thousands of Marylanders biting into apples simultaneously, to help raise awareness of the important role school breakfast plays in ensuring children have access healthy food. More...
Raise the Minimum FSP Benefit
Join Maryland Hunger Solutions and tell your legislators that you support raising the minimum FSP (Food Supplement Program) benefit to $30 per month. Sign onto this letter to urge your legislators to invest in FSP in the FY 2017 state budget.
Maryland Hunger Solutions Calls on Governor Hogan to Invest In Anti-Hunger Programs in FY 2017 Budget
On the eve of Thanksgiving, MDHS joined with more than twenty-five organizations to urge Governor Hogan to invest in programs that fight hunger in Maryland. More...
Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference Presentations Now Available...
New Report: Maryland Earns a B in School Breakfast Participation among Low-Income Students
Nearly two-thirds of all low-income Maryland students who participate in school lunch also participate in school breakfast, according to a new report released on October 1st by Maryland Hunger Solutions. The report, Reducing Childhood Hunger with the School Breakfast Program: Maryland’s Report Card, gave the state a B in overall breakfast participation during the 2014-2015 school year, and highlights two proven approaches to increasing participation: serving breakfast in the classroom and implementing the Community Eligibility Provision. Grades for both the state and every county are available. Read the report...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Alerts Beneficiaries, Retailers to Changes in Food Supplement Program
Beginning September 1st, 2015, two major changes to the state’s Food Supplement Program (FSP, or food stamps) will impact 800,000 low-income people, nearly 4,000 retailers and more than a dozen outreach organizations that connect eligible people to the program, according to Maryland Hunger Solutions. One of the changes to the program, which is administered by Maryland’s Department of Human Resources (DHR), will affect the timeframe in which benefits will be issued while the other changes will address program enrollment and limiting benefits for adults without children. More...
USDA Summer Meals Program Feeds Low-Income Children Farmers Markets
For the first time, Summer Meals are available at two participating Baltimore City farmers markets: Govanstowne and Pigtown. As part of National Farmers Market Week, local and state leaders joined with the community to celebrate. More...
Photos: top/Rep. John Sarbanes joins MDHS staffer Brooke McCauley and MDHS director Michael J. Wilson at farmers' market event; bottom/Officials help serve food to children at event.
Registration is now open for the Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference
Join us on October 27th for the fifth annual Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference at the University of Maryland SMC Center in Baltimore. As the only statewide anti-hunger conference, Fighting Hunger in Maryland: Reframing Hunger is an important forum that will bring together leaders from state and local agencies, nonprofits, schools, and advocates to inform, engage, and inspire action to promote equity in food access and nutrition in Maryland. Through expert presentations, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, Fighting Hunger in Maryland will frame challenges and develop solutions to hunger in Maryland. Topics include: Federal and State Anti-Hunger Policy and Advocacy, Funding Anti-Hunger and Food Access Work, Child Nutrition Program Innovations and Policy Implementation, Innovative Models in Program Delivery, and more. Register here...
New Report Finds that Participation in Summer Meals in Maryland Increased in 2014
Maryland made significant strides in its efforts to reach more low-income children with summer meals in 2014, according to Hunger Doesn’t Take A Vacation, a report released annually by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). 59.705 low-income children were served summer meals on an average day in July 2013, an increase of 17.3 percent from last year. Summer meals reached 21.6 students for every 100 low-income children who got regular school year school meals in the 2013-2014 school year, outpacing that national rate of 16.2:100. More...
Governor Hogan Signs New Law to Reduce Child Hunger
We are thrilled to announce that Governor Hogan signed The Hunger-Free Schools Act of 2015 into law today. The Hunger-Free Schools Act of 2015 increases access to the Community Eligibility Provision – federal funding that allows high-poverty schools to provide breakfast and lunch free to all students. Community eligibility increases access to healthy school meals, improves learning, and reduces food insecurity. More...
Survey Finds 14 Percent of Households in Maryland Struggle to Afford Food
One in seven people – 14 percent of respondents – in Maryland reported in 2014 they struggled to afford enough food for their households, according to a new report released by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). More...
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake on Hear the Maryland Crunch!
Video: U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen on Hear the Maryland Crunch!
Tell Congress to Keep SNAP Strong
Add your name to FRAC's petition and let Congress know that you support SNAP. SNAP has extraordinary strengths. It reduces hunger and food insecurity, lifts people out of poverty, improves nutrition and health, boosts employment, responds quickly in times of disaster or recession, supports local economies, and improves well-being.
NBA Team Honors Michael J. Wilson and MDHS
The Washington Wizards honored Michael J. Wilson and MDHS at their February 9 home game against the Orlando Magic. See Michael J. Wilson's interview on #WizMagic American Express Homecourt Advantage (interview starts at 3:39).
