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Western Maryland Food Bank The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building 816 Frederick Street Cumberland, MD 21501-0243 | 301-722-2797 (p) 301-722-6046 (f) 
The Western Maryland Food Bank (WMFB) was established in July 1983 to help bring additional food into the tri-state area to assist several organizations to stretch their dollars. Since then, it has worked to enhance the food rescue and food distribution systems locally, addressing the invisible hunger in our community. Would you have ever dreamed that over 13 million pounds of supplemental foods could be disturbed to individuals in the tri-state area, just since 1994? Currently the WMFB provides support to over 140 organizations.
The WMFB distributes food to local organizations, such a church pantries, day care centers, on-site feeding programs, emergency assistance organizations, etc.
The Western Maryland Food Bank networks with America's Second Harvest, an umbrella food rescue organization that identifies food normally discarded in the supply distribution chain, yet is still usable, and is then gathered for potential use. Some companies make an item that, for whatever reason , doesn't sell well. Food banks all over the nation benefit by America's Second Harvest gleaning. Overstocks, outdated items, etc., all can be passed along for potential use.
The WMFB has a dedicated group of 55 volunteers who inspect food items and prepare them for distribution. Volunteers and staff assist the agencies in picking and placing their orders and then loading their vehicles.
The WMFB started with a few volunteers driving a personal van to Baltimore to the Maryland Food Bank To get food. Then they rented some square footage at a local meat processing facility to store food, in order to have refrigerated space. Next, they found a trucker who was willing to pick up food at the Maryland Food Bank on his way home to Cumberland.
The WMFB has grown, step by step, from a half-day per month to a daily operation. Another blessing, with the help of many local supporters, state and federal agencies, and a large gift from the Weinberg Foundation, has been to expand from very limited storage ability to 20,000 feet of warehouse, refrigerated and administrative space. The western Maryland Food Bank continues to serve our community, distributing approximately 85,000 pounds of products to our member agencies. These agencies serve 10,000-13,000 individuals monthly. What a beautiful 20 year growth and commitment and support! Thanks to all!
Facts:
In operation since 1983
Recognized by The IRS as a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt organization
A member of County United Way
Is governed by a Board of Directors
Operates with a paid staff of 5 and a volunteer staff of 30+
Volunteers logged more than 11,000 hours in 2005
Average of over 85,000 pounds are distributed each month
Over thirteen million pounds distributed since 1994
1,132,745 pounds distributed in 2005
140 agencies are currently being served
10,000-13,000 individuals assisted every month through these agencies
Goals: Western Maryland Food Bank is working to meet the needs of all the hungry in our area. The wish of the Food Bank is to distribute as much product as needed. Western Maryland Food Bank hopes to increase the quantity and quality of products distributed to those in need.
http://www.wmdfoodbank.org
Date:2009-07-22, Google PR:0 |
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