Food Assistance | Community Action Council of Howard County

IMPORTANT CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Howard County Food Bank will be closed for Client Shopping on Tuesday, January 27 and will reopen for Client Shopping on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 1 pm. Please note that during a period following snowstorms, we might have less perishable foods available, including bread, prepared items, and produce. Please contact our main number, 410-313-6185, with any questions. Thank you!

Howard County Food Bank

ADDRESS:
9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J
Columbia, MD 21046
410-313-6185

REGULAR SHOPPING HOURS:
Tuesday: 1 PM – 4 PM walk-ins
Wednesday: 1 PM – 7 PM walk-ins
Thursday: 1 PM – 4 PM walk-ins
Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM appointment only

Our Program Offers

Family-choice shopping like at a grocery store
Fresh produce and dairy options
Frozen meats and other proteins
Fresh breads and baked goods
Shelf-stable canned and boxed foods
Feminine hygiene products and other health and beauty products
Diapers, wipes, baby formula, and food
Allergy-friendly foods
Access to shop twice a month at the Howard County Food Bank
Access to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Access to energy, housing, and early childhood education through Head Start and Prekindergarten programming

All shopping items listed above are based on donations. Certain items and supplies may be limited.

Please Follow Instructions Carefully. Applying is a 2-Step Process. To Apply and Verify Eligibility, You Will Need the Following:

Attention: Effective January 1st, 2024, you must provide all documents listed below for eligibility verification BEFORE you can receive services at the Food Bank.

Picture Identification (driver’s license, passport or other government issued ID)
Proof of Howard County residency (copy of utility bill, rental agreement or lease document)
Proof of income for the past 30-days for all members of your household over the age of 18 (paystubs or social security award letter or unemployment benefits or bank statements)

Will you be able to provide all the documentation listed above?

Yes
No