Surplus Food Reuse The Maryland Food Bank (MFB) redistributed 137 million tons of food in 1998 to more than 900 food pantries,
soup kitchens and emergency shelters across the state. These charities give the food free of charge to the homeless, unemployed, and low-income individuals, children and families they serve. Since it opened in April 1979, MFB
has received donations from more than 200 food industry companies. The MFB obtains two thirds of its operating revenues from a "shared maintenance fee" of $.14 per pound charged to member charities, and the rest
through individual, corporate, and foundation contributions. The Maryland Food Bank provides four food programs that include packaged foods, wholesale produce, prepared (ready-to-eat) foods and a purchased food program to fill
gaps of items not acquired through donations. The prepared food program, Second Helpings, collects ready-to-eat foods from the kitchens of caterers, restaurants, and institutions, and distributes it free of charge directly to
37 soup kitchens and shelters. |
