Hunger Action Month: MFB and Christian Shelter set to tackle food insecurity

MARYLAND – Food insecurity is high on the shore with more people feeling the pinch at the grocery store because of inflation.

September marks Hunger Action Month, an initiative that highlights the reality of food insecurity while giving everyone the chance to take action to fight against hunger. “Raise funds, give people the opportunity to volunteer and give your time, donate food, and assist the families across Maryland,” said Doris Mason, Maryland Food Bamk’s Regional Program Director, Eastern Shore.

Hunger: Officials calling it an ongoing issue. “We do think that the pandemic certainly compounded the challenges of food insecurity but we also saw resources available and mobilized during that time, so we know that that’s a factor. Inflation is a factor of course, its impacted everything,” Mason added.

1 in 3 residents in Maryland suffer from food insecurity, that’s nearly 2 million people. Of that number, some people feeling the squeeze here on Delmarva. “When we think about the shore and unmet needs, we know that some of our highest unmet need is happening in Queen Anne’s County and Worcester County,” said Mason.

Also in Salisbury, the Christian Shelter is in need of assistance. For their guests, they also pack lunch, so they are in need of things like cereal and lunch meat. “Our food donations are currently down, so we’re seeing from breakfast, lunch, and dinner so we’re definitely trying to raise money to meet those needs and address those situations,” said J. Anthony Dickerson, the Executive Director of the Christian Shelter.

You can donate to the Christian Shelter on Barclay Street by bringing in your items or by donating on their website.

If you are in need, to find local food pantries, visit the Maryland Food Bank website.