Adopt-A-Block receives grant funding to enhance community services

SALISBURY, Md. – What started as a passion project for Mark Thompson is now a full-fledged operation, with the goal of eliminating food insecurity in his community.

Thanks to an almost $100,000 grant from the Maryland Food Bank, Thompson will be able to get the second Adopt-A-Block food pantry up and running by the fall.

“What we’re able to do is provide some food, which helps that need, which could reduce that cost in their area, where they can go pay their electric bill, their light bill, the car bill, their rent,” Thompson said.

Vice president of community programs with the Maryland Food Bank, Emily Alt, said because of all of the grassroots work Thompson has done, there was no question in funding his dream.

“This is a long-standing partner that has been doing a lot of food distribution in the community, and really has a vision of expanding to a brick-and-mortar pantry, that is open regularly,” Alt said. “Neighbors can consistently access it, and they’re going to do a choice model, which is something that we strongly advocate for.”

And that choice model will allow for clients to do their own shopping, which Thompson said benefits both them and the pantry.

“It reduces your food cost, and it also helps with that dignity. I don’t want people standing in line, acting like they’re needy. We’re all in the same boat,” Thompson said.