With the economic uncertainties experienced by every American in these troubling times, individuals and families are not the only ones feeling the pinch. The Southern Maryland Food Bank has been providing food and other aid to over 40 pantries, organizations and shelters around the area for 25 years.

This year, the benevolent organization has had to close on several Mondays because its shelves are barren. Empty shelves translate to many people with financial difficulties going hungry.

“We typically distribute between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds of food every week,” said SOMD Food Bank Program Manager, Brenda DiCarlo. “That’s the equivalent of about half a tractor trailer load of food each week.” She reported that with supplies this low, the food bank receives eight to 12 thousand pounds of donations in a week to place on the shelves for the food pantries, and the shelves are bare in days.

DiCarlo mentioned that the food bank is expecting the normal seasonal increase in food donations, but that she is not sure whether donations will be enough to sustain the organization further into the winter months.

“Most people don’t realize that our greatest demand for food is in the summer,” said DiCarlo. “The kids are out of school and are not receiving their free or reduced price lunches during the summer. Unfortunately, we don’t receive enough donations to serve everyone without additional food drives.”

Addressing the situation are three area businesses that are collectively holding a county-wide food drive. In a prepared statement, Curtis Homes, Century 21 New Millennium, and Community Bank of Tri-County convey that they have recognized the great need of many in the community they serve.

That recognition has the three local businesses working in conjunction with the Southern Maryland Food Bank to raise awareness and collect basic food items during a month-long food drive.
A flyer sent out to media announced on Nov. 18, the last day of the food drive, there will be a thank you celebration held at Greenbrier in Lexington Park. Greenbrier is located at 47123 Green Leaf Ct. The post-drive celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers free food and drink.

Those that wish to donate any non-perishable food items to any of the St. Mary’s locations may call (800) 284-8404. Those that need help transporting food to donate may call the same number and a “Curtis Pantry Truck” will be made available for pick up.

DiCarlo encourages anyone interested in the SOMD Food Bank to call the food bank directly for more information – (301) 274-0695.