Feed Howard County Initiative Pairs Restaurants With Residents

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — An estimated 100 individuals in need of support during the coronavirus pandemic received warm, nutritious meals Saturday prepared by Tino's Italian Bistro in Columbia. The effort, called Feed Howard County, aims to support local restaurants and provide much needed meals to those who need a boost right now.

"Obviously the current crisis made this effort crucial. We learned about Feed Anne Arundel and were approached about bringing the concept to Howard County. Every initiative to feed those in need is vital - but we do like the idea that it helps restaurants stay operating and employing their staff as much as possible," volunteer Kevin Powell told Patch.

Saturday's meals were delivered to The ARC of Howard County. Future delivery sites will be selected in low income areas and where seniors predominantly live as identified by Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster. The meals will be provided through pop-up pantries. There are no eligibility requirements nor identification required.

"We are going to trust that those who show up are in need," said Powell.

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Several restaurants have come on board the initiative, which is being fiscally sponsored by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. The foundation will be accepting donations and paying restaurants.

“The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation recently shifted its focus temporarily to help with the most pressing need in the communities we serve, the fight against food insecurity. We were originally approached by the group in Anne Arundel County and were very excited by the work so when they brought the program to Howard County and asked for assistance there we were thrilled to grow the partnership. Nobody should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from and hopefully our support can help in eliminating that worry,” said Steve Salem, president of The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.

May 11 will be the project's third delivery of more 100 meals and Howard County Executive Calvin Ball plans to stop by at 4 p.m. to visit. To contribute to the initiative, visit https://www.ripkenfoundation.org/donate and select Feed Howard County under the giving options.

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Confirmed Coronavirus Case Total In Howard County Reaches 990