At Mezah Foundation, 2024 was a year of expansion, impact, and unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity and providing holistic support services for vulnerable populations in Baltimore. Through our weekly food drives, mobile food distributions, and wraparound services, we made a tangible difference in the lives of families, individuals, and institutions in need.
This report highlights our key achievements, challenges, and plans for 2025 as we continue to build a hunger-free and self-sufficient community.
Fighting Hunger: Food Distribution in 2024
One of the Mezah Foundation’s primary goals is ensuring that individuals and families have access to nutritious food. In 2024, we operated out of two permanent food distribution sites:
📍 5900 York Road, Baltimore, MD
📍 1300 East Lanvale Street, Baltimore, MD
These locations served as essential hubs for weekly food drives, allowing community members to receive much-needed food supplies. In addition to our on-site distributions, we expanded our mobile food distribution program, delivering meals directly to:
- Ability Healthcare Services
- The Ark of Maryland
- Dove Healthcare Services
- Integrated Healthcare Services
- Angel Loving Care
- ETC
Through these combined efforts, we served 608 individuals and 203 households throughout the year, distributing over 10,020 lbs. of food to families facing food insecurity.
What We Distributed
Our food assistance program provided a wide range of essential food items, including:
✅ Fresh Produce: Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
✅ Canned & Non-Perishable Foods: Proteins, vegetables, and soups
✅ Beverages & Dairy Products: Shelf-stable milk, juices, and bottled water
✅ Ready-to-Eat Meals: Instant oatmeal, boxed pasta meals, and soup kits
✅ Culturally Tailored Food Packages: Including halal, vegetarian, and low-sodium options
Thanks to community donations and partner support, we ensured that families received nutritious and balanced meals every week.
Beyond Food: Wraparound Services for Lasting Impact
At Mezah Foundation, we recognize that food insecurity is only one piece of the puzzle. Many of the individuals and families we serve face additional barriers such as homelessness, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare. That’s why we expanded our wraparound services in 2024 to address these critical needs.
1. Housing Support 🏠
Specialist: Ms. Miriane, Certified Housing Specialist
✅ Helped 120 households apply for affordable housing and rental assistance
✅ Supported 35 families transitioning from homelessness into stable housing
✅ Hosted workshops on tenant rights and responsibilities
2. Job Readiness Program 💼
Specialists: Ms. Azah & Mr. Zukane, Certified Supported Employment Specialists
✅ Provided resume writing, interview preparation, and career coaching
✅ 75 individuals completed training, with 45 securing stable jobs
✅ Assisted with job placements in healthcare, retail, and administrative roles
3. Transportation Assistance 🚍
✅ 150 bus passes distributed to clients for access to work, medical care, and food distribution
4. Technology Access 📱
✅ Helped 50 individuals obtain free mobile phones through Assurance Wireless for job searching and emergency needs
5. Public Benefits Assistance 📑
✅ Assisted 80 families with applications for:
- Medicaid and health insurance programs
- Food stamps (SNAP benefits)
- Emergency assistance
6. Mental Health Services 🧠
✅ Dr. Wilson, APRN, provided pro bono mental health counseling to 65 individuals
✅ Hosted mental wellness workshops on stress management and emotional resilience
These services were critical in stabilizing families beyond just food assistance, helping them regain independence and build a sustainable future.
Key Milestones in 2024
✨ January: Established 1300 East Lanvale Street as our second permanent distribution site
✨ March: Expanded mobile food delivery partnerships with 5 healthcare agencies
✨ May: Conducted a mid-year impact review, leading to service improvements
✨ July: Launched culturally tailored food packages, serving 250 households
✨ October: Hosted a community resource fair, connecting 150 attendees with essential services
These milestones reflect our ongoing dedication to expanding and refining our programs to better serve our community.
Challenges We Faced in 2024
Despite our achievements, we faced several challenges that highlighted areas for future improvement:
🔹 Limited Storage Capacity – Restricted ability to store and distribute large quantities of food
🔹 High Demand for Wraparound Services – More individuals needed assistance than our current resources could support
🔹 Insufficient Office Space – As our team and programs expanded, we outgrew our current facilities
🔹 Need for More Transportation Resources – Limited vehicles for mobile food distribution
These challenges strengthened our resolve to improve and expand our capacity in 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025: The Roadmap to Greater Impact
In 2025, we aim to:
🚛 Expand Distribution: Add a new underserved neighborhood to our mobile food delivery routes
📚 Enhance Client Services: Launch financial literacy, health education, and meal preparation workshops
🤝 Strengthen Community Outreach: Build partnerships with local organizations to sustain and grow our initiatives
🍽️ Secure a Partnership with Maryland Food Bank (MFB):
- Start with Pantry on the Go
- Secure a grant for storage expansion
🏥 Increase Core Service Agencies: Expand our outpatient healthcare partnerships from 13 to 25 agencies
🏢 Secure a Larger Office Space: To accommodate our growing team and services
These goals reflect our commitment to continuous growth and expanding our impact in 2025.
A Call to Action: How You Can Help
✅ Donate – Your contributions help us provide food, housing support, and employment services
✅ Volunteer – Join us in food distribution, service coordination, or community outreach
✅ Partner with Us – If you represent an organization, business, or healthcare agency, let’s work together to expand our reach
📩 Contact Us
📍 Locations: 5900 York Road & 1300 East Lanvale Street, Baltimore
📧 Email: info@mezahfoundation.org
📞 Phone: 202-5696372
Together, we are fighting hunger, restoring dignity, and empowering communities.
💙 Thank you for being part of the Mezah Foundation’s journey! 💙