Talbot Hunger Coalition Talks State of Hunger

(EASTON, Md) – It may seem like a normal day of work at the Neighborhood Service Center in Easton…

But Director, Andy Hollis says they’re looking for help to serve the community.

Andy tells WMDT, “So we have an approximate $56,000 deficit and our funding for food compared to last fiscal year as of July 1st, considering the increase that we’re seeing in foot traffic alone into the food pantry, that is of great concern to us.”

With more mouths to feed, the Talbot County Office of Community Partnerships is working with the Talbot Hunger Coalition to lend a hand to food banks in the area.

“So some of what we’re doing right now is just trying to explore how we can be supportive. The county’s not going to take on feeding people. That’s what our partners do, and that’s what our partners are good at. But needing to find ways that we might provide consolidated support,” says Community Partnerships Director, Nancy Andrew.

The Talbot County Hunger Coalition and local food pantry say that while the food donations are nice, they’re hoping that this collaboration with this new county office will lead to better fundraising opportunities.

Especially as food pantries can do a lot more with monetary donations.

“I keep telling everybody, don’t, don’t, don’t donate a can of crushed tomatoes. Now, give me that dollar. That dollar will go further with us. We can get more with that dollar than you’re giving us a can,” says Hunger Coalition Chairwoman, Catherine Po.

While Andy tells us, “…with a $56,000 reduction in funding as of July 1st, we cannot keep up with the demand. We will do the best we can, but our neighbors here in Talbot County are suffering, and I believe that we collectively need to step up and help.”