A national nonprofit group is working with the state of Maryland to enroll more needy children in federal nutrition programs.

During an appearance Monday in Baltimore with Gov. Martin O'Malley, representatives of Share Our Strength said they hope to make Maryland the first state to end childhood hunger within its borders.

The group wants to boost efforts to enroll children in school breakfast and lunch programs and the federal food stamp program.

O'Malley said in a statement that it is inexcusable that more than 184,000 children in Maryland don't have ready or reliable access to the food they need.

Under the initiative, 73 new licensed facilities participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program would be added statewide, providing daily meals and snacks.