Baltimore arena partners to fight food insecurity

BALTIMORE —

CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore has partnered with CareFirst and Goodr to donate unused food from its events to local nonprofits, helping to combat food insecurity in the community.

“I would say CFG Bank Arena brings top names and concerts and events to downtown Baltimore year-round,” said Brett Hurwitz, vice president of global partnerships for CFG Bank Arena and Oak View Group. “This is a way for us to really make a positive impact beyond the walls of this arena.”

The program ensures that leftover food from arena events is not wasted but instead delivered to nonprofits that can use it to help those in need.

“CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield serves 3.5 million people and one thing that’s consistent throughout the region and the communities we serve, regardless of what your zip code is, we’re seeing a rise of the need of food and, unfortunately, because of economic conditions, folks in need are really benefiting from food insecurity programs,” said Mac McGee, chief marketing officer for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

After events, CareFirst works with Goodr to identify a local nonprofit that can use the extra food while it is still fresh. Crews then deliver the food to the nonprofit.

The food typically includes produce, bread, and packaged items.

“The great news is, is that it’s a lot of healthy food and so, as people come to the arena and experience the different food programs, we’re able to get healthy food, produce, out into the community and really think about how those can go into broader food programs, and benefit the community, not just with food supply, but healthy food supply,” McGee said.

The program began in 2023 when the newly renovated arena reopened and operates year-round. To date, CFG Bank Arena has provided about 3,200 meals to local nonprofits

“It’s a win-win all around,” Hurwitz said.

The latest batch of food is being delivered to Helping Up Mission, a nonprofit that supports people in Baltimore struggling with homelessness and addiction.