Food Bank to Close Their Doors Permanately?

Southern Maryland Food Bank Struggling to Feed Needy Families

The only food bank in Southern Maryland has been struggling for months to keep its shelves stocked and workers blame the sluggish economy for the pronounced dip in donations. The Southern Maryland Food Bank is usually open on Mondays, but there have been many times this year when the food bank had to close due to the lack of supplies. If the problem continues, it may have to close its doors permanently.

Additional Challenges

The challenge this year, according to the Brenda DiCarol manager of the Southern Maryland Food Bank, is meeting the demand of an unlikely group of customers, hurting from the struggling economy. Increasingly, middle class families are slipping into that need category, so they're not able to donate as much as they did before. Once a contributor now the middle class are becoming part of the community the Southern Maryland Food Bank services.

Who They Are

The Southern Maryland Food Bank works with 27 food pantries in Charles, Calvert and St. Mary's Counties. As a group, they feed 12,000 families annually, but there's been a 60-70% increase in demand this year alone.

What Can You Do

You can start a food drive or donate your money to the Southern Maryland Food Bank. With the Holiday's fast approaching, not to mention winter, the increase in demand will only continue to grow.

To start a food drive contact:

Brenda DiCarlo, Southern Maryland Food Bank

Phone: 301-274-0695

Fax: 301-274-0681

To donate your money send checks to:

Southern Maryland Food Bank

P.O. Box 613 Hughesville, MD 20637