Naval Academy Food Drive Raises Thousands For Anne Arundel County Food Bank

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The United States Naval Academy recently raised more than $5,000 to buy meals for the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. The autumn fundraiser came through the Naval Academy's annual Harvest for the Hungry food drive.

The 17th and 19th companies each hosted giving campaigns on GoFundMe. The 17th Company raised $1,465. The 19th Company collected $3,977. Both drives launched in late October and closed recently.

"Together we can make a difference in a community that continually supports the welfare of Midshipmen," both companies said on their GoFundMe pages. "All proceeds will be used to purchase food, and then that food will immediately be donated to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank."

Citing data from Feeding America, the Naval Academy said Anne Arundel County had more than 51,000 residents who faced food insecurity in 2021. About 75,000 lived in a food desert that is far from a grocery store, the midshipmen noted, pointing to a 2020 report from the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

The Naval Academy donated 91,000 pounds of food last year. About 60,000 pounds came from the Brigade, or the student body. The chaplains donated the rest.

The Naval Academy hoped to set a new record this year.

"Thank you to all who donated through this GoFundMe," the 19th company said. "We appreciate your support and are happy to report that we met all of our fundraising goals. We could not have done it without you, thank you!"

Editor's Note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America since 2020 to help raise awareness in our local communities of hunger, a persistent national problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that 1 in 8 people face hunger. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.