Reducing Childhood Hunger with the School Breakfast Program: Maryland’s Report Card
More than half of all low-income Maryland students who participate in school lunch also participate in school breakfast, according to a new report released today by Maryland Hunger Solutions. The report gave an A+ to Kent, Somerset, Dorchester, and Garrett counties, while the state received a C+ in overall breakfast participation during the 2012-2013 school year. More...
Feeding More Marylanders with Stronger SNAP Policies - Policy Brief with Maryland Center on Economic Policy
Beyond the benefit to Maryland’s families, children, and seniors, FSP is also a great resource for local businesses. For every $5 in new SNAP/FSP benefits, it generates $9 in economic activity for participating grocery stores. More...
Thirteen Percent of Maryland Households Struggling with Hunger
One in eight households in Maryland struggled with hunger, on average, over the years 2011-2013, according to new data released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service in its annual report on food insecurity. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions and Dozens of Partner Organizations Urge the Maryland Congressional Delegation to Cosponsor Summer Meals Act of 2014
Advocates and anti-hunger organizations from across the state of Maryland joined together this week to urge Maryland’s Congressional delegation to cosponsor the Summer Meals Act of 2014, a bipartisan bill that would strengthen, protect, and expand access to the Summer Nutrition Programs. More...
Baltimore Partnership to End Childhood Hunger and Maryland Hunger Solutions Call on Congress to Allow Three Meals Per Day in Summer Nutrition Programs
The Baltimore Partnership to End Childhood Hunger, Maryland Hunger Solutions, and Sharon Baptist Church will join parents, care takers, faith leaders, teachers, program administrators, students, and residents of Baltimore on Saturday to urge elected officials and leaders in Maryland to allow summer meals sites to serve three meals a day. Currently, a child can receive three federally funded meals each day during the school year through the School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, and the At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program. During the summer, sites may only serve two meals through the Summer Food Service Program. More...
MEDIA ADVISORY: Washington County Public Schools to be Presented with Hunger-Free School Awards
Twelve Washington County Public Schools will be recognized on Tuesday June 10, 10:30 a.m. at Salem Elementary School for becoming “Hunger-Free” by electing the Community Eligibility Provision, a new tool created in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Schools Act of 2010. More (pdf).
Oppose Changes to Healthy School Meal Standards and the WIC Food Package
Congress is currently considering a roll-back of the healthy school meal standards that have added more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to school meals, while also limiting sodium and fats. In addition to the proposed changes to school meal standards, the inclusion of fresh, white potatoes in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) food package threatens the nutritional and scientific integrity of the WIC program by allowing Congress, not nutritionists, to decide what’s best for the health of mothers and young children. Let Congress know that you support the health of our nation’s children and the school meal standards in the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010. More...
New Report Finds that Participation in Summer Meals in Maryland Increased in 2013
Maryland made significant strides in its efforts to reach more low-income children with summer meals in 2013, according to Hunger Doesn’t Take A Vacation (pdf), a report released annually by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). 50,902 low-income children were served summer meals on an average day in July 2013, an increase of 7.4 percent from last year. Summer meals reached 19 students for every 100 low-income children who got regular school year school meals in the 2012-2013 school year, outpacing that national rate of 15.1:100. More...
Maryland Alliance for the Poor Releases Its Biennial Maryland Poverty Profiles
The Maryland Alliance for the Poor (MAP) publicly released its 2014 Maryland Poverty Profiles (pdf), which highlight key indicators reflecting the realities of poverty in Maryland and each of its 24 local jurisdictions.
Oppose Overriding the WIC Food Package
Due to pressure from particular food industry interests, Congress is currently considering a bill that will legislatively change the WIC food package to include fresh white potatoes, an item that has not been recommended by the team of nutritionists and scientists at the IOM who carefully studied what is needed to supplement the diets of mothers and young children. Changing the WIC food package by legislative fiat – simply because they have the political muscle to do so, irrespective of the nutritional needs of mothers and children — should not be encouraged. Please consider signing on to the letter below to let your voice be heard in Washington. Follow this link for more information...
Thousands Join Maryland Hunger Solutions to Hear the Maryland Crunch!
Thousands of students, teachers and leaders across the state of Maryland joined Maryland Hunger Solutions in Hear the Maryland Crunch, a state-wide, synchronized bite into an apple to raise awareness about the importance of school breakfast in the fight against childhood hunger.More...
