While the Maryland Food Bank is still facing empty shelves, thankfully, donations are coming in.
“People are definitely stepping up,” said Deborah Flateman, chief executive officer of the Maryland Food Bank. “The word out in the media has been absolutely true — more and more people are seeking assistance. Luckily, we’re receiving the support that we’d hoped to see this year.”
The number of people in need for the Food Bank’s services has risen anywhere from 25 to 50 percent, communications manager Shanna Yetman said. “We’re receiving more food than ever, but we’re also distributing at a faster rate, more food than we ever have.”
» Visit mdfoodbank.org for ways to donate online through a virtual food drive or by purchasing holiday cards created by the Maryland Food Bank.
» Call 410-737-8282 to learn how to conduct a food drive event, volunteer or inquire about Food Bank locations.
The Food Bank’s direct mail campaign has been pertinent in attracting new donors. “Those who have renewed their gifts, the amounts have been a little smaller than last year, but we’ve attracted new donors — well over 1,000 since the start of the year,” Yetman said. “So income-wise, we’re ahead of what we projected for this time of year, but we’re still keeping our fingers crossed.”
About four months ago, the Food Bank started a virtual food drive, making it easier than ever for people to donate. Donors can purchase food and even feed a hungry Marylander through the food bank’s Web site, mdfoodbank.org. “People are loving [the virtual food drive],” Flateman said. “They can pick out the food they want to donate and don’t have to waste gas driving anywhere.”
The Food Bank feeds around 50,000 people each week, providing nearly 14 million pounds of food annually to 1,000 network partners, Yetman said, and donations of all kinds — not just virtual — are welcomed. “Obviously every dollar helps. Or just going to the grocery store and buying a couple of extra cans of food, or going to one of our events and giving one or two cans. And we’re always looking for volunteers.”
