Volunteerism Drops As Need Increases At Maryland Food Bank

HALETHORPE, MD — When Marylanders need help putting food on the table, one organization that comes to their aid across the state is the Maryland Food Bank. Now, the nonprofit — which relies on volunteers to keep its operations flowing — is also asking for assistance since volunteerism has seen a sharp decline in recent months.

Between August and September, volunteer hours dropped 31 percent, according to the Maryland Food Bank.

The drop-off came after months of community members stepping up to help.

"When COVID-19 forced school and business closures in March, we received incredible support from thousands of new volunteers, including teachers and families with school-aged children," said Maryland Food Bank Volunteer Program Manager Thomas Higdon.

"As the state gradually reopened and people returned to their previous obligations, we noticed a drop in the number of those volunteers," Higdon said in a statement to Patch.

As its help has dropped off, the food bank has seen an uptick in need from those it serves.

In September, the food bank reports it distributed almost 4.6 million pounds of food, a 70 percent increase compared with September 2019, when it gave away 2.7 million pounds of food.

A drop in helpers this time of year is unusual, according to food bank officials.

"We usually see a dramatic increase in volunteers in the fall, starting in September," Higdon said, noting this September saw 23 percent fewer volunteers than during the same time in 2019.

To meet the need, the Maryland Food Bank this week issued a call for volunteers. Individuals and groups of five to 10 people are needed to work weekday shifts.

“As the holidays near, we are entering the time of year when we typically need volunteers the most,” Maryland Food Bank President & CEO Carmen Del Guercio said in a statement. “Because of the pandemic, we’re seeing more need for food assistance yet fewer corporate groups available to help. Now more than ever, volunteers are absolutely vital to our operations, which is why we’re calling on Marylanders to join us so that we can ensure our neighbors facing hunger don’t have to go without this holiday season.”

Volunteers age 13 and up are welcome to help, but those under 18 should be accompanied by a chaperone, according to the food bank.

See the Maryland Food Bank's volunteer page for more information or to sign up for a shift.

Here are the shifts for which the Maryland Food Bank seeks volunteers:

• 9 a.m.–noon Monday to Friday — Pack Grab & Go Meals for kids/families in the kitchen.
• 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday — Pack Grab & Go Meals for kids/families in the kitchen.
• 9 a.m.–noon Tuesday to Friday — Sort and pack donated food in the warehouse.
• 1–4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday — Sort and pack donated food in the warehouse.

The Maryland Food Bank is at 2200 Halethorpe Farms Road, Baltimore, MD 21227.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.