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SOLVING HUNGER AND IMPROVING NUTRITION IN MARYLAND: THE FIRST FIVE YEARS
The Goal: A State Without Hunger
Maryland Hunger Solutions’ first
five years of work, despite coming
with the worst economic calamity in
80 years, have laid the groundwork
for a state in which hunger and food
insecurity become relics of the past.
Of course, there is much work still to be
done, but Maryland has moved forward
considerably in implementing the
policies, funding and practices to achieve
this singular goal.
What’s next is to take this progress
and, as the economy improves, turn it
into a more seamless, robust system
of support for individuals and families
at risk of hunger, while continuing to
increase their access to affordable,
healthy, nutritious food. Continued
education and outreach are essential, as
is advocacy and collaboration. Ultimately,
Maryland Hunger Solutions seeks to build
a state in which low-income individuals
and families automatically receive the
benefits to which they are entitled with a
minimum of red tape, with cross-program
coordination, at a level that covers their
food and nutritional needs, and with a
maximum efficiency in service delivery.
Over the long run, it also will be essential
to tackle the underlying causes of
poverty because, at its core, hunger
largely stems from inadequate income
and wealth.
This work will continue to encompass the
public, private and non-profit sectors,
as well as community, faith, health,
educational and other allies. Our goal can
only be achieved with the active support
of every stakeholder.
We believe the moral urgency of ending
hunger and the practical benefits for all
of our society and economy make this
the cause of our lifetime.
“Maryland Hunger Solutions has
been a terrific partner in the
fight to provide nutritious meals to
needy children across our state.
I led the effort with them to
add Maryland to the Afterschool
Supper Program, ensuring that
thousands of disadvantaged
Maryland children have access
to healthy meals. I congratulate
Maryland Hunger Solutions on
their five-year anniversary, and
look forward to working with
them in the future.”
—
REPRESENTATIVE DONNA EDWARDS,
D-MD4
