Maryland Food Bank Gets Lift From MD Department Of Transportation

BALTIMORE, MD —Fighting hunger is a year-round effort. The Maryland Food Bank estimates one in nine state residents often don’t know where their next meal will come from.

But throughout September, the Maryland Food Bank gets some extra statewide help when it teams up with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) for a month-long food drive.

“Transportation is a central part of people’s lives every day. This partnership allows us to be a part of our communities in a different way,” said MDOT SHA Administrator and Operation Orange Chairman Greg Slater. “This is Marylanders helping Marylanders in need across the state.”

As part of what it calls "Operation Orange," MDOT sets up boxes at its offices around the state and has an online fundraiser to help the Maryland Food Bank.

"It isn't just about roads. It isn't just about snow plows. It isn't just about equipment or signs. It's about helping our fellow citizens," MDOT's Deputy Director of Communications John Schofield said.

Operation Orange Food Drive drop-offs include the MDOT SHA Headquarters Complex and Shops, the Port of Baltimore, all MDTA Toll and EZ Pass facilities, all MVA VEIP and full service locations, as well as BWI Thurgood Marshall International Airport. Use this tool to find the nearest drop-off location.

"Operation Orange helps us raise awareness in every one of those communities that they're located..." Maryland Food Bank President/CEO Carmen Del Guercio said.

In the past seven years, Operation Orange has contributed more than 170,000 pounds of food to the food bank.

— By Austin Kleber, CAPITAL NEWS SERVICE