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.

FREEDOM ROCKS ’24: An Epic Night of Music, Fun, and Giving Back

Freedom Federal Credit Union and The Freedom to Help Foundation Sell Out 1st Annual Bull and Shrimp Roast in Support of Local Community Initiatives

Air Guitar Contest at Freedom Rocks — Rockstar vibes took center stage as contestants shredded their way through the Freedom Rocks ’24 Air Guitar Contest, delivering electrifying performances that had the crowd cheering and the room buzzing. Credit: Lisa Snodgrass

November 26, 2024 Bel Air, MD – Freedom Federal Credit Union, through The Freedom to Help Foundation, hosted its first-ever Freedom Rocks ’24 Bull and Shrimp Roast on Saturday, November 16th, raising over $21,000 to support its mission of enriching the community. The event brought together attendees for a night filled with food, fun, and philanthropy at Boumi Shriners in Rosedale, MD.

The proceeds from the sold-out event will directly benefit The Freedom to Help Foundation, which provides critical resources to support education, health and wellness, and military families throughout the communities it serves, which now includes Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Harford County.

The evening’s festivities included highlights such as an air guitar contest, a glow stick party, a TapSnap photo booth, basket auctions, a money wheel, 50/50 raffles, and a playlist of the greatest rock hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Attendees, dressed in their best concert gear, embraced the spirit of the night and helped make the event a tremendous success.

Every guest had an opportunity to visit the Freedom Rocks Merch Stand and select a complimentary Freedom Rocks T-Shirt to remember the night.

Freedom Federal Credit Union extends its deepest gratitude to all the sponsors who contributed to making this event possible. Special thanks go to The Kelly Group (Headlining Sponsor), Velera, and The Baltimore Sun Media Group, whose generous support made a significant impact.

Additional thanks go to the other event sponsors: Bravura, Community College of Baltimore County, MD|DC Credit Union Association, Elegant Restoration, Enradius, Harford Community College, Hartman Executive Advisors, Jones Junction, TB3, The Servion Group, Redmer Insurance Group, Kearly & Company, SIAB, Ben’s Tires, CBIZ Insurance Services, Dolphin Debit Access, Gerety Insurance, Global Memories Travel, Hopkins Farm Brewery, Origence, and Pixelspoke.

The Freedom to Help Foundation, established in 2023, continues to fulfill its mission of empowering communities, providing resources for individual success, and supporting those in need. Events like Freedom Rocks ’24 demonstrate the power of community partnerships in driving positive change.

For more information about The Freedom to Help Foundation, please visit freedomfcu.org/foundation. View additional photos from the event on Freedom’s Facebook page at facebook.com/freedomfcu.

About The Freedom to Help Foundation

The Freedom to Help Foundation supports Freedom Federal Credit Union’s commitment to the people and communities of Baltimore and Harford Counties. Established in January 2023, the Foundation’s mission is to enrich the communities we serve, empower individual success through education, provide resources for health and wellness, and to support our military and their families. Learn more at freedomfcu.org/foundation.

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union Announces New Philanthropic Foundation

The Freedom to Help Foundation was Established to Further Expand the Credit Union’s Efforts to Support Baltimore and Harford County Communities and Charitable Organizations

January 18, 2023 Bel Air, MD – Freedom Federal Credit Union announced today it has established The Freedom to Help Foundation to further its commitment to community support and to give back to the people, the organizations, and the communities it serves within Baltimore and Harford Counties.

Going forward, all community outreach and financial support will now flow through the Foundation. The Freedom to Help Foundation will collaborate with organizations and community partners who align with Freedom’s mission and community focus areas. Additionally, all existing financial support, like sponsorships, grants, donations, scholarship programs, to name a few, will be funded and managed as programs of The Freedom to Help Foundation.

“As Freedom has continued to grow, so too has our commitment to the people and organizations that do so much good in our shared communities”, said Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union. Establishing The Freedom to Help Foundation takes our commitment to do good in the community to another level. And it also allows others to share in the good we do. The Foundation creates an opportunity for our business and community partners, members, and employees to take part and join us in our philanthropic initiatives. Together, we can accomplish more, and do more, for those in need”.

The Freedom to Help Foundation has been incorporated as a 501 (c)3 non-profit, separate from the Credit Union, whose mission is to enrich the communities we serve, empower individual success through education, provide resources for health and wellness, and to support our military and their families.

The Foundation is governed by a separate volunteer Board of Directors, functioning independent from the Credit Union. This Board will oversee the review and approval of all financial support considerations on how funds are distributed for community support based on the needs of Baltimore and Harford County communities and their philanthropic organizations.

Additionally, the Credit Union’s Community Outreach Committee, which oversees all volunteer efforts, will now be a part of the Foundation.

“In the last five years, Freedom Federal Credit Union has supported over 80+ organizations annually with over $1.0M of financial support during that time”, said MacPherson. “The Freedom to Help Foundation will allow us to grow that support in ways we could not even dream before”.

The Freedom to Help Foundation will officially launch this month, and there will be more information to share very soon regarding some great initiatives that are planned for 2023.

About The Freedom to Help Foundation

About Freedom Federal Credit Union

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford and Baltimore County. Additionally, Freedom offers a full-line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in Harford or Baltimore County. Freedom has been in business since 1953 and has six locations throughout Harford and Baltimore County. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.