Community Assistance Network’s Community Choice Pantry provides a one-week supplement of healthy food to low- income-eligible, Baltimore County residents based on USDA food pyramid guidelines. Food is distributed to our neighbors based on household size. Larger families can expect to receive a supplement that adequately addresses the needs of their family. Please be advised that items may vary depending on donations received and available inventory.
The CAN Community Choice Pantry works diligently to secure donations of pet food, household and hygiene products. These items are available to our neighbors as supplies last. If there is anything else you need, please pantry staff know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request when possible.
The Choice Pantry Model
Prior to our renovation and expansion in 2022 volunteers previously pre-packed and distributed boxes of food and bags of meat to our neighbors in need. We now invite individuals and families to shop with dignity and the right to make their own choices in our Community Choice Pantry. The choice model allows neighbors to shop in our newly renovated pantry which resembles a grocery store and to choose items that their family will eat while taking religious, and cultural preferences as well as dietary restrictions and chronic health conditions into account.
Documents Needed for Community Choice Pantry Assistance
Primary household member, aged 18 and over, must be present with the following documents:
1. Current State ID or Picture ID with a current Baltimore County address
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Proof of replacement ID/DL accepted
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Some other forms of ID accepted (Jail Release, Hospital, School)
2. Income information for ALL household members
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SSI, SSDI, TCA, Section 8, Paystubs for last 30 days, child support, unemployment, or pension
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If you do not have a source of income, will need to sign a No Income Verification Letter to support lack of income
3. Verification of Address
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You MUST be a Baltimore County resident
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Provide at least ONE of the following: Deed, current lease, current BGE bill, or other current document with your name and address
*Your lease will be verified. We will only accept typed, legitimate leases for properties that are registered in Maryland as rental properties.
*If you are living with another household member who also utilizes pantry services, they will need to add you as a household member.
4. Authorized Power of Attorney or Proxy notarized letter along with signed HMIS consent form (if applicable)
5. For EACH dependent child (younger than 18 years old) you must provide ONE of the following:
· Birth certificate that shows you are the natural parent of the child
· Copy of a school registration form
· Court order that gives you custody or guardianship of the child you want to add
6. All additional household members 18 and over that would like to receive pantry services at the same address as the head of household MUST provide the same information as the head of household (ID, income, address verification, power of attorney or proxy letter)
CAN's Community Choice Pantry is here to serve and assist you. Director of Community Choice Pantry Services, Carla Schroyer, at 410-285-4674 ext. 112 or cschroyer@canconnects.org
2024 Holiday Closings and Hours
New Year's Day-Monday, January 1, 2024 CLOSED
Martin Luther King Day - January 15, 2024 CLOSED
President's Day - February 19, 2024 CLOSED
Memorial Day - May 27, 2024 CLOSED
Juneteenth - June 19,2024 CLOSED
Independence Day - July 4, 2024 CLOSED
Labor Day - September 2, 2024 CLOSED
Indigenous People's Day - October 14, 2024 CLOSED
Veteran's Day - November 11, 2024 CLOSED
Day Before Thanksgiving- November 27, 2024 (Open 9 am- 12 pm ONLY)
Thanksgiving Day - November 28, 2024 CLOSED
Day After Thanksgiving - November 29, 2024 CLOSED
Day Before Christmas-December 24, 2024 (Open 9 am-12 pm ONLY)
Christmas Day - December 25, 2024 CLOSED
Inclement Weather Delays and Closings
The CAN Pantry follows the Baltimore County Government for ALL closings and delays. If the Baltimore County Government is closed due to inclement weather, the pantry and CAN main office will be closed. If Baltimore County is 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 the county does 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.