Where to Give and Get Help
Thanksgiving is about sharing what we have, and this year, that sense of community feels especially important. With the recent government shutdown and disruptions to food assistance programs, many Anne Arundel County families are feeling an extra squeeze at the grocery store.
If you’re looking for a way to help, or if you need a little help yourself, these local organizations are here to make sure everyone has a meal to be thankful for. Many of these programs collect donations specifically for Thanksgiving, but they also operate food pantries and meal programs all year long.
Anne Arundel County Food Bank (Crownsville)
120 Marbury Drive, Crownsville
As the county’s central hub for hunger relief, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank distributes meals to dozens of pantries and partners throughout the area. They accept nonperishable food and monetary donations for their Thanksgiving distribution, but their impact goes far beyond the holidays. Just last week, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank received $500,000 in emergency funds to pay for food distributions for county residents impacted by the federal government shutdown and the delay of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Need help? Visit their website to find a nearby pantry or mobile food distribution site.
Give help: Donate weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., or contribute online.
Anne Arundel County Holiday Sharing Program
Countywide
Coordinated by the Department of Social Services, the Holiday Sharing Program matches local donors with families and seniors who need Thanksgiving meals. Donors can choose to assemble and deliver food baskets or make a monetary contribution so the county can provide grocery gift cards.
Need help? Families who qualify for SNAP or WIC can register through the Department of Social Services for Thanksgiving meal support. Email community.programs@maryland.gov for additional information.
Give help: Individuals, families, or groups can sign up online to “adopt” a family for Thanksgiving.
Asbury Church Assistance Network (ACAN) – Severna Park
429 Asbury Drive, Severna Park
ACAN’s Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway provides complete holiday meals, turkey and all the fixins, to local families. Donations of sides, mixes, and gift cards are accepted through late November.
Year-round: ACAN operates a food pantry open several days a week, serving hundreds of families each month.
Need help? Call ahead or check their site for pantry hours and registration information.
Caring Cupboard LLC – School and Community Pantries
Countywide
While not a Thanksgiving-specific drive, Caring Cupboard plays a critical role in fighting everyday food insecurity across Anne Arundel County. The organization stocks in-school pantries and the Little Free Pantries found at many county public libraries. They rely entirely on donations from community members and local partners to keep shelves filled. For families facing food insecurity, especially those with children, these discreet, accessible pantries provide a reliable safety net throughout the year.
Need help? Visit your local Anne Arundel County library to find a Little Free Pantry stocked with grab-and-go food and hygiene items.
Give help: Drop off nonperishables, single-serve snacks, and hygiene products at participating libraries or donate directly through their Facebook page.
Happy Helpers for the Homeless (Glen Burnie & Pasadena)
Various locations
Every Thanksgiving morning, volunteers with Happy Helpers host a Thanksgiving Day Giveaway, distributing hot meals, groceries, and essentials to hundreds of community members.
Need help? Arrive early on Thanksgiving Day at their Glen Burnie distribution site or check their site for ongoing weekend meals.
Give help: Volunteer or donate items from their requested list before the holiday.
The Light House – Annapolis
10 Hudson Street, Annapolis
Known for its compassionate work with individuals experiencing homelessness, The Light House runs a Holiday Table Meal Drive that provides holiday meals to local households. Their pantry and community kitchen also serve people year-round. Fresh produce, eggs, and dairy products are urgently needed, as well as monetary donations.
Need help? Visit their website or stop by their resource center for meals, case management, or pantry support.
Give help: Donate canned goods, grocery gift cards, or volunteer time.
Serving People Across Neighborhoods (SPAN) – Severna Park
400 Benfield Road, Severna Park
SPAN operates one of the region’s best-known emergency food pantries, offering holiday support and daily food assistance to local families.
Need help? Residents of Severna Park, Millersville, and Arnold can request assistance confidentially online.
Give help: Donations of canned goods, shelf-stable meals, and household essentials are welcome all year.
Additional Spaces to Find Food Assistance Year-Round
Food insecurity doesn’t end after the holidays. These local organizations offer ongoing meal support, pantry access, or grocery assistance programs throughout the year:
- Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold) – The campus food pantry provides groceries and household essentials for students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. Donations are accepted through AACC’s Student Engagement office.
- Heritage Baptist Church (Annapolis) – Weekly pantry serving local families; check for pantry hours and donation needs.
- Y Fresh Mart (Pasadena) – A healthy food market at the Y in Pasadena, offering free and low-cost produce, pantry staples, and frozen meals for community members in need.
A Season for Sharing
This Thanksgiving, community support means more than just a meal. It’s a reminder that no one in Anne Arundel County has to face hunger alone. Whether you’re giving or receiving, these local organizations prove that kindness is one thing we’ll never run out of.
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