September is Hunger Action Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness and support for ending hunger in the U.S.  The Maryland Food Bank, along with corporate partners and our national affiliate Feeding America, will be recognizing Hunger Action Month through several events and programs throughout September to urge the public to help us end hunger in Maryland.  Marylanders can easily donate to the Maryland Food Bank during Hunger Action Month online at our Virtual Food Drive (www.mdfoodbank.org).   

While Maryland is often ranked the wealthiest state in the nation, the number of Marylanders that are hungry is startling.  There are 455,000 Marylanders at or below the federal poverty level.  This number is likely larger due to the working poor who utilize emergency food services to make ends meet and the effects of the economic recession on middle class families.  Of those in need, the Maryland Food Bank and our network partners serve 370,000 individuals annually.  To meet our goal of ending hunger in Maryland, the Maryland Food Bank would have to distribute 79 million pounds of food annually.  In Fiscal Year 2009, we distributed 16.7 million pounds of food.  Our goal for FY 2010 is to distribute 18.3 million pounds.   

Food Facts:  $1 provides more than three pounds of food, $1 provides more than two meals, and $5 provides two weeks worth of lunch to someone in need.