06:00, 26 March 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
During the holiday period, the message from the Maryland Food Bank is simple yet profound: "It’s not a holiday if you’re hungry."
This US-based nonprofit is raising awareness about food insecurity across the state of Maryland, where thousands of families face the challenge of not having enough to eat during the holidays and beyond.
To help tackle this growing issue, the Food Bank runs the Pack to Give Back food packing event, an initiative that has become a lifeline for many. With a combination of sponsorship and volunteer support, the event helps provide 25,000 additional holiday food boxes for communities throughout Maryland.
The issue of food insecurity is far from seasonal. Data reveals that one in three Marylanders struggles with access to enough food, with rising costs and economic difficulties placing an ever-increasing strain on families.
The Maryland Food Bank points out that food insecurity is a year-round challenge, and while the holiday season sparks a temporary surge in donations and volunteer efforts, the need persists long after the decorations come down.
Carmen Del Guercio, President and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank, emphasises the breadth of the organisation's reach: "We basically cover every county in this state, distributing enough food to provide 43 million meals through a network of about 1000 organisations that're in communities making sure hungry neighbours have access to nutritious food."
To support the work of the Maryland Food Bank, head over to their website here where you can donate or support more of their initiatives.
Watch the video below to learn more about how they’re fighting food insecurity.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Maryland Food Bank. This is a nonprofit organisation that combats food insecurity by distributing millions of meals across the state through a network of local partners. Find out more.
The Trussell Trust. This is a UK-based charity that operates a network of food banks across the country. They provide emergency food and support to people in crisis, ensuring that no one has to go hungry. Learn more here.
Feeding America. A leading US hunger-relief organisation that operates a network of food banks and pantries across the country. They provide millions of meals to those facing food insecurity and work to raise awareness of the systemic causes of hunger. Support them here.
