The Anne Arundel County Food Bank raised more than $120,000 at its annual Feeding Hope event at the Naval Academy Fluegel Alumni Center, helping to reduce an expected deficit resulting from cuts in federal funding.

The fourth annual event, held June 12, raised money for an organization that provides food to 48,000 people across Anne Arundel County each month. The organization’s goal was to raise $115,000 after losing an estimated $250,000 in federal money.

“It was a great success,” CEO Leah Paley said. “We were very pleased to have over 200 people in attendance to support the event and enjoy the delicious food.”

County restaurants like Preserve, Vin 909 Wine Cafe and Caliente Grill provided free samples of their food and beverages. The event also featured a “can-struction,” a sculpture made of cans. The food purchased to create the structure will all be donated through the food bank.

Anne Arundel County Food Bank received $1.5 million in county funds in the current fiscal year and will get the same amount in fiscal 2026. The organization has 20 full-time employees and more than 1,000 volunteers.

Under the direction of the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it had paused half, or $500 million, of The Emergency Food Assistance Program funding. The department also cancelled food shipments through the end of the year.

TEFAP accounts for about 14% of the total food Anne Arundel County Food Bank distributes yearly. Paley anticipates losing between $230,000 and $240,000 worth of food in fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1, as a result.

“We’re still continuing to be very thoughtful and meticulous when we’re purchasing food,” Paley said. “We do a lot of vendor comparisons and with the summer comes additional opportunities.”

She said the organization encourages farmers and households with small gardens to donate excess fruits and vegetables, a cost-free alternative to acquiring food.

The unrestricted $120,000 that the Feeding Hope event raised will help the organization, Paley said.

“Restrictions come with requirements,” Paley said. “So unrestricted funding allows us to direct that money to keeping the lights on, pay salaries and meet the growing demand for food assistance.”

The cuts came early in the Trump administration as Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency executed sweeping cuts of government programs, federal jobs and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“With ongoing economic uncertainty, an increase in area job losses especially within our federal workforce, and elevated food and housing costs, many families are having difficulty keeping up with costs,” Paley said in a news release. “Supporting the food bank helps put nutritious food on the tables of families in need throughout Anne Arundel County.”

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