Anne Arundel County Food Bank Sees Surge In Demand

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — As the new coronavirus continues to cause concern for families, business owners and others, one place that's taking a hit happens to be the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. Before the virus settled into the county, 177,000 individuals relied on the local food bank for food assistance. However, after the state of emergency was implemented and limited what businesses could be open and kept kids out of school, usage numbers increased 30 percent to 50 percent at pantries overnight.

"It is too early to determine how much the need has increased due to COVID-19; however, as more employees are furloughed from local businesses, the need will increase," executive director Susan Thomas told Patch. "We are definitely experiencing a surge; however we have not yet received data on the numbers assisted. We do expect the need to continue for several months after the pandemic has subsided."

The inventory at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank constantly changes and more food is being distributed during the pandemic. Thomas said there are specific items that they desperately need.

"We are in dire need of frozen meats, canned meats and all shelf stable foods including baby food and formula. Right now, we are running low on everything and accepting food donations as well as monetary donations through our website www.aafoodbank.org," Thomas said.

Other items flying off the shelves include one-pound bags of rice, mac and cheese, canned vegetables, canned soups, grits, oatmeal, pasta and pasta sauce.

"Our biggest need is food and funds to purchase food," Thomas told Patch.

Retail Rescue/Feeding America and virtual food drives are no longer working for the food bank as stores struggle to maintain their own inventory, she said.

"(That) leaves in-kind donations and purchasing foods as our only option during this pandemic," she said.

To help limit the spread of the new coronavirus at the food bank, limited contact procedures have been implemented there and at pantries across the county. Some agencies are operating by appointment or as a drive-thru pantry, Thomas said.

Once the virus is no longer a formidable threat to the public, the food bank would welcome donations of people's surplus items including the highly coveted toilet paper and other goods.

The Anne Arundel County Food Bank also accepts diapers and baby wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and deodorant, along with various medical equipment and supplies such as canes, crutches, walkers and adult diapers.

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