Frederick Food Security Network Receives Community Support

In Frederick County, more than 16,000 households suffer from food insecurity every year, 41% of which do not qualify for federal assistance to offset the cost of food. In adults and children, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with higher rates of diet-related illnesses, like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Our program increases access to no-cost, naturally grown fruits and vegetables to those most at-risk for inadequate diet and related diseases. In the short term, we anticipate these statistics to worsen as we recover from the COVID19 pandemic. 

With the recent impact of the COVID19 pandemic, the need for free produce has increased sharply in our community. Between March and May 2020, we saw a 60% increase in the number of families receiving free produce from the FFSN and 40% of these recipients were new.  The ripple effects of the COVID19 pandemic will be felt for months to come, and as we move into the fall and winter, we anticipate the need for free produce will continue to increase.   

That is why I am so excited to say that we have received tremendous support from the Frederick community. With the recent generous support from organizations such as the Common Market, the Delaplaine Foundation and the Capital Group, the FFSN team will be able to continue working in our community. Without the support of our donors, we couldn’t maintain the level of activity we so currently. With these donations, we can hire students to work as agricultural assistants during the peak season which is between May and September. We are so excited and refreshed to keep growing and harvesting, educating and being there to support our community.