When we think of food insecurity, we tend to think of far-flung places — places ravaged by war and natural disasters, or even closer to big cities that face higher rates of homelessness and poverty.
But it’s here in our own community. Many of us may have friends or family members who have experienced some form of food insecurity in recent years.
In the past year, the Frederick County Community Foundation received more grant applications related to programs to alleviate food insecurity than ever before. This increase likely reflects the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing economic impact felt by residents in our community.
We are excited to partner with the Frederick County government to invest $350,000 in food insecurity programs and initiatives over the coming year.
Dan Lewis, assistant finance director for the Frederick County government, said that as the COVID-19 public health emergency progressed, from the significant impact of inflation on food prices to the phasing out of other areas of support, Frederick County is acknowledging food insecurity as an issue has seen the greatest hurdle to our community’s overall recovery.
“Food insecurity impacts many other areas of a person’s overall well-being,” Lewis said. “The USDA reports that food insecurity has cyclical effects on an individual’s life, from health problems to increased health care costs to financial insecurity. Tackling food insecurity will help break this cycle for many in our community.”
Food insecurity means it is difficult to get reliable access to a necessary quantity of food that is both affordable and nutritious.
It’s a complicated social issue with a multitude of causes, but it often goes unnoticed because of the abundance of grocery stores and restaurants in our community.
According to FeedingAmerica.org, the food insecurity rate in Frederick County was just under 10% in 2019, and that was before the pandemic.
The Maryland Food Bank reports that although the economy is improving, the need for food aid is alarmingly stable, especially among children, the elderly and working families.
Many local organizations work to meet the food needs of Frederick County. With funds provided by the Frederick County government and the Federal American Rescue Plan Act, the Community Foundation makes grants to local nonprofit organizations to support food insecurity initiatives.
“The Community Foundation has not only seen firsthand the needs of our community, but also the opportunities that exist to meet those needs and continue to support our community,” said Lewis. “Food insecurity has become a growing area of concern and this program and partnership aims to find solutions within our community’s resources to address it head-on.”
Partnerships are critical to addressing the most pressing community needs, and for decades, the Community Foundation has strived to be a partner, an organizer, and a leader in understanding problems and finding solutions.
We are proud to work hand-in-hand with both the generous donors and the dedicated nonprofits who together enable change and impact in our thriving community.
Elizabeth Y. Day is President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Frederick County, a nonprofit organization that connects people who care. It works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to realize their charitable intentions through educational scholarships and nonprofit grants. To learn more about the Community Foundation, visit www.FrederickCountyGives.org.
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