A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Ellicott City, Maryland distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around Ellicott City, Maryland from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 6 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Ellicott City, Maryland which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 655-9399 to book your appointment.
Address :
8715 Liberty Rd,
Randallstown, MD 21133.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Baltimore
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 776-4888 to book your appointment.
Address :
10350 Guilford Rd,
Jessup, MD 20701.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Howard
The Salvation Army Store & Donation Center
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 881-1060 to book your appointment.
Address :
1590 Rockville Pike,
Rockville, MD 20852.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Montgomery
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 776-4888 to book your appointment.
Address :
,
Savage, MD .
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Howard County
The Salvation Army - Howard County Service Center & Family Store
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (443) 656-3376 to book your appointment.
Address :
3267 Pine Orchard Ln,
Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Howard
The Salvation Army - Laurel, NE: Service Extension
Services provided :
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Seasonal Services
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 898-5942 to book your appointment.
Address :
,
Laurel, MD .
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Prince George's County
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Ellicott City, Maryland have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 6 Church Food Pantry locations in Ellicott City, Maryland which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Heritage Community Church Bread Pantry
Heritage Community Church Bread Pantry is devoted to nurturing love for Jehovah God, love for self, and love for others by helping and serving others in need of physical and spiritual food.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 551-8500 to book your appointment.
Address :
8146 Quarterfield Rd,
Severn, MD 21144.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Severn
Help Residents of Counties:
- Anne Arundel
Severn Christian Church Food Pantry
If we want to transition from 'churchianity' to 'Christianity' we must not only restore Biblical doctrine but also restore Biblical community. From the very beginning the early church made sure that everyone had the basic necessities of life (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). We here at SCC want it said of us that 'there is not a needy one among them'. The Food Pantry is a way that we can share, have all things in common, take care of each other and give something back. We invite everyone to give or receive from our pantry as we continue to grow as a family of God.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 969-0384 to book your appointment.
Address :
8132 New Cut Rd,
Severn, MD 21144.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Severn
Help Residents of Counties:
- Anne Arundel
Wesley Freedom United Methodist Church - South Carroll Food Pantry
Wesley Freedom recently launched the South Carroll Food Pantry, offering groceries to families one Saturday per month out of the fellowship hall. Registration is from 8:30-11:30am. Food Distribution is from 9:00-11:30am. Wesley Freedom Fellowship Hall, Use North Entrance B.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 795-2777 to book your appointment.
Address :
961 Johnsville Rd,
Sykesville, MD 21784.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Sykesville
Help Residents of Counties:
- Carroll
Laurel Church of Christ Food Pantry
Our mission is to collect foodstuffs, provide those items to families and individuals in need, and pray and study with those individuals who are willing. This ministry is not only a great catalyst by which the gospel can be presented but an amazing initiative to connect one-on-one with those in our community between the beltways of Baltimore and D.C. We have an ongoing need for food and supplies for the food pantry. We have a “Pack the Pulpit†effort on the second Sunday of each month but you are welcome to bring food any time. Hours of Operation: Monday: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 490-0777 to book your appointment.
Address :
7111 Cherry Ln,
Laurel, MD 20707.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Laurel
Help Residents of Counties:
- Prince George's
Mount Zion United Methodist Church - Open Door Food Pantry
The Open Doors Food Pantry opened on July 20th 2013, and on July 19th 2014, we will celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary! It has not been an easy year, and we all learn from our mistakes. Pam Gebhardtsbauer, Debbie Burgio, and I took a huge leap of faith and pushed toward getting a food pantry started at our church, which is something that was never dreamed of as be-ing needed in Highland, MD. The first month we opened, we had 7 families that were in need of food. In April we had a record number of families show up for food 40 families. We've now partnered with the MD Food Bank, Panera Bread in the Columbia Mall, McDonalds in Clarksville, Dunkin Donuts in Clarksville and Atholton High School's Feed The Future Service Club. We no longer have to depend upon you to pro-vide all the food for the clients, or the coupons. Since we partnered with the MD Food Bank a few years ago, we can buy food for as little as 17 cents per pound. All donations and volunteers are geatly appreciated! Thank you all!
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 854-2324 to book your appointment.
