Established in 1991, our grassroots, nonprofit organization exists as a safety net for the working poor. We have become the last stop when traditional support programs fail or turn them away. No paperwork, no judgements, no rejections and no waiting. We offer immediate help directly to families and individuals or by assisting caseworkers, clergy and community activists. Donated goods and services are the core of our programs and allow us to support over 100 recipient agencies and charitable organizations.

Since we opened our doors in 1991, 22 million pounds of food and other essentials have been provided to members of the community. In 2008, we distributed 1.7 million pounds of food was provided to individuals and families in need. This is a 13% increase over 2007.

In 2008, over 150 volunteers contributed 25,838 hours of time, valued at $444,155. Volunteers who assist with the various Food Link programs collect donated items from area grocers, restaurants, caterers and individuals and distribute these products to recipient agencies and directly to those in need.

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MISSION STATEMENT

We strive to lead efforts in alleviating hunger in communities by linking vital resources to families and individuals in need.

MEET OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Cathy L. Holstrom

Cathy is a native Marylander and has lived in Anne Arundel County for twenty years. She has strong ties to the community and believes strongly in giving back. Joining Food Link as the Program Director in 1993, she became the Executive Director in 2001. "What we do isn't glamorous but it is absolutely life sustaining to our struggling neighbors. Hunger doesn't discriminate and neither does Food Link. It is no small thing to touch a life and we know that every single day, our programs help families, individuals, children and the elderly. More than food and other essentials, we provide nourishment, comfort and hope."

You can contact Cathy at .

MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER OPERATIONS

Paula D. Gordon

Paula is a midwesterner who moved to the Annapolis area in 1991. She joined Food Link in 1995 as Director of Volunteer Operations. "I have the best job in the world. It is very rewarding to work with these wonderful people who give their time and talents to help their struggling neighbors. All throughout the county these volunteers bring nourishment and hope to families in need. I feel honored to work with them and consider them my heroes. They are the heart and soul of Food Link and are why we succeed in our mission to alleviate hunger in our community."

You can contact Paula at .

Meet Paula's Volunteers!

Direct Services Manager - Kathy DuBeau

410-897-3943

Publicity - Cathy Deighan
410-991-6317

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AWARDS

Food Link is nationally recognized for our ability to deliver valuable services at minimal cost. Our Wholesale Produce Program has been honored by the Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research at the University of Southern California School of Medicine as the most cost efficient in the United States.

	2007	Cathy Holstrom- TWIN Honoree
	2004	Nominated for Anne Arundel County NonProfit of the Year
	2003	Anne Arundel County Community Trustee Award
	2002	Turner A. Duncan Memorial Award
	2000	Honorable Mention, National Make a Difference Day
	1999	Winner, National Make a Difference Day
	1998	Exchange Program Award, Teaching Japanese Educators About Volunteer Programs
	1997	Excellence in Food Rescue Award, presented by Food Chain, the National Association of Prepared and Perishable Food Rescue Programs
	1996	Mickey Leeland Victory Against Hunger Congressional Award