Maryland’s Guide to Free Food Assistance Programs
Increasing food costs are stretching food budgets for families and individuals, and we're here to help you learn about food assistance programs.
This guide to food programs and community resources can help you with a free hot meal and long-term food assistance through programs like SNAP and WIC or grocery savings programs.
The guide also helps families with school-aged children with additional summer food support, and even seniors.
We have hundreds of organizations willing to help with food in the Community Resource Database. Get started with locating food pantries near you.
What Do Food Pantries Provide?
Food pantries provide temporary assistance, providing free food staples like:
- baby food
- bread
- canned goods
- cereal
- diapers
- infant formula
- pasta
- vegetables
Each pantry has its own eligibility guidelines. There may be limits on how often groceries are available to an individual or family. Also, referrals may be needed from the Department of Social Services.
How do I find free food near me?
Pantries are located in churches, organizations, and other community organizations.
Our 211 Community Resource Database lists local food pantries throughout Maryland, providing the necessary information for eligibility, hours, and contact details for further assistance.
Popular Food Resources
Search the Community Resource Database for nearby organizations that can help with food. These are common searches to get started. Click the button below that fits the need, and then on the results page enter a ZIP code to find nearby locations.
Food Assistance Programs
In Maryland, several food assistance programs are available. These are for long-term help with food costs.
- SUN Bucks - helps families with school-aged children during the summer. Students who get free or reduced-priced lunches qualify.
- Maryland Women, Infants, and Children (Maryland WIC) provides nutritional assistance to pregnant women, new mothers who are breastfeeding, and children up to the age of 5. Learn more about WIC.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income families purchase food. Learn more about SNAP.
Hot Meals
Need a hot meal? Community organizations also provide free meals. These meals are available at soup kitchens and for seniors, at congregate meal sites.
Find a Soup Kitchen
Soup kitchens offer free, hot meals during certain hours. Some serve meals daily, while others serve food weekly or monthly.
Often, individuals can show up and eat without eligibility screening.
Soup kitchens can be anywhere in a community, but often are hosted in churches and other community groups.
Find one nearby. Search by ZIP code in the Community Resource Database.
Senior Meals
Senior centers and other community centers may offer congregate meals for older individuals who live independently but require assistance with meal preparation.
There are also home-delivery programs.
You can find both options in our comprehensive resource database.
Need Something else?
211 has information and referrals for other essential needs. Learn about the assistance programs available for housing, utility assistance, child care, health care, and more!
Free Meals At School
Schools offer free and reduced-cost meals to students through the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program. Check with the child's local school for specific eligibility requirements.
Maryland Summer Meal Sites
During the summer or extended school closures, Maryland schools participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), also known as Summer Meals Program. It’s a federally funded program administered by the state of Maryland to help serve free, healthy meals during summer break.
Summer meal sites can change every year. School districts also know which organizations will hand out the free summer meals for children. The Maryland Meals Site is also available to find a location.
Additionally, students who receive free or reduced meals during the school year may qualify for SUN Bucks.
Find Resources Now
Find community resources for food, health care, housing and more in our database. Search by ZIP code.
Save Money on Groceries
Marylanders can save up to 50% on groceries through the SHARE Food Network. So, the cost is just $22 for $45 worth of basic healthy groceries like protein, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
What is the SHARE Food Network?
The SHARE Food Network is a nonprofit organization that offers healthy, nutritious groceries throughout Maryland, courtesy of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Washington.
They make high-volume purchases, passing on the significant savings to Marylanders.
Who Qualifies?
This program is available to all Marylanders. An application is not required, but the SHARE Food Network asks customers to document at least two hours of service to their community before buying at this discounted rate.
Can you Use Food Stamps?
Yes. EBT cards, which are used for food stamps, are accepted to pay for the package.
If you don't have an EBT card, check to see if you qualify for food stamps to help offset the cost of groceries.
How to buy from SHARE
Every month, a new menu is released, detailing that month's box.
Orders are due by a specific date each month, and distribution is at a set time.
Find a nearby SHARE site to order food.
Dial 211
Talk to a caring and compassionate person 24/7. They can also connect you to resources.
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