Freedom Federal Credit Union Donates $10,000 to MD Food Bank to Aid SNAP Benefit Families

Freedom FCU’s donation comes just as SNAP benefits stop for millions of Americans

Freedom Donates 10K to MD Food Bank — The check presentation took place in the massive 93,000 sq ft warehouse of the Maryland Food Bank in Baltimore (L to R): Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union; Mary Wright, Director of Corporate Philanthropy at Maryland Food Bank; Lisa Snodgrass, Director of Business Development at Freedom FCU; and Carmen David Mirabile, Chief Growth Officer of Freedom FCU.

November 7, 2025 – In response to the suspension of SNAP benefits effective November 1, 2025, Freedom Federal Credit Union, through The Freedom to Help Foundation, is proud to announce a $10,000 donation to Maryland Food Bank to provide immediate relief to households that will be impacted. This contribution will help provide approximately 10,750 meals for nearly 700 households across Maryland.

“At this critical time, Freedom Federal Credit Union’s generous gift will help the Maryland Food Bank bridge the gap and provide nutritious meals to neighbors across the state,” remarked Elise Krikau, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Maryland Food Bank. “We are profoundly grateful for your partnership and care for our community.”

“With so many community members facing uncertainty as SNAP benefits pause, we saw an opportunity to join forces and make meaningful impact,” said Mike MacPherson, President & CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. “At Freedom, our mission is rooted in uplifting our community. In this moment of uncertainty and need, that community needs our support—not just as a financial institution, but as a trusted partner and neighbor. We may not be able to eliminate the need, but we can do our part.”

Through this donation, Freedom is supporting the Maryland Food Bank’s efforts to extend access to nutritious food, reduce food insecurity, and strengthen community wellbeing during this critical moment. As families adjust to the discontinuation of SNAP benefits, there is sure to be an increased demand for food assistance. To donate to the Maryland Food Bank, please visit mdfoodbank.org.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering business banking services and consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County. Freedom was founded in 1953 and currently has eight locations throughout Harford and Baltimore Counties. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.

About The Maryland Food Bank

The Maryland Food Bank works to provide food to vulnerable Marylanders and collaborates with hundreds of food pantries and outreach programs statewide to address hunger, build resilience and foster community.

What’s In a Name?

One of the harder things about our merger—and the time it will take to finalize—is the occasional need to refer to one credit union or another by name as a separate entity when we are really one. Yes, certain systems and aspects cannot be completely transitioned until year end, but the mere reference of two names, at times, feels like it drives a wedge between us.

I also recognize for the members and team of (taking my lead from Prince) “The Credit Union Formerly Known as AFFCU,” this can be confusing because the impact is more significant, the change more tangible. Despite how good the change or how it will benefit everyone long term, not truly being “complete” can be a tad unnerving and may cause uncertainty or anxiety.

It’s important, therefore, to stress that we are, without question, all Freedom. We are, therefore, working hard and fast to bring as much together as possible to alleviate concerns.

It’s also important to realize that it’s not the name alone that defines us. Yes, a business needs a legal name to operate under, a name with which to build a brand and reputation. However, it’s what we do that makes our name. It’s how we serve our members, support the community and provide for our team members so they can, in turn, serve and support.

It is our words, actions, and deeds that matter most. So, as we grapple with the bits that create a temporary separation, let’s focus on what unites us: that we’re all in this together, that we share the same goal, that we are “one Freedom.”

Life Through A Lens

I recently came across my old camcorder and video cassettes from the 90’s. There were videos of family (with some long passed), vacations, sports, birthdays and so on. As I watched hours and hours of footage over several days, I couldn’t help but wonder how present I was in all that time. Sure, I was capturing the moment, but was I in that moment experiencing the joy and wonder around me?

At the time you think you’re documenting something for posterity, something you’ll look at over and over to relive the experience, but do you? Do the emotions you feel as you rewatch moments of your life and life around you compare to what you felt, or could have felt, as things happened? I pondered this question and wondered if so much time living life through a lens was worth the recordings that have gathered dust for 30 years over what I may have missed if I was more invested in the moments that will never come again.

Today, like everyone else, I have a smart phone. Gone is the camcorder replaced by the ability to take a picture, record a moment and share it immediately with the world if so inclined.

The equipment has changed, but the danger, because of the ease and immediacy, is greater. I, unlike so many that are glued to their screen who can’t seem to experience anything without full documentation, have the benefit of hindsight from a different time. I now know how to snap a quick pic or record a 10 second guitar riff, versus record for an hour only occasionally looking up. I have learned that seeing it with my eyes, experiencing it, and remembering it, is more fulfilling and long lasting because if I do that then when viewed years from now, a single picture or brief clip will bring back that moment in a more meaningful way versus watching a long recording where you can hear your son in the background calling your name repeatedly and saying “watch me dad”.

At Freedom, we often talk about what’s truly important – family, community, meaningful connections and partnerships. So, no matter what you’re doing, revel in your time with others, share moments that matter, and if you choose to memorialize them remember, less is more. Don’t let your experiences be dependent on what or how much you can see or capture through a lens. The best memories aren’t the ones we record; they’re the ones we feel.