The George L. Shields Foodbank of Frederick County was established in 1983. Friends for Neighborhood Progress (FFNP) Inc. funds operations located at 14 East All Saints Street in Frederick. The foodbank provides a 3 to 5-day supply of food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The foodbank is open to Frederick County residents, regardless of income or immigration status. Donations of either monetary support or food items are accepted. Monetary donations are tax deductible and can be made out to Friends for Neighborhood Progress.
Feeding America reports that 8.9% of the population of Frederick County identified as experiencing food insecurity in 2020. The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active and healthy life. It can be associated with adverse social and health outcomes and create critical public health issues. Food insecurity can be the result of unemployment and poverty which creates barriers regarding access to food. Today, many families are struggling with the costs of inflation and are forced to make decisions about priorities on how they spend their income
