Sailors from U.S. Cyber Command, located on Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, volunteered at the Maryland Food Bank, Dec. 16, putting together food packages to be distributed to children at local schools.

Since its inception in 1979, the food bank has developed a relationship with these schools to seek out and assist families in need and provide them with food assistance, especially during the holiday season.

Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Armstead, the command's assistant Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 coordinator, schedules volunteer events at the food bank each month.

"We've found that the Maryland Food Bank provides an excellent opportunity for our Sailors to give back to the local community. We go there once each month and spend an afternoon helping out wherever they need us. Sometimes it's working in the freezers moving food, and sometimes it's out in the warehouse packing boxes," Armstead said. "Even though we organized this as part of CPO 365, typically for first class petty officers and chiefs, we're a smaller command and so offer the opportunity to all of our Sailors."

Petty Officer 3rd Class Marcus Morris, who works in the Cyber Command's manpower and personnel office, joined the CPO 365 group for this month's event.

"I can't think of a better way to spend my afternoon," Morris said. "A few hours of lifting and packing boxes is all worth it when I know that kids who need this food will be taken care of, especially during the holidays."

The Maryland Food Bank operates from three facilities: one in Baltimore, one in Salisbury, and one in Hagerstown. Through their extensive network of soup kitchens, pantries and schools, they distribute food throughout 21 counties and Baltimore City, including Somerset, Wicomico, and Washington County, some of the most food-insecure regions in Maryland.

According to the organization, Maryland is home to more than 760,000 people who do not have enough to eat. Despite its status as one of the wealthiest states in the nation, Maryland communities are deeply impacted by food insecurity. While the homeless remain the most visible faces of hunger, the need for food assistance has risen among children, seniors and working families.

"Spending an afternoon at the food bank gives you a sense of satisfaction that you've helped those who are [in] need," said Chief Petty Officer Steven Bartosik, Cyber Command's Navy Element leading chief petty officer, who oversees a group of about 100 Sailors.

"I've participated in this event numerous times and every time, we all walk away feeling that we've made a difference," he added. "Our jobs take us around the world where we see poverty that no one else gets to see. We give a hand there but there's nothing like being able to help out right here at home."

"The officials at the food bank tell us they currently distribute more than 120,000 meals per day; nearly 44 million meals annually," Armstead added. "The Maryland Food Bank, with Cyber Command Sailors' assistance, will continue its efforts until one day hunger ends."

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