Address :
12430 Scaggsville Rd,
Highland, MD 20777.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Highland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Howard
Church of the Resurrection Food Pantry
Resurrection parishioners generously donate food on a regular basis to help our Parish maintain a Food Pantry which is held in the Parish Life Center. People in need of food who live in the following zip code areas: 20866, 20868, 20903, 20904, 20905 may call the Parish Life Center (301-236-5200) during office hours (8:00am to 4:00pm; Monday through Friday) to request 2 bags of food. Pick-up for the nonperishable food is on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00am and 4:00pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 236-5200 to book your appointment.
Address :
3315 Greencastle Rd,
Burtonsville, MD 20866.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Burtonsville
Help Residents of Counties:
- Montgomery
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Ellicott City, Maryland are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Ellicott City, Maryland which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Ellicott City, Maryland almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Ellicott City, Maryland which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Ellicott City, Maryland in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2024
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Ellicott City, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Ellicott City, Maryland much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Ellicott City, Maryland which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Ellicott City, Maryland area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 11 Food Pantry locations in Ellicott City, Maryland which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Harvest House Community Development Corp.
Our program proudly serves individuals that need additional food during the month. Please contact us at the number listed to obtain hours.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (703) 407-3451 to book your appointment.
Address :
4100 Hunt Rd,
Fairfax, VA 22032.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Frederick
- Montgomery
- District Of Columbia
- Calvert
- Charles
- Prince Georges
- Alexandria City
- Arlington
- Clarke
- Culpeper
- Fairfax
- Fairfax City
- Falls Church City
- Fauquier
- Frederick
- Fredericksburg City
- Loudoun
- Manassas City
- Manassas Park City
- Prince William
- Rappahannock
- Spotsylvania
- Stafford
- Warren
- Anne Arundel
- Baltimore
- Baltimore City
- Carroll
- Harford
- Howard
- Queen Annes
- Washington
- Berkeley
- Frederick
- Winchester City
- Hampshire
- Dorchester
- Saint Marys
- Talbot
Lighthouse Ministries International Inc
Community & Outreach Programs provides food, clothing, housing counseling and benevolence for qualifying residents of Prince Georges County, Montgomery County, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Programs include bread of life food bank distribution program, go missions & outreach to international and national communities in need, back to school supplies distribution and sharing Christmas joy.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- housing advice
- clothing
- supplies for school
- relief for caregivers
- meals
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (443) 574-5464 to book your appointment.
Address :
10727 Tucker St,
Beltsville, MD 20705.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Montgomery
- Prince Georges
- Washington
- District Of Columbia
Annandale United Methodist
Annandale UMC is a community of faith that believes in the core values of Christianity of doing no harm, doing well and staying in love with God. What this means is that we offer radical hospitality, we commit ourselves to intentional growth in our personal and corporate discipleship, and we offer ourselves unreservedly to the community and the world in mission.
The Mission Center provides food to neighbors in need every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please bring an ID with you if you have one. No one will be turned away if food is available.
Please come to the Mission Center to pick up food or if you have questions, please contact Betsy Clevenger at 703-425-6424.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (703) 256-8330 to book your appointment.
Address :
6935 Columbia Pike,
Annandale, VA 22003.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM EST
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM EST
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM EST
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Anne Arundel
- Baltimore
- Baltimore City
- Calvert
- Carroll
- Charles
- Frederick
- Harford
- Howard
- Montgomery
- Prince Georges
- Queen Annes
- Washington
- Alexandria City
- Arlington
- Clarke
- Culpeper
- Fairfax
- Fairfax City
- Fauquier
- Fredericksburg City
- King George
- Loudoun
- Manassas City
- Manassas Park City
- Prince William
- Spotsylvania
- Stafford
- Warren
- Berkeley
- Jefferson
- District Of Columbia
Emory United Methodist Food Pantry
The Emory United Methodist Food Pantry has grown into a community-wide effort helping to feed hundreds of individuals and families across Howard County. Thorugh God's grace, countless food and personal care items have been distributed! It has been an amazing blessing to see the many ways God is providing for this ministry, and how people’s lives our being transformed by the love of Christ.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 465-6162 to book your appointment.
Address :
3799 Church Rd,
Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Ellicott City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Howard
Bridgeway Community Cupboard
Bridgeway Community Cupboard is an outreach ministry of Bridgeway Community Church. We support families in our church and community by providing fresh non-perishable food and ministering to spiritual needs. We are open on Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm, Saturdays 10am – 11am, and for 30 minutes after each Sunday service, for non-perishable food pickup.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (443) 283-7260 to book your appointment.
