Just in time for a holiday focused on food, we’re proud to publish a special episode featuring a nonprofit that seeks to ensure that all members of our community have enough: the ⁠Anne Arundel County Food Bank⁠ (AACFB).

We sat down with Leah Paley, CEO of the 37-year-old organization, to discuss:

• The many ways that AACFB works to alleviate food insecurity in Anne Arundel County, where 8.1% of residents (47,000+ people) don’t know where their next meal is coming from – and over half of these individuals don’t qualify for federal assistance.
• The many similarities between running the non-profit and running a business, from managing funds to maintaining a facility, and the many ways that its work benefits our local economy – including partnering with and purchasing from local farmers.
• Some of AACFB’s newest initiatives – including a diaper program that supports 1,000 babies per month, a Backpack Buddies program that provides 14,000 AACPS students with out-of-school meals, and a brand new Maryland Department of Agriculture-funded mobile food pantry that distributes food all over Anne Arundel County, from Lothian to Brooklyn Park.
• The many ways that individuals and businesses can support AACFB, from donating food and time and money to hosting and attending food drives and charitable events, and why it’s important to do so during the holiday season AND throughout the year.

PLUS the episode includes the very special presentation of a $1,000 “golf check” from our Arundel Grown event, in honor of longtime Arundel Ag Director Lisa Barge, AND a very sincere promise that AAEDC looks forward to keeping on December 8.

So tune in for an episode that’s sure to make you thankful for what you have – and just might also inspire you to give!