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.
Brian Safe Haven
74 Frederick St., Taneytown, MD 21787
Brunswick Food Bank
601 East Potomac St., Brunswick, MD 21716
brunswickbeacon.org/food-bank/
Emergency Pet Food Bank at Frederick County Humane Society
1786 N. Market St., Frederick, MD
Emmitsburg Food Bank
130 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727
emmitsburgmd.gov/community_outreach/food_bank/index.php
Evangelical Lutheran Church Backpack Ministry
35 East Church St., Frederick, MD 21701
Frederick Rescue Mission
419 West South St., Frederick, MD 21701
therescuemission.org/programs/food-distribution-center/
Glade Valley Food Bank
21 West Frederick St., Walkersville, MD 21793
Hope 4 Kids
9411 Baltimore Road, Frederick, MD 21704
Jefferson Food Bank
3864 Jefferson Pike, Jefferson, MD 21755
Maryland Food Bank
Locations throughout Maryland
Currently providing free groceries to federal employees affected by the government shutdown
Middletown Valley Food Bank
301 W Main St., Middletown, MD 21769
St. Vincent de Paul Society
114 E Second St., Frederick MD 21701
Thurmont Food Bank
10 Frederick Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
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/
