Davidsonville, Md. — On May 22, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB) hosted its third annual Feeding Hope benefit at Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville. With the support of the Dietrich Family Foundation and other sponsors, the event raised over $112,000 to help provide fresh, nutritious food to those in need throughout Anne Arundel County.
Ethan Dietrich, founder of the Dietrich Family Foundation, shared his personal experience with food insecurity during the event. "I've experienced first-hand the harsh realities of hunger, poverty, and dependence on community generosity for survival," he said. Dietrich recounted his time as a young private in the U.S. Army stationed in Louisiana, where budget cuts closed chow halls and left him with just $140 a month for food. "As an 18-year-old consuming over 10,000 calories a day, I was constantly hungry. My body was painfully thin, a condition that persisted for about two years. Without the support of my seniors and the local church food pantry, my situation would have been even more dire."
Dietrich emphasized the importance of the AACFB's work: "Every Sunday, I attended church, not only for spiritual sustenance, but also for the meals and additional food they provided for the week. Missing a Sunday meant going hungry. This is the crucial, often overlooked work that the AACFB undertakes daily. I am deeply appreciative of their commitment and ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity in our community."
Recent estimates indicate that eight percent of Anne Arundel County residents, over 47,000 people, face food insecurity. Following 2023 cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the food bank's partners have reported increased demand, assisting more than 48,000 individuals each month.
"While inflation has lessened, food prices have remained elevated and many families have difficulty keeping up with food costs," said AACFB CEO Leah Paley. "I am so heartened by the outpouring of generosity from the Anne Arundel community. Supporting the food bank, whether by buying a ticket to Feeding Hope, donating your time at our warehouse, or organizing a healthy food drive, helps put nutritious food on the tables of families in need throughout Anne Arundel County."
The Feeding Hope event also honored the 2024 Hunger Heroes, recognizing H. Lawrence Clark with a Lifetime Achievement award, Anne Arundel County Public Schools for Commitment to Service, and Millersville's Fence & Deck Connection as a Community Partner.
Local restaurants contributed in-kind donations of food and beverages for the event. Caliente Grill, Sprout Annapolis, Garten by Preserve, Cafe Mezzanotte, David's Restaurant and Bar, Level: A Small Plates Lounge, Vin 909 Winecafe, West End Grill, Wegmans Food Markets, Westin Annapolis, and The Big Bean offered a variety of tastings. Drinks were provided by Breakthru Beverage Group, Katcef Brothers, and Chesapeake Bartenders. Guests enjoyed music from Red Betty & The Ruckus throughout the evening.
The event received support from numerous county businesses and organizations. The Dietrich Family Foundation was the presenting sponsor, and Homestead Gardens served as the premier sponsor and venue host. Platinum sponsors included Drum, Loyka & Associates, Lift As We Climb: A New Energy Equity Foundation, and Wegmans Food Markets. Gold sponsors were Fence & Deck Connection, Landmark Roofing, Lawn Doctor, Performance Food Group, Wagner Food Service, and WesBanco. Silver sponsors included UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Excel Mechanical, Mark and Nancy Hartzell, Heritage Baptist Church, Edward F. Herold, Jr., CPA, Huff Insurance, Katcef Brothers, Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland, M&T Bank, Northwestern Mutual, Petitbon Alarm Company, Cindy and Tim O'Neill, Perry, White, Ross, & Jacobson, Salt Creek Gardens, Saval Foodservice, Shore United Bank, Significance, Inc., Studio 343, Wellpoint, and ZIPS Cleaners. Media sponsors were Eye on Annapolis and Annapolis Moms Media.
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