Buy a T-Shirt and Help Fight Hunger in Maryland
Show your Baltimore pride by ordering a great tee-shirt from There There/Baltimore. For the month of October, 10% will be donated to Maryland Hunger Solutions! Plus, use this code when you order online (TTMH14) to get 30% off! More...
Take the SNAP Challenge, October 6-12, 2014
Maryland Hunger Solutions, along with D.C. Hunger Solutions and Virginia Hunger Solutions, invite you to join us in taking the SNAP Challenge (October 6 -12, 2014) to highlight the struggles faced by too many throughout our region who can’t afford the food they need. More...
Save the Date: October 16, 2014 - Food Day in Our Communities: How Does Food=Medicine?
Join Moveable Feast and Maryland Hunger Solutions in celebrating Food Day, an annual nationwide celebration to help create a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food in the United States. This is a two part event featuring a culinary cook-off challenge and a panel discussion on the topic "Food=Medicine." More...
Somerset County is Leading the Effort to End Child Hunger
Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) is the first public school system in Maryland to implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) system-wide. As a result, SCPS will provide free school breakfast and lunch to all students this coming school year. CEP creates Hunger-Free Schools and strengthens the entire community by promoting health and wellness, as well as offering financial support to families. The need is great - over 31% of Somerset’s population reside in a food desert, 18% are food insecure, and 19% rely on SNAP. Please join us in celebrating Somerset County’s leadership in addressing these needs and making strides towards ending child hunger!
When: Thursday, August 28th 2014 at 11:00am
Where: Somerset Intermediate School, 7679 Crisfield Hwy, Westover, MD 21871
Urge Maryland's Congressional Delegation to Co-sponsor Summer Meals Act of 2014
For the more than a quarter of a million low-income students in Maryland who depend on the National School Lunch Program during the school year, summer often means losing access to the only dependable source of nutritious food they receive all day. This lack of access leaves low-income children more vulnerable to hunger, poor nutrition, and obesity when school is not in session. More...
Community Eligibility Deadline Extended to August 31
Community Eligibility is an exciting new option that allows schools with high percentages of low-income children to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students – essentially becoming Hunger-Free Schools. School districts have until August 31, 2014 to elect this option. More...
Webinar: How to Join the Food Supplement Program State Outreach Plan (June 26, 2014)
Attention nonprofits interested in or currently engaged in Food Stamp outreach -joining the Maryland Food Supplement Program (FSP) State Outreach Plan could allow your organization to receive federal reimbursement for staff time and marketing activities related to these efforts. Register for the webinar and learn more...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Helps Mitigate Food Loss from Extreme Weather Conditions and Power Outages - Alerts Food Stamp Recipients There is Recourse
Maryland Hunger Solutions announced today (2/14/14) that participants in the Maryland Food Supplement Program (FSP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) who experience food loss due to extreme weather and power outages may be able to have their benefits restored. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Urges Maryland Assembly to Implement Community Eligibility Provisions
As the Maryland General Assembly considers implementing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) across the state, Michael J. Wilson, director of Maryland Hunger Solutions testified on the benefits of CEP. More...
School Breakfast Report Ranks Maryland 14th
A scorecard released today from the Food Research and Action Center shows that more low-income students are participating in school breakfast programs, and the state is ranked 14th in the nation for its participation rate. While nearly 162,000 students are receiving nutritious breakfasts, but Michael J. Wilson, executive director of Maryland Hunger Solutions, said thousands more need to be served. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Joins Raise Maryland Rally In Support of Raising the Minimum Wage.
Maryland Hunger Solutions joined Governor Martin O’Malley, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Raise Maryland and workers, business owners, and faith leaders in Annapolis to support raising Maryland’s minimum wage to $10.10 per hour by January 1, 2016. More...
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Maryland Hunger Solutions today.
When you know that the work we do literally puts healthy food in the mouths of tens of thousands of people all over our state – from the Eastern Shore to the Allegheny Mountains, from the Washington suburbs to downtown Baltimore and everywhere in between – then you realize just how important our work is. More...
Faith Leaders: Sign On to SNAP Letter Opposing Cuts
Massive cuts to the SNAP program have been proposed in Congress. Often it is the faith community that is asked to fill the void where government policy falls short. However, faith leaders and our allies at the Maryland food banks have already told us they will not be able to fill this void. MDHS is asking faith leaders to stand with us to protect and strengthen SNAP in the budget negotiations and to OPPOSE SNAP cuts. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Announces Additional Funding for Baltimore Bucks Incentive Project
Baltimore residents and employees of the Waverly Farmers Market joined Maryland Hunger Solutions and the Baltimore Office of Sustainability to announce the release of $6,000 in additional funding to the Baltimore Bucks Incentive Project from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. More...
