Post date: Dec 30, 2010 6:7:20 PM
Though Maryland is the wealthiest state in the country, 11.1 percent, or one in nine households faces a constant struggle against hunger.
Many of the people that need food assistance in our community are families, senior citizens on a fixed budget, people who have mental or physical disabilities, people going through a temporary crisis, and the working poor.
The weakened economy, increased unemploy-ment rate, and high costs of living in Howard County make it difficult for many to afford their basic needs. Many children go without meals. Adults struggling with low wages wonder if they have enough food to last the week. Seniors must choose between paying for food or medicine.
We are extremely fortunate that Howard County has government and non-government agencies that serve people struggling to find enough to eat. Included below is a list of resources that are available to Maryland residents free of charge.
If you, or someone you know, needs food assistance please do not hesitate to contact one of the agencies below for help. Several programs also offer financial aid to cover rent, utilities, and other necessities. Help is available; all you must do is ask for it.
Local Food Banks & Resources
Harper House Drop-In Food Pantry
(at the corner of Harper’s Farm Road & Cedar Lane, tall apartment building)
Hours: 3rd Saturday of every month, 10 AM – 1 PM. Just show up and ask for the food pantry.
FISH of Howard County: 410-964-8660
FISH delivers food to clients at their home.
Salvation Army of Columbia: 443-656-3376
9107 Red Branch Road, Columbia
(off Route 108, on yellow bus line)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-1:00 for lunch). Will provide up to 3 days of food (3 meals/day)
Food Stamps/Howard Cty Dept of Social Services
410-872-8700
7121 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia
Apply in person at the office or online at: https://www.marylandsail.org/
Howard County Food Bank: 410-313-6185
8920 Route 108, Suite A, Columbia
(at Red Branch Road, yellow bus line)
Hours for Distribution: Mon. 1:00-6:00 p.m.; Tues. & Thurs. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Need photo ID, and Social Security Cards for all members of the family.
Community Action Council: 410-313-6440
MULTISERVICE CENTER
9900 Washington Boulevard (Route 1), Laurel
Hours: Monday thru Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Provides food assistance, energy bill assistance, help to pay rent, and will connect you with other services within Howard County.
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center
24 hour crisis hotline: 410-531-6677
6700 Freetown Road , Columbia
(near Giant at Hickory Ridge)
Walk-in counseling services available 24 hours a day
You may be fortunate and never need any of these services. If you are able, please consider donating to a local food pantry, soup kitchen, or food bank. Each dollar donated to the Howard County Food Bank provides three meals for a person in need.