To address rising food insecurity in the County, the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC), under the Howard County Health Department, secured a $225,000 grant from MACo Platinum Corporate Partner CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to establish the Howard County Food Council.

Howard County is facing a significant challenge with food insecurity. According to the 2021 Howard County Health Assessment Survey, nearly one in six residents experience food insecurity, and almost one in four express concerns about affording essential expenses like rent, mortgage, or food. This trend has worsened, with the proportion of individuals facing food insecurity increasing from 6.4% in 2017 to 9.7% in 2022.

“The establishment of the Howard County Food Council represents a crucial step in addressing the root causes of food insecurity,” said Antigone Vickery, Deputy Health Officer of the Health Department. “By bringing together diverse partners, we can create sustainable solutions that ensure every resident has access to nutritious food.”

The Food Council will focus on reducing food insecurity through various strategies and will build on the work of the HCLHIC’s Food Security Committee and recommendations from the Howard County Food & Nutrition Security Roundtable Report.

“How we nourish our bodies plays a vital role in improving our long-term health and wellness. I remain dedicated to our residents having access to high quality, nutritious food,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “We have many outstanding community partners who do meaningful work in the area of providing food. This Council will create a more efficient system to make sure those who are food insecure are able to meet their needs and the needs of their families.”

See the full press release on the county website