Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will run out of money on Dec. 1, leaving SNAP benefits in flux for the foreseeable future. More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to pay for their groceries, and many families are now struggling to figure out how to feed themselves without the program.
Many families have turned to food banks to get them through the government shutdown. Whether you rely on SNAP or want to financially help people who do, these local food banks are worth looking into.
Angels Helping Angels
1401 N Milton Ave., Baltimore, MD 21213
Baltimore Hunger Project
9596 Deereco Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Baltimore Keychain Library
3500 Elm Ave., Elkridge, MD 21075
instagram.com/bmorekeychainlibrary/
Bmore Community Fridge Network
Locations throughout Maryland
instagram.com/bmorecommunityfridgenetwork
CAN Community Choice Pantry
7900 Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21224
City of Refuge Baltimore
3501 7th St., Baltimore MD 21225
“Food is a Human Right” Food Drive at Oleum
701 S Bond St., Baltimore, MD 21231
This Baltimore vegan restaurant is currently holding a food drive. Anyone who needs supplies can pick them up on Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
7901 Bradshaw Road, Upper Falls, MD 21156
salemunited.org/helping-hands-food-pantry
Macedonia Project
5401 Frankford Ave., Baltimore, MD 21206
newcreation-md.org/macedonia-project/
Maryland Food Bank
Locations throughout Maryland
Currently providing free groceries to federal employees affected by the government shutdown
New Life Pantry
2401 East North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21213
Paul’s Place
1118 Ward St., Baltimore MD 21230
Pratt Free Market
3601 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21224
prattlibrary.org/about-us/diversity-equity-inclusion/dei-projects/pratt-free-market
So What Else
Locations in Baltimore, Montgomery County and Washington, D.C.
sowhatelse.org/food-rescue-bank/
Y Fresh Mart
Locations throughout Maryland
ymaryland.org/mission/aboutus/accesshealthyfood
What do food banks need?
If you’re looking to contribute to your local food bank, consider donating these in-demand items.
- Money—this may seem obvious, but many food banks receive discounts from local stores. Monetary donations also ensure that they can buy specific food items they need.
- Canned proteins (beans, chicken, tuna, etc.)
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Herbs and spices
- Rice
- Peanut butter
- Shelf-stable milk
- Baby food and formula
- Applesauce
- Tea and coffee
- Basic cooking ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.)
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, etc.)
- Pet food (pets need to eat, too!)
For more Maryland food resources, visit 211md.org/resources/food/
