Even a pandemic could not stop Antietam Broadband’s annual effort to support the Maryland Food Bank — Western Branch.
For the ninth consecutive year, this effort provides much needed food to food-insecure families in the Hagerstown area, according to a news release from the cable and internet provider.
Pre-COVID data compiled by the Maryland Food Bank estimated that 1.5 million Marylanders were already experiencing hunger, the release states. Now, Feeding America predicts that an additional 980,000 Marylanders — including 339,000 children — will potentially face food insecurity as a result of the pandemic.
As a virtual event this year:
• Antietam matched online monetary donations and gave $25 for every upgrade and new installation of service, up to a total of $5,000.
• With the support of customers, $8,335 was raised to provide food for hungry families in the Hagerstown area.
• Matching funds brought the total to $13,335.
“Without support from companies like Antietam Broadband, the Maryland Food Bank could not meet the demand for food assistance that has become even more pressing during the COVID19 pandemic,” said Frank Ducey, regional program director at the Maryland Food Bank — Western Branch, in the news release. “Antietam’s successful fundraising effort totaling more than $13,000 has once again proven their dedication to assisting our neighbors in need. We greatly value Antietam’s partnership and their commitment to aiding food-insecure families across Western Maryland during this difficult time.”
Brian Lynch, president of Antietam Broadband, said this year’s effort left him “humbled.”
“We are extremely grateful to our staff and our customers for supporting this annual event,” he said in the news release. “COVID-19 has been a difficult time for everyone and has caused more families than ever to become food insecure. I am humbled by the support of our customers and our continued ability to help the needs of our community.”