Jared Bernstein Delivers Keynote Address at Fighting Hunger in Maryland Conference
At left, Jared Bernstein of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities with MDHS staff. As the only statewide anti-hunger conference, Fighting Hunger in Maryland is an important forum that brings together leaders from state and local agencies, nonprofits, schools, and advocates to inform, engage, and inspire action to promote equity in food access and nutrition in Maryland. More about the conference...
One in Five Households with Children in Maryland Report Inability to Afford Enough Food
Food Hardship 2008-2012: Geography and Household Composition, released by FRAC, found that in surveys from 2008-2012, more than 20 percent of households with children in Maryland said there were times in the prior year when they did not have enough money to buy food that they needed for themselves or their family. More than 13 percent of households without children in Maryland said they faced the same struggle. More...
Michael J. Wilson Named New Director of Maryland Hunger Solutions
The Food Research and Action Center is delighted to announce that Michael J. Wilson is the new director of the Maryland Hunger Solutions initiative. Michael J. brings more than 30 years of experience organizing and coordinating programs and grassroots campaigns, and is a widely known and respected leader in the social justice community. More...
Maryland to Pilot Community Eligibility Option
Maryland is one of four states selected by USDA to pilot the Community Eligibility Option (CEO) in the 2013-2014 school year, which will be implemented in select Washington County Schools, and the SEED School of Maryland. CEO is the newest tool for schools with high percentages of low-income students to provide meals at no charge to all students, and Maryland Hunger Solutions led advocacy efforts (pdf) to bring CEO to Maryland (link). Follow these links to a CEO in Maryland fact sheet (pdf) and the Maryland State Department of Education’s press release.
Parents and Community Leaders Come Together to Strengthen School Breakfast Programs in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia
Parents and community leaders from Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia joined education officials and national and state based anti-hunger advocates to discuss the importance of school breakfast in combating hunger and preparing students to learn and how to improve participation in this program. The summit was catered by Prince George’s County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services. More...
MDHS Director Michael J. Wilson's op-ed "Living hungry on food stamps" in Baltimore Sun focuses on FSP cuts and Food Stamp Challenge
"Have those in Congress who want to cut food stamps tried surviving on $30 in groceries a week? Even as I write this, I'm hungry. The truth is that I've been a little hungry ever since I began the Food Stamp Challenge." More... subscription required.
Innovative Partnership Brings EBT Access, Baltimore Bucks to Institution-Based Farmers' Markets
Maryland Hunger Solutions is partnering with Eat Fresh Maryland, an initiative of the Crossroads Community Food Network, to enable three health institution-based farmers' markets to accept federal nutrition assistance benefits via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and to match purchases made via EBT or WIC check up to $5. Follow this link to read more about the University Farmers Market, one of the three pilot sites.
Fighting obesity with good nutrition – Baltimore Sun Letter to the Editor by MDHS Director Michael J. Wilson
Maryland state and local officials can play a big part in reducing obesity among preschoolers and other vulnerable populations by promoting participation in federal nutrition programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program, SNAP (formerly known as food stamps and called the Food Supplement Program in Maryland), and the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. The CDC specifically points out that these federal programs are addressing the issue by "helping low-income families to get affordable, nutritious foods through programs such WIC and the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program." More...
Webinar on Expiration of ARRA FSP Cuts
MDHS and the Maryland Department of Human Resources conducted a webinar recently on the expiration of the FSP boost in the economic recovery act. See first article in MDHS Newsletter for more...
We've Moved Our Offices to a New Location!
MDHS had a new home as of Friday, December 7 - 2002 Clipper Park Road, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD, 21211. Our phones and email addresses remain the same.
View Larger Map
Report Finds Maryland Reaching More Low-Income Children with Afterschool Meals
A new report by Maryland Hunger Solutions finds that afterschool meals are reaching more than triple the amount of low-income Maryland children than when the federally funded Afterschool Meal Program was first implemented in the state three years ago. More...
Hundreds of Residents Benefit from Garrett County Food Resource Day - Residents Learn About the Food Supplement Program and Additional Community Resources
More than 400 Garrett County residents who are struggling from the recession and are recovering from the damage caused by snowfall in last year’s Hurricane Sandy came out to the Food Distribution Warehouse in Oakland to participate in the Garrett County Food Resource Day to learn about nutrition programs and community resources available to help households stay on their feet during tough times. More... (pdf)
Maryland Hunger Solutions Applauds Maryland's Democratic U.S. House Members for Protecting SNAP
MDHS applauds the Maryland Democratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives for joining every Democratic Member of the House of Representatives in yesterday’s action to protect struggling American families and stand against SNAP cuts in the Farm Bill that would increase hunger in Maryland and across the country. As their letter (pdf) says, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is our country’s most critical anti-hunger program. Nearly half of SNAP enrollees are children, and the program helps feed roughly one in three children in America. More...
