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Forum candidates call for coordinated food support; resident starts Facebook pantry update
Summary
Candidates discussed childhood hunger, proposed city advocacy for school and county resources, and described grassroots efforts including a volunteer Facebook page and a food box at First Christian Church on Giles/Dial Street.
Childhood hunger was a recurring topic at the forum. Candidates described both city‑level limits and local actions that can help families facing food insecurity.
Scott Karg described grassroots delivery ideas: "I'd like to organize it a little better where people that really need it ... we could deliver boxes of food to kids that are hungry," he said, noting volunteer capacity in the city.
Matthew Ellis described a local step he has taken: "I started a Facebook page called feeding feeding Havre de Grace. There is a food pantry box on Giles (Dial) Street at First Christian Church. I put a picture of the box every 7 days... here's what's in here." Ellis said he organized the page so donors and recipients can see current contents and needs without awkwardness.
Johnny Boker and other candidates urged public‑private partnerships and coordination with existing food banks, churches and county programs. "We have to put our voices with those of our citizens back against the school board and go forward with positive actions," one candidate said when describing the need to advocate with county and state authorities for school meal programs and related funding.
Candidates also noted limits: city council has no direct control of the Harford County School Board, but can advocate to county and state partners, convene commissions (such as the youth commission) and pursue grants. Several candidates said they would use council influence to lobby for funds and help coordinate local nonprofit efforts.
No candidate proposed a city‑run feeding program at the forum; candidates emphasized coordination, advocacy, volunteer mobilization and use of city commissions to help amplify existing resources.
