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PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Young Issues Statement on City Council’s Unanimous Passage of His Legislative Priority to Fund Food Access and Computer Equipment for Students Learning Virtually
BALTIMORE, MD. — Tonight, the Baltimore City Council unanimously approved an emergency piece of legislation introduced by Mayor Young just two weeks ago. The Mayor's legislation, which establishes the permanent governance structure for his historic Children & Youth Fund, also provides immediate funding to support the City’s plans to reduce food insecurity, and fund computer equipment and provide Internet access to children attending Baltimore City Public Schools.
Mayor Young released the following statement:
“My emergency legislation allows us to fund computer equipment, and other technological needs for students, who are learning virtually, due to the health crisis, while also creating the flexibility to direct additional resources to my administration’s aggressive food access strategy," the Mayor said. "Today’s vote, both moves us forward in closing the digital divide impacting our students, and ensures that no child goes hungry during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. I’d like to thank Councilman Zeke Cohen (District 1), who introduced the legislation on my behalf, Council President Brandon Scott, for working closely with my administration to fast-track this legislation, and members of the City Council for their partnership.”
Mayor Young will work directly with the Baltimore City Public School System, and members of the City Council to fund $3 million toward critical distance learning needs for students.
Mayor Young’s COVID-19 Emergency Food Strategy responds to the escalating need for food since the city launched its emergency meal distribution effort in mid-March. Going into the pandemic, 70 percent of Baltimore City Public Schools students participated in school lunch and 28 percent of residents participated in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). From the outset need was great. As economic hardship deepened, so did the demand for food. In response, a cross-agency team developed a 60-day forward view of food need. The team projects that in two months, at least one in three Baltimore residents will require food assistance.
Mayor Young’s emergency legislation, approved tonight by the City Council, will help the City meet its pressing financial obligation to care for its most vulnerable residents.
For more information on Mayor Young’s food policy plan, please click here.
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