Here in Easton and throughout Talbot County, our local food pantries play a vital role in supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. Whether it is a family navigating a temporary hardship or a senior on a fixed income, these organizations are our community’s safety net.
Last night, at our Town Council meeting, representatives from the Hunger Coalition, St. Vincent de Paul and the Neighborhood Service Center gave a brief but powerful overview of the need in our community and how their organizations are helping our residents. Their presentation highlighted the critical work they do every day, from distributing meals and groceries to connecting residents with essential services and resources.
Right now, a broader challenge looms. The nationwide pause and reduction in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits places extra pressure on our local food pantries. Across Maryland, more than 680,000 residents rely on SNAP. As benefits become unstable, community food pantries are preparing for increased demand, making the work of these organizations even more vital.
It’s important to note that many of those facing food insecurity in our town are working families, the working poor who struggle to make ends meet despite holding down jobs. While the temporary reduction in SNAP benefits has brought this issue into focus, it will not disappear once benefits are reinstated.
This moment has given us an opportunity to talk about it, educate our community and increase awareness of challenges that many of us may not see in our daily lives.
Here in Easton, this moment is a reminder that our vision, of being a place that is safe and welcoming, is not simply about sidewalks or parks. It’s about making sure everyone can access the essentials of daily life, including food.
I want to thank the men and women who staff our food pantries, coordinate volunteers and distribute meals quietly but powerfully. I also encourage residents to get involved — whether by donating food or funds, or volunteering time. Every little bit helps. Please visit for more information on our local food pantries.
As local leaders, we will continue to support these food pantries, strengthen partnerships, and keep the conversation about hunger visible. How we care for our neighbors defines who we are as a community.
Megan Cook is mayor of Easton.
Featured Local Savings
Your Reaction
Reactions
You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login.
You must be logged in to rate. Click any rating to login.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.