Maryland Food Bank

The Maryland Food Bank (MFB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger across Maryland. Established in 1979, it was the first food bank on the East Coast, founded by Ann Miller.

In its inaugural year, MFB distributed 400,000 pounds of food to 38 assistance sites in Baltimore City. Over the decades, its services have expanded significantly.

In Fiscal Year 2024, MFB distributed over 52 million pounds of food, providing more than 43.5 million meals to individuals in need.

Warehouse and Distribution Facilities

MFB operates three primary warehouse and distribution facilities:

• Baltimore Office (Headquarters): Located at 2200 Halethorpe Farms Road, Baltimore, MD 21227, this 93,000-square-foot facility serves as the central hub for food distribution to central Maryland, as well as branches in Western Maryland and on the Eastern Shore.
• Eastern Shore Branch: Situated at 28500 Owens Branch Road, Salisbury, MD 21801, this branch opened in 1981 to better serve the rural populations of the Eastern Shore. In Fiscal Year 2024, it distributed more than 5.5 million meals.
• Western Branch: Located at 220 McRand Court, Hagerstown, MD 21740, this branch has been operational since 2012. It significantly increased food distribution and provided more access to food aid in Western Maryland, distributing more than 5.7 million meals in Fiscal Year 2024.

Collaborations and Food Distribution

MFB collaborates with a network of approximately 780 community-based organizations. These include soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and schools that help distribute food to those in need.

In Fiscal Year 2024, over 14.3 million pounds of the distributed food was fresh produce, highlighting MFB's commitment to nutritious options.

Programs Addressing Hunger

Beyond immediate food assistance, MFB addresses the root causes of hunger through various programs:

• Farm to Food Bank: Partners with local Maryland farms to procure fresh, local produce for distribution, increasing access to nutritious food options. It helped distribute over 14 million pounds of produce in Fiscal Year 2024.
• FoodWorks: A free 12-week culinary training program providing job skills and career pathways in the culinary field. Over 550 individuals have graduated from this program.
• Mobile Markets: Refrigerated vans bring fresh produce and healthy food options directly to communities lacking other food assistance options.
• Pantry on the Go: Brings large quantities of food directly to communities with limited access to traditional food pantries. Distributed 10.5 million meals through 2,075 events in Fiscal Year 2024.
• School Pantry Program: Provides food to children and their families through school-based pantries. Supported 185 school pantries in Fiscal Year 2024.
• SNAP Outreach: Helps eligible Marylanders apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Summer Clubs and Supper Clubs: Provide meals to children relying on free or reduced-price school meals during out-of-school times.
• Workforce Development: Offers or connects individuals to training opportunities leading to sustainable employment.

Mission

MFB's mission is "Feeding people, strengthening communities, and ending hunger for more Marylanders." Through its comprehensive approach, MFB not only addresses immediate food needs but also creates pathways out of hunger.

The organization aims to build a more equitable, resilient, and accessible food system across Maryland.

Locations

• Columbia, MD, USA