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.
Anne Arundel County Food Bank
120 Marbury Dr., Crownsville, MD 21032
Bmore Community Fridge Network
Locations throughout Maryland
instagram.com/bmorecommunityfridgenetwork
Community Harvest Network
6021 Solomons Island Road, Huntingtown, MD 20639
Discoveries Community Pantry
2550 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
Located in Discoveries: the Library at the Mall
aacpl.net/services/discoveries/pantry
Harundale Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
1020 East Way, Glen Burnie, MD 21060
harundalepc.org/serving/feeding-the-hungry/
Ladies of Charity Calvert County
8823 Dayton Ave., North Beach, MD 20714
ladiesofcharitycalvertcounty.org
Little Free Pantries
Locations throughout Anne Arundel County
Love Wins Pantry
8187 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD 21144
lovewinsmovement.org/foodpantry
Maryland Food Bank
Locations throughout Maryland
Currently providing free groceries to federal employees affected by the government shutdown
Millington-Crumpton Food Pantry of Asbury UMC
392 Cypress St., Millington, MD 21651
millingtoncrumptonfoodpantry.org
My Brother’s Pantry
301 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD
Serving People Across Neighborhoods (SPAN) Food Pantry
400 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
SMILE Food Pantry
10290 H G Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
29533 Canvasback Dr., Easton MD 21601
South Community Assistance Network (SCAN) Food Pantry
5757 Solomons Island Road, Lothian, MD 20711
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/
