Catonsville food pantry expands amid rising food insecurity crisis

The Baltimore County Town Hall meeting for the 2025 Budget took place on February 7, 2025, focusing on pressing community issues and budgetary needs. The meeting featured several speakers who addressed critical concerns affecting their neighborhoods.

The first speaker highlighted the ongoing issue of food insecurity in Catonsville, where one in three residents struggles to access adequate food. Despite recent federal funding and plans to expand the local food pantry, the speaker noted a significant decline in public donations, dropping from £134,000 two years ago to £106,000 last year. This decrease, attributed to rising food costs, underscores the urgent need for additional support to purchase food for families in need.

Next, Winnie Carpenter, representing the Oella Homeowners Association, raised concerns about road safety on Oella Avenue. She reported a serious incident involving a young adult who crashed her bike due to a damaged guardrail, which is leaning dangerously toward the river. Carpenter also pointed out sinking storm drain inlets and sidewalks that pose hazards for pedestrians. Additionally, she urged the council to review redevelopment plans for a mill in Oella, emphasizing the area's vulnerability to flooding, which has previously resulted in fatalities during storms.

Don Schnekenberg, president of the Lansdowne Fire Department, spoke about the historical significance of the volunteer fire department, which has relied on community support since its inception in 1902. He expressed concern over the department's financial sustainability, particularly as the community has become more economically challenged and diverse. Schnekenberg emphasized the importance of continued funding to ensure the department can meet the emergency needs of residents.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration and support from the council to address these critical issues, including food insecurity, road safety, and emergency services funding. The discussions highlighted the community's reliance on local government to provide necessary resources and support for ongoing challenges.