Regional Conference Focuses on Food Security

By Marty Madden
The Baynet
4/21/11

Southern Maryland community leaders and volunteers gathered Wednesday, April 20 at the Calvert County Fairgrounds for the region's third annual Hunger Conference.

Over 80 people attended the five-and-a-half hour event presented by the Southern Maryland Food Bank. Several of the conference's speakers indicated the eradication of hunger was a security issue.

"Food security is having access to enough food for an active, healthy life," said Cassandra Kaiser, a nutrition associate with Maryland Hunger Solutions. At particular risk are people who do not live in proximity to a grocery store and children from low-income families. While there are government-supported nutrition programs designed to aid the latter group, several speakers indicated they are not being embraced by the entire community.

Maryland Hunger Solutions' Director Cathy A. Demeroto noted Calvert and Charles counties "rank at the bottom in participation of the school breakfast program."

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