Report Finds Maryland Reaching More Low-Income Children with Afterschool Meals
A new report by Maryland Hunger Solutions finds that afterschool meals are reaching more than triple the amount of low-income Maryland children than when the federally funded Afterschool Meal Program was first implemented in the state three years ago. More...
Hundreds of Residents Benefit from Garrett County Food Resource Day - Residents Learn About the Food Supplement Program and Additional Community Resources
More than 400 Garrett County residents who are struggling from the recession and are recovering from the damage caused by snowfall in last year’s Hurricane Sandy came out to the Food Distribution Warehouse in Oakland to participate in the Garrett County Food Resource Day to learn about nutrition programs and community resources available to help households stay on their feet during tough times. More... (pdf)
Maryland Hunger Solutions Applauds Maryland's Democratic U.S. House Members for Protecting SNAP
MDHS applauds the Maryland Democratic Members of the U.S. House of Representatives for joining every Democratic Member of the House of Representatives in yesterday’s action to protect struggling American families and stand against SNAP cuts in the Farm Bill that would increase hunger in Maryland and across the country. As their letter (pdf) says, “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is our country’s most critical anti-hunger program. Nearly half of SNAP enrollees are children, and the program helps feed roughly one in three children in America. More...
Garrett County Food Resource Day – August 8
Maryland Hunger Solutions, in partnership with the Garrett County Community Action Committee, the Maryland Food Bank Western Branch, and AARP Maryland will host a Food Resource Day on August 8th at 360 W. Liberty Street in Oakland. From 9:30-12:30, households will be able to pick up fresh produce donated by the Maryland Food Bank, receive assistance with applying for the Food Supplement Program (known federally as SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program), and connect with community resources including housing, energy assistance, senior services, transportation, and Head Start. Learn more and spread the word with this flier (pdf).
Volunteer with Summer Meal sites in Maryland
Help Maryland Hunger Solutions canvass neighborhoods surrounding summer meal sites, and volunteer directly at summer meal sites across the state of Maryland this summer. Download this flyer on canvassing neighborhoods (pdf) and this flyer on summer site volunteering (pdf) for more information.
Register for the Connecting Marylanders with Food Supplement Program Benefits Webinar
Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 1-2:15pm. This webinar is designed to build the capacity of front-line staff to answer questions about the Food Supplement Program application. More...
Maryland Hits Major Milestone in School Breakfast Participation, but there is Still Room for Improvement
More than half of all low-income Maryland students who participated in school lunch also participated in school breakfast during the 2011-2012 school year, according to a new report released today by Maryland Hunger Solutions. A major milestone in Maryland Hunger Solutions’ efforts to improve the reach of this important program, the report also found that participation grew from the previous school year by an impressive 14.4 percent, resulting in 131,936 low-income students in Maryland starting the day with a nutritious school breakfast. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Applauds Maryland Leaders for Protecting Food Assistance
“We applaud the leadership of Senators Mikulski and Cardin in recognizing the importance of SNAP to struggling Marylanders and urging their fellow Senators to make no cuts to SNAP in any Farm Bill negotiations,” said Cathy Demeroto, director of Maryland Hunger Solutions. More...
MDHS Discusses Senior Hunger on WYPR
Listen as MDHS Director Cathy Demeroto discusses why some Maryland seniors face food insecurity, on WYPR Maryland Morning's "The Lines Between Us." More...
New Survey Finds 16.2 Percent of Households in Maryland Reported in 2012 Inability to Afford Enough Food
Nearly one in six people in Maryland reported in 2012 not having enough money to buy food that they or their family needed at some points during the prior twelve months, according to a new report released by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). “It is unacceptable that so many people across Maryland are struggling and cannot afford enough food to provide for their families,” said Cathy Demeroto, Director of Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS). “These numbers show us that we must make our nation’s safety net stronger, not weaker. We can’t afford to leave these vulnerable people behind.” More...
MFANN Harford County Food Drop and Resource Day, April 30
The Maryland Food Access and Nutrition Network (MFANN), chaired by Maryland Hunger Solutions, partnered with the Harford County Action Agency and Salvation Army to host the first Harford County Food Drop and Resource Day on Tuesday, April 30th at the Salvation Army in Havre de Grace. More than 150 Harford County families attended the event, where they were able to pick up food donated by the Maryland Food Bank as well as information from organizations including the USDA, United Way/211, WIC, Harford County Public Schools, the Havre de Grace Housing Authority, Legal Aid, and Upper Chesapeake Health.
