Prior to our 2022 renovation and expansion, Community Assistance Network distributed pre-packed food boxes. Today, the Community Choice Pantry allows individuals and families that live in Baltimore County to shop with dignity by selecting their own food in a grocery store–style setting. This model empowers neighbors to choose items their families will eat while considering cultural and religious preferences, dietary restrictions, and chronic health conditions.
The Community Choice Pantry provides a one-week supply of healthy food to income-eligible Baltimore County residents, based on USDA food pyramid guidelines. Food is distributed according to household size (1-6+) to ensure families receive an appropriate amount. Neighbors may also receive pet food, household items, hygiene products, and clothing. Item selection may vary based on donations and available inventory. If you have additional needs, please let the pantry staff know, and we will do our best to assist.
Please bring your own bags and grocery carts. CAN grocery carts must remain on site and cannot be used to transport your groceries home.
You must sign in by 10:45am or 2:45pm respectively to receive services. We reserve the right to close early if we reach capacity for the day.
We strongly encourage you to follow the Community Assistance Network on Facebook and pay close attention to our announcement screen in the lobby as we post valuable information regarding events, closings, and alternative pantry operation hours. The information posted on our Facebook page is up to date and can prevent you from coming to the pantry on a day we are closed or observing alternative distribution hours.
2026 Holiday Closings
January 1, 2026
Martin Luther King Day - January 19, 2026
President's Day - February 16, 2026
Memorial Day - May 25, 2026
Juneteenth - June 19, 2026
Labor Day - September 7, 2026
Indigenous People's Day - October 12, 2026
Veteran's Day - November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving Holiday - November 25, 2026 through November 27, 2026
Christmas Holiday - December 25, 2026 through 12/25/2026
New Year Holiday- December 30, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Inclement Weather Delays and Closings
The CAN Pantry follows Baltimore County Schools for ALL closings and delays. If Baltimore County schools are closed due to inclement weather, the pantry will be closed. If Baltimore County Schools are late due to inclement weather, the CAN pantry and main office will open late. Please be advised that there may be inclement weather situations during which county schools do not close or delay, but CAN will. We strongly advise you to call 410-285-4674 or visit our Facebook page (Community Assistance Network) for up-to-date information regarding inclement weather delays or closings before traveling to the Community Choice Pantry.
When we delay opening for inclement weather, the Community Choice Pantry will open at 11 am and we will service neighbors until 2:45 pm.
Meet Our Team
Dedicated Pantry Staff
Carla Schroyer
Director of Community Choice Pantry Services
My Why: For me, work has to be connected to a greater purpose. I am deeply passionate about helping people and truly believe the work I do makes a difference in others' lives, the community & world.
Jason Watson
Community Choice Pantry Manager
My Why: It gives me great pleasure to serve our neighbors. This is very close to where I grew up. I dealt with some of these same problems that still affect our community!
Joi Weeden
Community Choice Pantry Assistant Manager
My Why: I genuinely enjoy working at CAN because, from a young age, I was inspired by my grandfather's example of helping others in our community. I take pride in contributing to meaningful outcomes that truly make a difference. My workplace is more than just a job; it is a thriving community where I belong.
Daniel Newton
Grocery Delivery Program Coordinator
My Why: I have been with CAN for 18 months now. Initially with the CAN Stands Ready Program for the Key Bridge disaster, I am now the Program Coordinator for the Grocery Delivery Programs throughout Baltimore County. Having come from another local non-profit, I feel the need to help our community neighbors in need. We have expanded the delivery program to include partnerships with BCPL Randallstown as well as a housing complex in Reisterstown. I am a single father to 3 and a grandfather of 2 I find it very fulfilling to help our neighbors in need and will go above and beyond to ensure that everyone who reaches out for the delivery program is served to the best of my ability. I look forward to continued expansion of the program as well as building other community partnerships that will benefit our neighbors.
Thomas Hofferbert
Community Choice Pantry Driver
My Why: I love my job and I love knowing that all of the hard work we do is actively helping families and individuals in our community. This job we do is truly special.
Notices
-
To ensure that everyone can shop comfortably and efficiently, only ONE adult per family is allowed to shop in the pantry.
-
While you are welcome to bring your children, the wait time to shop can be lengthy.
-
All dependent children over the age of 12 will be asked to wait in the lobby while you shop.
We appreciate your understanding as we strive to provide you with exceptional service.