Organizers across Maryland address food insecurity in the community

Food Insecurity, Obesity, & Hyperactivity

The Center for Disease Control reports at least 14.7 million U.S. children and adolescents aged 2–19 years are overweight, and as many as nearly 14 million children in the United States live in “food insecure” homes, according to No Kid Hungry. Many families who live under the poverty line are not always able to afford healthy foods, which can lead to health and behavioral problems. This poses the question, how healthy are our youth?

Fresh Food Program

Maryland – Obesity, Hyperactivity, and Food Insecurity. Three problems the Maryland Department of Education is trying to address through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Studies have shown both obesity and food insecurity tend to affect children in families with lower incomes, and over-processed foods can account for hyperactivity. In Maryland, the State Department of Education awarded more than $4.3 million in federal funds to elementary schools statewide to encourage healthy eating habits. The question is, how does fresh food encourage positive lifestyle changes?

Julie Fletcher, Executive Director for Nutrition Programs, says fresh food helps overall mental health, and can otherwise be a healthy and delicious snack. “Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of nutrients that students need to grow and be ready to learn…We start with the schools that have the highest percentage of students on the school meal program, and then we work our way down. The school also apply to show that they’re interested… It’s an additional component during the day also to help bridge any hunger gaps.”

Speaking of hunger gaps, food insecurity and obesity tend to affect marginalized communities more often than others. Eric Goslee, Food Service Director for Wicomico County Public schools say this program helps students in class and takes the strain off of teachers as well. “Studies have shown that when children have behavioral issues, it may be because of a nutrient deficiency or a lack of a meal… Instead of staff having to provide snacks for kids during the day, or parents providing, snacks,
this is another way that we can provide a snack to the student during the school day, and it be more of a healthier snack.”

Goslee says hopefully this can lead to healthy lifestyles at school and at home and better behavior in the classroom. “It opens up the opportunity instead of picking up a chip, they’ll say, ‘hey we had these pepper strips at school today as our snack. and maybe that will encourage them to go home and talk to their parents about it.” Some of those processed foods that are unhealthy are certain types of dyed cereals, juices, and candies. Experts suggest making healthy foods at home to get children more interested in what they’re eating.

The 4 plus million-dollar funding was distributed to 193 elementary schools across the state. In Wicomico County, 8 schools received funding, 4 schools in Dorchester County along with 3 elementary schools in Somerset. If you need help with healthy meal ideas for kids, visit the Maryland Food Bank’s website for recipes and resources.

Self- Serve Pantry

That’s not the only Maryland program that’s addressing food insecurity. A local nonprofit is working to launch a brand new self-serve mini pantry.

Salisbury, Md. – Rebirth Community Resource & Program Support Center is based in Salisbury is a 501c3 non-profit that helps out less fortunate communities, specifically Haitian residents. Their mission is to restore dignity and foster social integration among the disadvantaged through basic education, information, social services, communication and outreach. Although they are part of coalition of Haitian groups and churches, they we work closely with Latino immigrants.

Habacuc Petion is the Executive Director of the Rebirth Center. He says the pantry offers non-perishable items, and that they’re excited to work with Priority Partners to make this happen. “We do our distribution once a month, and you know during that time a lot of people are in need. And, you know, there’s a time that we open, and a time that we close… When people need food in the middle of the night or whenever, they can go grab something, but at least we wish you know everybody will take enough, and then leave the rest for other people.”

On Thursday, September 26th, the Cupboards Project mini-pantry will be unveiled at the Rebirth Community Resource & Support Center at 5 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information or resources please visit their website.