Statement from Governor Martin O'Malley on Childhood Hunger
ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 17, 2009) –Governor Martin O’Malley released this statement today following a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that found 17 million U.S. households experienced a food shortage in 2008, a 31 percent increase since 2007. This means that about one-third of households experiencing a food shortage probably experienced hunger in 2008, even with the availability of federal nutrition assistance.
“This week is ‘Hunger Awareness Week’ in Maryland, and we’re taking steps to become the first state in the nation to end childhood hunger by 2015. Maryland is one of a few states that has school breakfast, lunch and supper programs for our students. And since the creation of the Partnership to End Childhood Hunger a year ago, we’ve increased the Food Supplement Program participation by nearly 25 percent and increased Summer Food Service Program meals from 2 million in 2008 to 2.5 million this past summer.
Working together, we can continue to ensure that our children are receiving the nutrition they need to live stronger, healthier lives.”