Address :
9189 Red Branch Rd,
Columbia, MD 21045.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Columbia
Help Residents of Counties:
- Howard
Generosity Global
Generosity Global is a Nonprofit organization in Baltimore that helps homeless and needy people by giving them clean water, shelter, clothes, etc. Our focus started in 2010 and we have fed and loved on over 30,000 homeless men, women, and children during 117 consecutive months of serving. Show your love and care to homeless people.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 701-0381 to book your appointment.
Address :
6751 Columbia Gateway Dr Ste 315,
Columbia, MD 21046.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Columbia
Help Residents of Counties:
- Howard
Calvary Chapel Food Mininstry
CALVARY CHAPEL FOOD MININSTRY distributes food to our community every Tuesday night at 5:30pm. Here's what you need to know: You do not need to be a church member to receive food, but we would love to have you join our family! There is no cost to you. You may arrive at 4:00pm on Tuesday. At 4:30, we open the sanctuary doors so that you may come in. 4:30pm begins what we call "The Gathering". This is an optional service that includes music, prayer for those in need, and a short encouraging Word. You will always be loved and respected as we feel privileged to have you with us! At 5:30pm, we will open the doors for the food distribution at the "Barn" at the end of our property. The food distribution will run from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 969-5100 to book your appointment.
Address :
8064 New Cut Rd,
Severn, MD 21144.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Severn
Help Residents of Counties:
- Anne Arundel
CEFM Network Inc.
CEFM Network, Inc. began as a food pantry in the mid-1980s. When many churches became involved with the pantry, the organization grew from its humble, one-room ministry and was incorporated as the Catonsville Emergency Food Ministries, Inc. As the years have gone by, our mission has changed with the addition of other types of assistance. Today, many types of emergency assistance are available, including: food; eviction prevention; medical help; utility cut-off prevention …and more are planned for the future. CEFM Network, Inc. supports fair housing.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (410) 747-4357 to book your appointment.
Address :
25 Bloomsbury Ave,
Catonsville, MD 21228.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Catonsville
Help Residents of Counties:
- Baltimore
FISH of Laurel, Inc. Elizabeth House
Seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, the volunteers in the Elizabeth House kitchen prepare and serve a hot meal to our homeless clients. Meal preparation crews of about 3 to 5 people prepare a meal and make bag lunches. Serving crews of about 4 to 6 people serve the clients and clean up the kitchen, bathroom and dining areas at the end of the evening. About forty-five people arrive for dinner every evening around 6:00 pm and most will pick up a bag lunch on their way out. Sometimes a generous donor will have previously dropped off travel-size toiletries that the volunteers put into a grab basket on the sign-in desk.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 262-7106 to book your appointment.
Address :
308 Gorman Ave,
Laurel, MD 20707.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Laurel
Help Residents of Counties:
- Prince George's
Oaklands Emergency Food Pantry
The Oaklands Emergency Food Pantry has provided non-perishable food to Laurel residents in need since 1990. Recipients that meet Government eligibility requirements are referred to Oaklands by LARS. The food is provided by the Federal Government, the State of Maryland, and donations from our congregation and local community. Oaklands planted an onsite garden to supply fresh produce to the food pantry including tomatoes, squash, peppers, and green beans. Although we have Government and state assistance, donations are always needed to meet the demand. A collection basket is located in the narthex. Monetary donations are graciously accepted if you would prefer that our food pantry committee purchase the most critically needed items. Checks for the food pantry can either be placed in the offering plate or given to the office with “food pantry†noted in the check memo.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 776-5833 to book your appointment.
Address :
14301 Laurel Bowie Rd,
Laurel, MD 20708.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Laurel
Help Residents of Counties:
- Prince George's
Julie’s Food Pantry
Julie's Food Pantry seeks to eradicate poverty by empowering families and individuals with services that enhance individual and social responsibility, promote education and affirm positive environments.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (301) 915-7991 to book your appointment.
Address :
18210 Contour Rd # 80,
Montgomery Village, MD 20877.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Montgomery Village
Help Residents of Counties:
- Montgomery
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Ellicott City, Maryland
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.