Supporting Maryland’s Community Schools Through Fresh Food Access
Backpacks, Books & Fresh Produce: Back to School with Hungry Harvest
As July rolls in, schools across Maryland begin preparing for the upcoming 2025–2026 academic year. The Maryland State Department of Education defines community schools as “hubs that bring families, communities, and partners together to remove barriers to learning.” Leveraging the power of the collective allows community schools to provide resources to students and families where they need it the most - neighborhoods that have been historically underfunded and underserved. Supported through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, these schools receive Concentration of Poverty Grants that fund a wide array of wraparound services designed to promote student success such as access to additional food resources.
Principal Dr. Patricia Wells Frazier, Assistant Principal Cori Collins, Title 1 Ja Neese Carter at Panorama Elementary in Prince George’s County preparing for a food distribution.
That’s where Hungry Harvest comes in. We’re forging and building relationships for the benefit of the school and their families. Hungry Harvest is proud to have worked with over 50 Community Schools for the 2024–2025 school year and delivered over 500,000 lbs of produce and groceries to school families. We've developed strong, meaningful relationships with schools across Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Baltimore County, all in service of improving food access, supporting whole-child development, and ensuring no family has to wonder where their next meal is coming from.
Our mission to expand access to healthy food continues—especially for children and their families. Claudia O'Loughlin, Community School Coordinator at Greenbelt Middle School in Prince George’s County, shares:
“Hungry Harvest has consistently provided exceptional service, and the fresh, nutritious foods they provide have made a meaningful impact, benefiting both our students and their families. Their dedication and quality are truly appreciated.”
As schools enter into another academic year, we’re committed to deepening and expanding our support for community schools through flexible and accessible food distribution programs. We’re eager to offer a variety of options such as home deliveries directly to family doorsteps, bulk deliveries to support school-based distribution events, and market-style that provides the option of choice for families as they shop.
(L to R): (Name), Harry Wujek, and Natasha Bentzen at the Holabird Middle School food distribution.
Schools have the opportunity to select one or all of these programs, and our Social Impact Team is ready to streamline the ordering process with reasonable pricing and tailored service.
By offering fresh produce and fruits to children and their families, our programs help address more than just hunger. Our programs work to support food security, build stronger family bonds, and improve overall nutrition and well-being.
We’re eager to continue building meaningful relationships with community schools and remain committed to expanding our impact. One delivery, one family at a time.
One of our favorite quotes came from the Community School Program Manager at Tyler Heights Elementary in Anne Arundel County, who once said:
“Best money spent ever.”
We believe that, too! And we’re honored to keep serving Maryland’s students and families. Keep an eye out for where you’ll see Hungry Harvest next.