By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Amid alarming infant mortality rates in Maryland, the Food Project, a non-profit organization based in Southwest Baltimore, will host its bi-annual Community Baby Shower on April 26 from 12-3 p.m. at 424 South Pulaski St. The free event is open to all and does not require sign-up.
“Last year, we had around 125 new moms come out,” said Michelle Suazo, executive director of the Food Project and the UEmpower of Maryland Resource Hub. “We will have everything from chef demos to resources like diapers and baby formula.”
The event will also provide baby clothes, CPR training for infants, healthy meal advice and other self-care items and gifts for mothers.
“Each time, we just keep working to make it better,” said Suazo. “We really listen to the moms, see what they need and try to make sure we have it available for them.”
Suazo emphasized that high infant mortality rates are linked to insecure housing and lack of access to essentials such as bassinets and cribs, which help keep children safe at night.
According to the 2025 March of Dimes Report Card for Maryland, the state’s infant mortality rate is 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Babies born to Black mothers are disproportionately affected, with a mortality rate of 9.5 per 1,000 live births, 1.7 times the state average. This rate is nearly 2.4 times higher than the rate for White mothers, which is 4.0 per 1,000 live births.
Leading causes of infant mortality in Maryland include preterm birth, low birth weight and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), which can result from unsafe sleep practices.
To help address these challenges, the Food Project offers weekly baby supply drives every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They have been doing so for the past two years. Mothers can receive supplies they might otherwise be unable to afford, including bassinets, toys, diapers and formula.
Suazo said the drives are tailored to the needs of the community, funded by donations and partner organizations.
“We didn’t look at it as just like a networking opportunity, we looked at it as an opportunity to further build our community,” said Shana McIver, one of the founders of New Way of Wellness, an outpatient mental health clinic in Baltimore. “Ultimately, our goal is to build a therapeutic community, like a one-stop shop.”
McIver said after discovering the Food Project, she brought flyers back to New Way of Wellness, created a sign-up sheet, and explained to parents how they could benefit from the baby supplies and related maternity classes. She even provided a bus to connect them with the on-site services.
New mother Kayla Jennings, 34, said the baby supplies and educational resources provided through the Food Project’s partners are crucial as she struggles to stay afloat.
“Through resources like this, I am able to save on baby supplies so I don’t overspend and can set aside funds for other essential items I need to survive,” said Jennings.
She encourages other mothers in the Baltimore area who may be struggling with making ends meet to “put their pride aside” and seek help through resources like those offered at the Food Project.
Food Project is expected to host another Community Baby Shower in September.