In the news: The Baltimore Times,
Special to the Baltimore Times
April 22, 2026
BALTIMORE — On Earth Day, a group of college students and community partners turned a day of awareness into direct action—distributing 10,000 pounds of fresh produce to Baltimore City elementary school students and their families.
The initiative, led by Food Recovery Network (FRN), focused on tackling two connected issues: food waste and hunger.
The day began at 9 a.m. with a produce pickup from Hungry Harvest, a Maryland-based organization that rescues surplus and “imperfect” fruits and vegetables. By mid-morning, volunteers gathered at Lakeland Park to sort and package the food. Deliveries to local elementary schools followed between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Addressing a Real Need in Baltimore
The effort comes as Baltimore continues to face significant food access challenges.
According to city data, more than 20% of Baltimore residents live in neighborhoods considered “food deserts”—areas where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. In many of these communities, the closest grocery store may be miles away, while convenience stores and fast food options are far more accessible.
Food insecurity is also a persistent issue. Estimates suggest that nearly 1 in 4 children in Baltimore experiences food insecurity, meaning they do not have consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Public health experts have long linked these conditions to higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease—issues that disproportionately impact Black communities across the city.
