Baltimore County Expands Grocery Drive-and-Go Distribution During COVID-19 Pandemic

March 26, 2020

County will Provide Food-Insecure Residents with Groceries through Partnerships with Keany Produce and Gourmet, Maryland Food Bank, and Others

Baltimore County today announced plans to expand grocery distribution to food insecure families by distributing boxes of groceries at 11 sites around the County on Saturday, March 28, for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The distribution will include various grocery items, including fresh produce supplied by Maryland-based Keany Produce & Gourmet, bread from H&S Bakery, and other items from the Maryland Food Bank.

"As we continue to respond to this rapidly evolving situation, we are doing whatever we can to ensure residents can access fundamental necessities-especially food," Olszewski said. "We are so thankful for the partnership of Keany Produce, H&S Bakery, the Maryland Food Bank, and all our partners to help provide food security for Baltimore County families during this challenging time."

Last weekend, the Maryland Food Bank provided boxes of groceries and Keany Produce donated 360 boxes of produce to support weekend meal distribution coordinated by Baltimore County Government at nine sites around the County.

This week, Baltimore County will purchase 1,100 boxes of produce from Keany to distribute to food insecure residents.

Locations

Distribution will expand to cover 11 sites:

  • Arbutus Community Center 
    865 Sulphur Spring Road, Halethorpe, Maryland 21227
  • Cockeysville PAL Center
    9836 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, Maryland 21030
  • Dundalk PAL Center
    15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222
  • Hillendale PAL Center
    1111 Halstead Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21234
  • Mars Estates PAL Center
    1498 East Homberg Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21221
  • Scotts Branch PAL Center
    3651 Rolling Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
  • Shady Spring PAL Center
    8876 Goldenwood Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21237
  • Winfield PAL Center
    8304 Carlson Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21244
  • Woodmoor PAL Center
    7111 Croydon Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21207
  • Hereford Senior Center
    510 Monkton Road, Monkton, Maryland 21111
  • Reisterstown Senior Center
    12035 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown, Maryland 21136

In addition to fresh produce, such as apples, oranges, pears, bananas, broccoli florets, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions, the County will be distributing bread and other grocery items. Groceries will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Food Distribution Efforts

The County continues to work with various vendors and partners to ensure future availability of groceries throughout the pandemic. Residents should check the County's Food Resources page regularly for updates.

The goal of this distribution is to offer sustained meals and fresh produce for food insecure families who may be struggling during this difficult time.

Food insecure residents can find the location nearest them using Baltimore County's Food Distribution Sites Map(link is external).

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to support food access during this global pandemic.

Department of Recreation and Parks Providing Meals

The Department of Recreation and Parks is offering limited meal distribution through the Maryland Food Bank and Healthy Food Access St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. The Department is offering take-away meals from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Meals are distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Food Distribution Sites Map 

Baltimore County has released the Food Distribution Sites Map(link is external) providing information about food pantries and locations offering free meals throughout the County. It includes locations operated by both the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks PAL centers and Baltimore County Public Schools. Users can search for locations closest to where they live. The map will be updated as additional food resources become available for youth, seniors and other populations.

BaltCo To-Go Map

The County has unveiled the BaltCo To-Go Map(link is external), allowing restaurants to self-report whether they are offering carryout and delivery services. Restaurant operators can share their location and what services they are providing, and the data collected will populate an interactive online map that residents can search. Establishments that want to share their information can use an online form(link is external).

Baltimore County Public Schools Student Meals

Baltimore County Public Schools is continuing to provide BCPS students with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at locations across Baltimore County. Students must be present to receive meals in the parking lots of the locations identified below on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the latest information, please visit the BCPS Coronavirus Updates page(link is external).

Contact

Residents with questions or who need assistance with food access can call 410-887-2594 or email food@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Seniors, or individuals contacting us on behalf of a senior with food access needs, can call 410-887-2594 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.

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