Press Release – October 22, 2018

NEWS FROM: GOVERNOR’S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN

For immediate release:
October 22, 2018
Contact:
Heather Epkins heather.epkins@maryland.gov
443-422-0037

Governor’s Office for Children Funds, Tours New Farming 4 Hunger Site Through Local Management Board

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Governor’s Office for Children, Caroline Human Services Council, Inc. (HSC), and other Caroline County stakeholders toured the Farming 4 Hunger operation in Hughesville, Md., on Friday as part of the HSC’s plan to replicate the successful program in Caroline County. This project will be the first of its kind on the Eastern Shore and will serve as a pilot site for other counties.

“The Caroline Human Services Council identified poverty and hunger as a priority issue to address in their county and, through community-based planning, decided to use a portion of their funds to mirror an already-successful program in another Maryland county,” said Acting Executive Director of the Governor’s Office for Children, Jaclin Warner Wiggins. “We are thrilled to see this program expand into another jurisdiction, providing Maryland children and families with additional tools to better thrive in their communities.”

The HSC made a decision to focus a portion of their FY19 Community Partnership Agreement funding, awarded by the Children’s Cabinet through the Governor’s Office for Children, to contract with the Chesapeake Culinary Center for a planning grant to develop a plan to replicate the Farming 4 Hunger Initiative in Southern Maryland. The Chesapeake Culinary Center will partner with Bernie Fowler, CEO and founder of Farming 4 Hunger, to start this project.

Farming 4 Hunger is a non-profit organization formed in 2012 to serve those in need of fresh food in Southern Maryland. The organization grows and distributes over a million pounds of locally grown, fresh food each year through unique partnerships with 27 local farms, 20+ churches, local businesses and schools, the Maryland Food Bank, the Department of Corrections, and a network of community volunteers. A large part of the success of the program rests on justice-involved individuals, preparing them for re-entry into the workplace and healthy lives.

Today’s tour participants learned about the many programs offered at the farm, including life skills; harvested crops; participated in team building exercises; and worked alongside past and present justice-involved individuals who are an integral part of the program, hearing stories on the lasting and positive impact this program has had on their lives.

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About the Governor’s Office for Children
The Governor’s Office for Children works with State agencies and Local Management Boards to promote a stable, safe, and healthy environment for Maryland’s children, youth, and families. Learn more by visiting our website at goc.maryland.gov and connect with us on Facebook.