Food Insecurity: A Public Health Crisis That Demands Community Action
Maryland Ministry of Agriculture, Inc.
Food Insecurity: A Public Health Crisis That Demands Community Action
Date: September 1, 2025
Executive Summary
Food insecurity is not simply about hunger—it is a public health emergency with direct links to chronic diseases, mental health issues, and community instability. Maryland Ministry of Agriculture, Inc. (MD MOA) recognizes that existing support systems, while valuable, are insufficient to address the depth of the crisis. This report outlines the challenges and presents MD MOA’s community-driven approach to sustainable solutions, while calling on stakeholders and supporters to join in building resilience across Maryland.
The Issue at Hand
Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the household-level condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate, quality food. It is disproportionately borne by marginalized communities:
In 2020, 28.6% of low-income households were food insecure, compared with a national average of 10.5%.
Black American households (21.7%) and Latino/Hispanic households (17.2%) were affected at higher rates than the national average of 13.5%.
The impacts extend far beyond empty cupboards:
Increased risks of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and asthma.
Higher likelihood of poor mental health, depression, and childhood behavioral challenges.
Families often forced to choose between food and medicine, skipping critical prescriptions due to cost.
Food insecurity is a systemic issue—rooted in economic disparities, food deserts, and inequitable distribution networks—that requires community-based solutions.
Why MD MOA Exists
At MD MOA, we believe that food insecurity can be reduced by equipping communities with the knowledge, tools, and support to reclaim control over their food systems. Our mission is to empower households and communities through:
Sustainable Agriculture: Training in backyard gardening, raised-bed construction, and small-scale farming.
Food Preservation: Hands-on canning, dehydrating, and storage workshops.
Preparedness Education: Instruction in water purification, disaster readiness, and community resilience.
Community Networking: Building connections among neighbors, faith institutions, and stakeholders to share knowledge and resources.
We call these efforts Seeds of Resilience—because each household equipped with these skills strengthens the entire community.
The Call to Action
Food insecurity will not be solved by food banks and government programs alone. Addressing it requires policy, partnership, and community engagement.
We are asking:
Stakeholders and Policymakers: Partner with MD MOA to expand training, support legislation that increases access to nutritious food, and advocate for sustainable agriculture at the local level.
Community Members: Get involved directly—attend workshops, volunteer in gardens, or bring these programs into your neighborhoods.
Supporters and Donors: Invest in the growth of MD MOA to ensure long-term community impact.
Every raised bed, every preserved jar, and every neighbor teaching a skill is a step toward food independence.
Conclusion
The consequences of food insecurity are clear, but so is the path forward. With Maryland’s abundance of resources, collective action can ensure no household is left behind.
🌱 Join the Maryland Ministry of Agriculture, Inc. in planting seeds of resilience and building healthier, stronger, and more prepared communities. 🌱