FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: John Rodenhausen,
President & CEO, CFAAC
john@cfaac.org | 410.280.1102

CFAAC Launches Food Insecurity Fund to Combat Hunger Across Anne Arundel County

First $40,000 Grant to Anne Arundel County Food Bank Helps Feed Local Families in Need

Anne Arundel County, MD — November 10, 2025: The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) has launched the Food Insecurity Fund, a new initiative dedicated to addressing the urgent and ongoing challenge of hunger throughout Anne Arundel County. The Fund’s first grant of  $40,000, distributed to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB), is already helping local families put food on the table amid growing demand and reduced government support.

While recent government cuts have brought renewed attention to food insecurity, CFAAC’s 2025 Community Needs Assessment Report: Poverty Amidst Plenty VIII, Building Community Together highlights that hunger has been a persistent challenge across many parts of the county.

The newly established Food Insecurity Fund pools contributions from community members of any size — with no minimum or maximum — to help make a difference for local nonprofits working directly with neighbors in crisis.

“The need is real and growing,” said John Rodenhausen, CEO & President of CFAAC. “With the Food Insecurity Fund, we’re giving residents a way to come together and make an immediate, local impact for families who are struggling to afford nutritious meals.”

Addressing Food Deserts Across the County
According to CFAAC’s 2025 Needs Assessment, several regions of Anne Arundel County are identified as food deserts, where residents have limited access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. These include South County (Lothian, and parts of Shady Side and Deale), which are among the most rural and impoverished census tracts in the area, and North County (Brooklyn Park and parts of Linthicum Heights), where poverty rates are four times higher than the county average.

In many of these communities, families rely on small convenience stores, delis, or gas stations as their only local food sources. The challenge is compounded for those relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which have been reduced during recent government shutdowns. As a result, local food pantries, food banks, and community nonprofits are struggling to keep pace with rising demand.

Beyond Meals: Building Capacity and Sustainability
As donations are made to the Food Insecurity Fund, CFAAC will provide rapid response grants to nonprofits working to ensure access to nutritious meals, promote sustainable food resources, and address the root causes of hunger. The Fund will not only help put food on the table, but will also support organizations in strengthening their capacity to meet community needs. Grants may help nonprofits enhance infrastructure such as refrigeration and storage systems, expand mobile food delivery, or invest in other resources that improve efficiency and outreach.

CFAAC’s initial $40,000 grant to AACFB will provide thousands of meals to local households. Every $9 donation provides a box of nonperishable food, while $13 provides a box that includes perishable, fresh items.

This effort demonstrates the power of collective giving, as neighbors come together to pool their resources and make a tangible difference for families across the county.

Join the Effort
This fund is eligible to receive QCD’s, donations of appreciated stock, and other forms of payment. CFAAC invites community members, businesses, and local to organizations to join the fight against hunger in Anne Arundel County. Donations of any amount help ensure that no family goes without food.

Contribute to the Food Insecurity Fund today: https://cfaac.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5746

About CFAAC:
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) publicly supported philanthropic organization dedicated to inspiring and promoting giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in the county, distributing $6 to $8 million annually to support a wide range of local needs. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.

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