LA PLATA, Md. — Governor Wes Moore continued his statewide “Delivering for Maryland” tour in Charles County on Monday, emphasizing the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to combating childhood hunger and restoring the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The day’s events included a visit to the Joseph Manning Fish Hatchery at Cedarville State Forest and a stop at a mobile food distribution site, where the governor delivered remarks on the success of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SUN Bucks) program.
“The work of ‘Delivering for Maryland’ is ensuring that every community across our state has the resources they need to thrive,” said Gov. Moore. “Today in Charles County, we see the direct results of our administration’s investments as we fight childhood hunger and poverty and protect the vital ecosystems that make up our cultural identity and bolster our seafood industries.”
Charles County Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II welcomed the governor and highlighted the partnership between state and local efforts.
“Charles County is proud to welcome Governor Moore and stand with the Moore-Miller Administration in advancing work that protects our natural resources, strengthens our communities, and delivers meaningful results for Maryland families,” Collins said. “From Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and freshwater mussel propagation to efforts that help ensure children have access to nutritious food during the summer months, these investments reflect the kind of forward-looking partnership needed to support families, preserve our waterways, strengthen our economy, and build a healthier, more resilient future for all Marylanders.”
At the Joseph Manning Fish Hatchery, Gov. Moore toured the mobile mussel hatchery and learned about ongoing efforts to promote freshwater mussel propagation in the region. The initiative is part of the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement signed by Gov. Moore and other watershed leaders.
“We’ve had incredible success restoring oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay and thanks to new funding we’ll be developing a new mussel restoration center at the Joseph Manning Hatchery in Charles County,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. “Like oysters, freshwater mussels naturally filter water, prevent erosion, and improve the ecosystem. We’re excited to begin a new chapter of Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts with this major investment in Charles County.”
The Moore-Miller Administration recently announced $31.5 million in grants from the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund for 25 ecological restoration projects across the state. These efforts support Maryland’s tourism, outdoor recreation, and seafood industries.
Later in the day, Gov. Moore visited a local church serving as a mobile food distribution site. He participated in a roundtable with families receiving assistance through the SUN Bucks program and highlighted the initiative’s success.
Through SUN Bucks, Maryland distributed $75 million in direct benefits to more than 630,000 students last year — the largest investment in combating childhood hunger during summer months in state history. The administration is expanding the program this year to continue closing the summer nutrition gap.
“We want every child to have a summer filled with growth, opportunity, and access to nutritious food,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers. “Last year’s historic investment demonstrated Governor Moore’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and placing families first.”
Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Maria V. Navarro also praised the collaboration.
“We know that for a child to learn and grow, they must have access to nutritional food to fuel their bodies and minds,” Navarro said. “Our Lunch on Us and Meals on the Move summer programs ensure children are nourished year-round.”
The governor’s Charles County stop follows recent visits on the Eastern Shore, including Ocean City, Salisbury, and other locations focused on housing, public safety, and workforce development.