Maryland Hunger Solutions guest-blogs for Department of Human Resources
“DHR is fortunate to have community partners that help us assist vulnerable children and adults. Maryland Hunger Solutions...is one of those partners and a critical part of our shared fight to eliminate poverty and hunger in Maryland. Director Cathy Demeroto...was kind enough to take me up on my offer to write the following guest blog post.” More...
Fighting Hunger and Poverty Breakfast in Annapolis Brings Policymakers and Struggling Marylanders to the Same Table
Nearly 100 anti-hunger and anti-poverty advocates, policymakers, and Maryland residents who have experienced hunger and poverty gathered Thursday morning for the Fighting Hunger and Poverty Breakfast in Annapolis to discuss these challenges in Maryland and to outline solutions. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Helps Eligible Low-Income Households Apply for Food Assistance While Filing Their Taxes
For the second year in a row, Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) has partnered with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Community Action Agency to connect low-income families who benefit from free tax assistance to the Food Supplement Program (FSP, formerly known as food stamps and known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP nationally). More...
Hunger Amid Abundance Event Highlights 30 years of Manna Food Center’s service
The “Hunger Amid Abundance” event, co-Sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and Maryland Hunger Solutions, focused on hunger and hunger relief efforts in Montgomery County. A local reporter covers the event’s focus on fighting hunger and feeding hope in Hunger Amid Abundance: Manna’s Symposium on Hunger.
Senior Hunger Action Month Reaches Hundreds
Through partnerships with AARP Maryland, the Maryland Food Bank, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Benefits Data Trust, the Maryland Department of Human Resources, and the Cecil County Senior Services and Community Transit, Maryland Hunger Solutions reached over 500 Marylanders with information and resources to fight senior hunger. Initiatives included a tele-town hall targeting Garrett, Cecil, Harford, Frederick, Montgomery, and Somerset seniors; a training of Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland staff; and a Senior Hunger Action Day food drop and resource event in Elkton. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Applauds Governor O’Malley for Recognizing Importance of School Breakfast with Increased Investment in Maryland Meals for Achievement Program
Governor Martin O’Malley’s FY2014 budget released today contains a $1.8 million funding increase for Maryland Meals for Achievement Program (MMFA), a state-funded program that provides breakfast free to all students in the classroom. Increasing funding for this valuable program would enable more Maryland children to eat a nutritious breakfast at school, noted Maryland Hunger Solutions. More...
Legislative Session Starts January 9th, 2012
Wednesday January 9th starts the 2013 Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Hunger Solutions will be working in Annapolis over the next 90 days on issues related to ending hunger and poverty in Maryland. Follow our Twitter feed to keep up-to-date on Maryland Hunger Solutions efforts during #MDSession13!
Food Supplement Program Application (FSP) Assistance at Free Tax Preparation Sites
Following a successful 2012 pilot at two Montgomery County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, Maryland Hunger Solutions is partnering with Montgomery County’s Department of Health & Human Services Community Action Agency, Community Tax Aid, and Baltimore CASH to offer FSP outreach at six VITA sites in three counties. Download this flyer (pdf) about the project in Montgomery County and spread the word.
Somerset County Residents Recovering from Hurricane Sandy Participate in Food Resource Day
The day after U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) toured Hurricane Sandy affected areas in Crisfield, Somerset County residents came out to the Food Resource Day – held from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Friday, January 11 at the Disaster Recovery Center in Crisfield – to apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits and to learn more about additional resources available to them. More... (pdf)
Disaster SNAP/Food Stamp Benefits
- Somerset County
Residents of Somerset County who lost food due to Hurricane Sandy may be eligible for D-SNAP, a 30 day food benefit for eligible storm victims not already receiving food stamp benefits. Victims of Hurricane Sandy can apply for D-SNAP January 7-13 at either: Somerset County DSS, 30397 Mt. Vernon Road, Princess Anne or the Disaster Recovery Center, Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building, 2 Mill Lane, Crisfield. D-SNAP applications accepted 8 am - 7 pm Monday - Saturday and 1-5 pm Sunday. Learn more with this fact sheet (pdf).
On Friday, January 11 from 9AM – 4PM representatives from Maryland Hunger Solutions and the Maryland Department of Human Resources will be assisting residents with applications at the Disaster Recovery Center, located in the Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building, 2 Mill Lane, in Crisfield. Produce and non-perishable food, donated by the Maryland Food Bank, will also be available. For more information call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 410-528-0021 x23. Information flyers (pdf): English version / Spanish version.
