Just last week, Fence & Deck Connection stopped by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB) to present a check that will help local families who are struggling during these especially troubling times. The money was collected from a percentage of our 2021 November and December residential sales profits as a way of giving thanks and supporting those in need during the 2021 holiday season. As a result, that means all of our wonderful end-of-the-year clients played a part in this wonderful donation to a phenomenal organization!
Fence & Deck’s VP Sales & Marketing and Managing Partner, Jeffrey Wall, along with the Marketing team, Sarah Ditto and Nicole Bailey, met with Anne Arundel County Food Bank CEO, Leah Aiello Paley to present the check and learn more about the ways that our donation will benefit local residents. Andrew Vidulich, one of Fence & Deck Connection’s Project Consultants was also in attendance to present our donation, having been the top salesman at the end of 2021.
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected donations, distribution, and volunteerism over the last few years. When COVID first hit the United States in 2020, donations to the Food Bank dropped a staggering 73%. Additionally, many of the amazing volunteers at food banks and pantries are retired seniors, and with this demographic most at risk for COVID, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank was left with a skeleton crew during a very hectic 2020. As the spread of COVID-19 has been greatly reduced with effects and variants becoming less dangerous, more normal operations have resumed and volunteers are again welcome!
In addition to providing food to pantries and soup kitchens throughout Anne Arundel County, they also provide items of necessity to Baby Pantries, Senior Pantries, Pet Pantries, Medical Programs, and Clothing Banks. Local partnerships with Anne Arundel County organizations, such as with Backpack Buddies provides children a backpack containing 4 meals and snacks to go home with the most impoverished and at risk children on the FARMS system (Free and Reduced Meal System). This not only takes the stress off of the parent that is working, but also provides the child with a sense of security and proper nourishment.
As spring approaches, you may find yourself doing a little extra kitchen cleaning. While you may be quick to donate some canned goods that found themselves lost and forgotten in the back of your cupboards, there are certain items that become coveted staples for our friends at local pantries:
- Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, ham)
- Peanut butter & jelly (especially jelly!)
- Pasta & pasta sauce
- Macaroni & cheese
- Stews, chilis, & soups
- Cereal
- Oatmeal or grits
- Dried beans
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Nuts
- Cooking oils
As always, monetary donations are much appreciated, allowing AACFB to purchase food directly from distributors that will be shared to those in need in our county. In addition to food items, monetary donations also become the most effective way to provide the items that families needed most, such as food, paper products, feminine products and cleaning supplies. To make a donation, please visit the Anne Arundel County Food Bank website. You can also follow the AACFB on Facebook to stay up to today with current needs and events, as well as any future volunteer opportunities.
We look forward to helping our Anne Arundel County community members in need for years to come, and encourage our neighbors, customers, and partners to join us in making a difference!