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MDHUNGERSOLUT IONS .ORG
Dear Friends:
The continued existence of hunger and food hardship in one of the world’s most
prosperous countries and in the nation’s wealthiest state is unacceptable. It not
only offends our sense of morality and fairness; it also harms the economy, lowers
productivity, undermines children’s education, increases health care costs and
wastes human potential.
That’s why solving hunger must be an imperative for our society. This is not
a distant dream; it is eminently achievable in a relatively short period of time.
What’s needed is not some esoteric policy or technological invention, but rather
the political, economic, and social will of a people and their leaders.
Maryland Hunger Solutions was founded in 2007 to make this happen in this
rich state, and ever since, we have worked tenaciously to put into place all of the
elements needed to ensure that every Marylander receives affordable, nutritious
food each and every day.
Combining education, advocacy, outreach and collaboration, we are working to
bring all stakeholders together behind a bold, comprehensive agenda to connect
all eligible state residents to the appropriate food and nutrition programs; to
improve the programs’ operations; to expand access to affordable, healthy food;
and to change the underlying conditions that cause food hardship in the first
place.
In just five years, Maryland Hunger Solutions has made a profound, tangible
difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Marylanders. Our work has
led to substantial increases in participation in critical federal nutrition programs,
including food stamps/SNAP (known as the Food Supplement Program in
Maryland), the School Breakfast Program, the At-Risk Afterschool Meal Program
and the Summer Food Service Program, as well as significantly greater use of
farmers’ markets by people at risk of food hardship.
These successes have built a solid platform for even greater progress in the future.
For that, we must thank all of the generous individuals and organizations that
have supported this work. As we look back at the past five years and set our goals
and strategies for the next five years, we believe that a hunger-free Maryland is
well within our grasp.
On behalf of Maryland Hunger Solutions, we pledge to keep moving forward
relentlessly toward our shared goal in the years to come.
Best regards,
Jim Weill
Cathy Demeroto
President,
Director,
Food Research and Action Center
Maryland Hunger Solutions
