CBS News Baltimore and Wegmans launch Season of Giving Check Out Hunger drive

Sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as a granola bar. And for people experiencing homelessness, having access to food can mean one less thing to worry about.

The President and CEO of Healthcare for the Homeless, Kevin Lindamood says food is essential to helping people with their basic needs.

Healthcare for the Homeless supplies a full range of healthcare and support services to those that need it, including stable housing. But good health is about more than just medical care. Food is also medicine, and that's where Wegmans come in.

Jenn Preis of Wegmans says supplying Health Care for the Homeless is important. "We try to pick items that would be easy for folks to carry and work with if they have dental issues or other health issues. We try to find that balance between something that's comforting but also healthy," said Preis.  

Through its partnership with healthcare for the homeless, Wegmans is helping supply provider bags, that includes nonperishable foods to help those in need. It's a donation that helps the organization meet an everyday need while continuing its larger mission.

"The support that we get from Wegmans and other private businesses in the community just means so much. To fill in the gap and replace some of the support that our clients used to have. And allow us to continue to deliver high-quality care to everyone regardless of insurance status," said Lindamood.  

Because helping someone take the next step towards better health starts with making sure they have food in their stomachs.

There's a lot of activity inside the Maryland Food Bank. But it's not the usual crew lending a helping hand. Wegman's employees are stepping away from their everyday jobs to help prepare meals for Marylanders facing hunger.

Jennifer Preis is the divisional community engagement coordinator for Maryland Wegmans, she says it's important to Wegmans to get involved and see what the Maryland Food Bank does.

Each Wegmans store has a giving circle that meets monthly to discuss volunteer opportunities. The goal? To make a difference outside of the grocery store.

And for these employees, the experience is more than just preparing meals.

This is Chris Holland's first-time volunteering at the Maryland Food Bank.

"One of our top giving priorities is to address food insecurity across the region, and this is a way we can do that. We can't do the work alone. We are just supporting partners that are doing the work every single day. We're proud to do our small part in that process," he said.

Every meal prepared here represents one less worry for someone struggling to feed their family. And for the Maryland Food Bank, partnerships like this help make its mission possible.

Elise Krikau said their partnership with Wegmans is crucial.

"When we have partners like Wegmans, who not only contribute financially, food, and volunteer to us. It is incredible. So, people can really engage with us in so many ways, and Wegmans really hits all three of those areas every year in support of the Maryland Food Bank," said Krikau. 

For these volunteers, it's just a few hours out of their day. But for the neighbors who benefit from their work. It's a reminder that their community is making sure they have food on the table.

Before The mobile market truck ever hits the road, there's work to be done. Boxes need to be packed, and shelves need to be stocked. And the mission? To make healthy foods accessible to Maryland families.

The mobile market program is the Maryland Food Banks approach to reach underserved communities all over the state in rural communities.

The experience is very similar to what you'd find in a grocery store.

Chris Depiazza is the Mobile Markets program manager, he says they try to have a variety of all different foods to eat.

"Right now we are trying to have options available for people to have a thanksgiving. We'll have sweet potatoes and apples and other stuff they can eat in their everyday lives but also have for thanksgiving," said Depiazza.

And the need is greater than many people realize. The price of groceries has risen 34 percent since 2019. And sometimes, it takes just one unexpected expense to turn a family's world upside down.

" People are only one medical emergency away from finding themselves in the position to need something like this," said Depiazza.

It's a reminder that hunger doesn't always look the way we imagine. And here the Maryland Food Bank calls the people they serve "neighbors".

The food bank says people don't often realize that food insecurity is happening in their own communities.

Because the market is about more than groceries. It's about meeting people where they are, treating them with dignity, and reminding them that when times get tough, their community is here to help.

Every box packed. Every box delivered. Every helping hand. Behind the scenes, the Maryland Food Bank is working to make sure families across the state have food on the table. And it's a much bigger operation than you might think.

The Maryland Food Bank provides food access and other services to about 760 community-based organizations. 

Last year alone, it helped feed over a million Marylanders-- but the need isn't slowing down. Since the pandemic food insecurity has gotten worse.

President and CEO of The Maryland Food Bank, Meg Kimmel says Maryland is sitting at historic high levels of food insecurity throughout the state. "Drivers are affordability, which we are all talking about right now. Lack of access, and just the challenges of wages not keeping up with the cost of living," said Kimmel.     

More than one in three Marylanders say they've experienced food insecurity. And the Maryland Food Bank says partnerships are critical to meeting that growing need.

Whether it's corporate partners, donating food, volunteering, or sitting on the board of directors.

"Without partnership this organization wouldn't be able to function," said Kimmel.

Giving back doesn't just make a difference in someone else's life. It can also make you feel pretty good too. 

Every day, shoppers fill their carts with the things they need. But there are families that can't always put food on the table. At Wegmans, a small act of kindness at the register can help make a big difference.

It's called check out hunger. The campaign allows customers to donate money at the register, with the proceeds going to the Maryland Food Bank.

Jillian Bishop is a service team leader at Wegmans, and says their mission is to supply the community with the best foods and understands families are struggling.

Two-thirds of the food at the Maryland Food Bank is purchased, so these donations help tremendously.

This campaign allows everyone to donate, from customers to employees.

Wegmans has been a strong partner with the Maryland Food Bank for the last decade. Meg Kimmel, CEO and president of the Maryland Food Bank says this is a way for customers to get involved.

"Just last year the Wegmans check out hunger campaign generated enough funding to provide 2 million meals for Marylanders. So, it's critically important," said Kimmel.

It's a reminder that helping someone can start with a simple question at the checkout counter. Because what may seem like a small donation to one person could help make a big difference for someone in need.