School breakfast programs key to ending hunger - Capital Gazette Op-Ed by MDHS Director Cathy Demeroto
"Maryland is on its way to becoming one such state. Gov. Martin O’Malley was the first governor in the nation to commit to ending childhood hunger and established the Governor’s Partnership to End Childhood Hunger, which is charged with accomplishing that goal by 2015." More...
MDHS to Lead Discussion at Hunger and Homeless Week Event
As part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 10-18), MDHS will lead a discussion group at the "A Bench is not a Bed" Sleepout in front of Baltimore City Hall on November 17 at 6pm. Find out more...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Teaming Up with Food Depot to Help Shoppers Stretch Food Dollars
The Food Depot on Belair Road in Baltimore City is teaming up with Maryland Hunger Solutions to provide Food Supplement Program (FSP) outreach to interested shoppers on an on-going basis. More...
12.5 Percent of Maryland’s Households Struggling with Hunger - New Polling Data Show Broad Support for SNAP and Opposition to Cuts
One in eight households in Maryland struggled with hunger on average in the years 2009-2011, according to new data released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its annual report on food insecurity. More...
Increased Funding for MMFA
Maryland Hunger Solutions is working with 23 partners to advocate for increased funding for Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) – a state program that funds free breakfast-in-the-classroom for low-income children. Demand for the MMFA program far exceeds current funding and capacity. Maryland Hunger Solutions - with partner support - composed a letter seeking a multi-year budget commitment from the State to fully fund MMFA over 5 years, which would mean an additional 284,479 children in Maryland would start the day off with a nutritious breakfast by 2018. Follow this link to the request letter (pdf).
Less hunger, less obesity – MDHS Op Ed, Baltimore Sun
Hunger and obesity are serious challenges that face far too many children in our state and across the country. At a quick glance, it may seem that attempts to reduce hunger and promote healthy eating are competing goals. Yet, evidence shows us that expanding participation in federal nutrition programs (like school meals) reduces childhood hunger and improves children's diets. At the same time, improving the quality of these federal programs, with a primary goal of preventing obesity, may well increase participation. More...
More Than 200 Join Maryland Hunger Solutions and DC Hunger Solutions in Food Stamp Challenge
The week of October 9 – 15, over 200 Marylanders and DC residents joined Maryland Hunger Solutions Director Cathy Demeroto and Department of Human Resources Secretary Dallas in the 3rd Annual Food Stamp Challenge. The Challenge gives participants a view of what life can be like for millions of low-income Americans. By using the average Food Supplement Program benefit – just $30 per person – as their budget for food for one week, participants are forced to make difficult food shopping choices and often realize how hard it is to avoid hunger, afford nutritious foods, and stay healthy. Read their experiences here...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Runs Baltimore Marathon Relay
For the second year in a row Maryland Hunger Solutions ran the Baltimore City Marathon Team Relay on Saturday, October 13th in an effort to raise awareness about hunger in Maryland and to raise funds to continue fighting hunger in our state. See pictures and more here...
Sign up for the webinar "Feed Them and They Will Come: Incorporating Afterschool Meals into Your Program" - Tuesday, September 25th at 12:00 p.m.
Do you operate after school programming in Maryland for children 18 and under? Are you currently providing snacks and meals using your own money? Are you currently receiving snacks but want to learn more about providing suppers? Sign up for this webinar presented by Maryland Out of School Time Network and Maryland Hunger Solutions.
"Feeding students’ bodies and minds" - MDHS Letter to the Editor, Washington Post
By drawing attention to the fact that three in five teachers in Maryland have students who come to school hungry, the Share Our Strength survey drives home the important work that’s being done in Maryland to ensure that more children start their day with a healthy school breakfast. School meals — breakfast, lunch and afterschool snacks — allow children to concentrate on learning. But more can be done. More...
More than One in Seven Maryland Residents Report Struggle to Afford Enough Food During First Six Months of 2012
New data released on August 22 by the Gallup organization show the food hardship rate for Maryland was 14.8 percent during the first six months of 2012. Maryland Hunger Solutions noted this rate shows that far too many Maryland residents continue to report that there were times during the past 12 months when they did not have enough money to buy the food they or their families needed. More...
Through Maryland Hunger Solutions’ Paper Apple Campaign, Hundreds of Marylanders Declare “SNAP Works”
Hundreds of Marylanders from every county in the state are declaring “SNAP Works” and joining Maryland Hunger Solutions’ Paper Apple Campaign to show their support for the program and to voice opposition to proposed cuts in Congress. Hundreds of paper apples will be delivered this week to the district offices of Representatives Steny Hoyer and Chris Van Hollen. More...
