Maryland Hunger Solutions Urges General Assembly to Pass Critical Legislation to End Hunger

Media Contact:
Brittani Riddle
briddle@frac.org
202-640-1089 ext. 3039  

BALTIMORE, January 14, 2022 — Maryland Hunger Solutions today said it is urging the Maryland General Assembly to enact legislation that would help to address food insecurity in the state, noting the alarming increase in the number of households in the state that are struggling to keep food on the table during this unprecedented time.

“As Maryland works to move forward through this pandemic and beyond, know that addressing food insecurity, and its root causes, such as poverty and historic racial inequity, we must be at the forefront of our recovery efforts,” said Michael J. Wilson, director of Maryland Hunger Solutions. “Hunger is solvable, but it takes political will to make that happen.”

During this legislative session, Maryland Hunger Solutions urges the Assembly to:

• Ensure Healthy School Meals for All Maryland – School meals support the academic achievement, health, and overall well-being of students. Providing all students with breakfast and lunch at no cost during the school day will support the academic success and long-term health outcomes of Maryland children.
• Increase SNAP benefits for Older Adults– Maryland currently provides additional state funds to supplement SNAP benefits for older adults to ensure that no Marylander over the age of 62 receives less than $30 of benefits per month. With the change in the federal minimum and the utilization of the emergency allotments, it is timely for the legislature to consider the possibility of increasing the state minimum and of lowering the age of eligibility to provide a more livable benefit level for some of our most vulnerable residents.

“The Maryland Farms and Families Fund is another critical legislative vehicle that would ensure every Marylander has access to the nutrition they need,” added Wilson. For instance, 147/SB 121: Maryland Farms and Families Fund, which aims to invest in programs to enhance resiliency and reduce food insecurity, including the Maryland Food and Agriculture Resilience Mechanism, the Farm to School Grant Pilot, and most importantly, the Maryland Market Money program. Increasing the funding for Maryland Market Money will help ensure that SNAP, WIC, and P-EBT benefits can be fully utilized and matched to enable low-income Marylanders to purchase products at Maryland Farmers Markets.

Maryland Hunger Solutions urges all Marylanders to urge the General Assembly to advance legislative and policy efforts to address food insecurity in our state. Hungry people can’t wait. To learn more, visit mdhungersolutions.org.

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About Maryland Hunger Solutions
Maryland Hunger Solutions works to end hunger and improve the nutrition, health, and well-being of children and families in Maryland.