MDHS Conducting FSP Outreach in Glen Burnie
MDHS will be conducting FSP outreach at Collins ShopRite in Glen Burnie on the second Friday and last Tuesday of each month from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Shoppers will be able to ask questions about FSP, WIC, and other nutrition programs, find out if they are eligible for FSP, and sign up on-site for the program with MDHS. Anne Arundel County has the highest need for FSP outreach to seniors – for that reason, we are conducting outreach on Senior Discount Day and another high-volume day to reach the largest number of people possible.
Maryland Hunger Solutions Kicks Off Summer Meals Program for Kids
Summer meal programs are opening their doors across the county this month, and Representative Donna Edwards (D-Md.) joined Maryland Hunger Solutions and the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services to visit with participating children and see the program in action at Princeton Elementary School, Summer Playground in Suitland, MD. More...
Replacement SNAP Benefits in Central Maryland
The Maryland Department of Human Resources was approved to replace 20% of June SNAP benefits in the following 6 jurisdictions: Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. The benefit has been deposited in SNAP recipients' accounts as of Friday, July 6. The funds will be available for 180 days. Households not living in these 6 counties can qualify for Replacement SNAP Benefits by reporting loss of food to their case manager by COB on Tuesday, July 10. For more information click here.
Low-Income Children Missing Out on Summer Meals in Maryland
While the Summer Nutrition Programs are designed to fill the food gap during the summer months, a new report – Serving Maryland’s Children (pdf) – by Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) finds that far too many children in Maryland continue to miss out on summer meals. For the second year in a row, participation in the Summer Nutrition Programs fell from the previous summer, reaching fewer than one in five low-income children. More...
Farmers Market Events and Openings
MDHS welcomes the Baltimore Farmers' Market and Bazaar to the Baltimore Bucks EBT incentive program. Beginning on Sunday, July 1 the market will offer Baltimore Bucks, a $1-for-$1 match up to $10 for customers shopping with EBT/food stamps at the market. More...
Volunteer to Spread the Word About Free Summer Meals
Maryland Hunger Solutions is embarking on an exciting month of community canvassing to spread the word about the free summer meals being served throughout the state and we invite you to join us. More...
MDHS Teams With Shoprite to Provide Food Supplement Program (FSP) Outreach
Our staff and volunteers operated an outreach station in the new Perring Crossing store that provided information and answered questions about available nutrition assistance programs, pre-screened individuals to see if they are eligible for FSP, and assisted interested individuals in applying on-site for the program. More...
Maryland Hunger Solutions Receives Henry L. Dixon Community Action Award for Food Supplement Program Outreach
MDHS received the award in honor of its successful effort to offer Food Supplement Program outreach at two tax assistance sites in Montgomery County this past tax season. More...
MMFA Gets Funding Boost as General Assembly Passes State Budget
This 20 percent increase in funding for MMFA (an additional $560,000) will enable 46 more eligible schools to participate and provide in-classroom breakfast to 20,000 more children, according to the Maryland State Department of Education. More...
MDHS Congratulates Winners of Statewide School Breakfast Contest
Winning schools all had significant increases in school breakfast participation in March 2012 as compared to March 2011. More...
Archived Conference Call:
How to Join the Food Supplement Program State Outreach Plan. More...
Partnership Helps Struggling Montgomery Households with Taxes and Food Assistance
Tax sites helped households complete tax forms and screened for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Food Supplement Program eligibility. More...
New Analysis Finds More Low-Income Children in Maryland Starting the Day with School Breakfast - Larger Counties Struggle to Meet Need, but Report Finds Success with Breakfast in the Classroom Programs. More...
New Survey Finds One in Six Marylanders Unable to Afford Enough Food in 2011 - New food hardship data released by Maryland Hunger Solutions show continued economic challenges for many in the state, as one in six Marylanders said there were times they didn’t have enough money to buy food that they or their families needed. More...
Top Chef Fights To Make Sure Children Don’t Go Hungry -In this Feb 21 CBS Baltimore video, Cathy Demeroto testifies, with Top Chef finalist and Maryland native Bryan Voltaggio, before a House of Delegates subcommittee in support of the governor’s 2013 budget that includes an additional $560,000 for school breakfasts.
Maryland Hunger Solutions Urges General Assembly to Preserve Funding for MMFA Program - Maryland Hunger Solutions applauds Governor Martin O’Malley for including an increase in funding for the Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) program in his FY2013 budget proposal, an important step forward in the state’s effort to end hunger. More…
Maryland Hunger Solutions Events Address Senior Hunger - Maryland Hunger Solutions (MDHS) and AARP Maryland have organized several events and initiatives in February designed to raise public awareness about hunger among seniors, and reach more seniors who may be eligible for nutrition supports like the Food Supplement Program. More…
