12-19-2023 7:56pm

County Releases New

Jeff Barto Editor

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County today released a new web tool displaying community partner food distribution sites across the County.

Developed by Baltimore County’s BCSTAT team, the Food Pantry Locator web tool includes detailed information community food access locations and residents may enter an address, or press "Use my location" and adjust the distance slider to view food pantries near them and select a pantry's entry in the list to view more information, including contact information, hours of operation, and special instructions.

“Government has a responsibility to do all it can support our residents and connect them with vital resources they need. With Baltimore County's new food pantry locator tool, we continue to make access to food resources more accessible for residents and families across our jurisdiction,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Together, we will continue to come together to expand food security, combat hunger, and support our neighbors in need.”

"This interactive map will be so useful in helping people find food sources in their areas, as well as information about hours and services provided. The map and data will also be useful in determining which areas of the County would benefit from additional food resources,” said Dr. Laurie Taylor-Mitchell, Founder of the Student Support Network. “We are deeply grateful to Baltimore County’s BCSTAT team for creating this map and database, which have the potential to help thousands of people in need."

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to combat food insecurity, such as providing historic funding for Summer SNAP for Children to reduce hunger for vulnerable children and working in partnership with BCPS to offer free lunch to all students regardless of parents' or caregivers’ income status..

The new tool joins Baltimore County's growing set of resources that provide unprecedented access to vital community information for residents. Other efforts include:

Launching BCSTAT, Baltimore County’s first data-driven performance management program that aims to improve performance, ensure data quality, enhance transparency and increase accountability across government.
Providing a dashboard displaying detailed information about code enforcement complaints, violations, and enforcement actions in Baltimore County.
Developing a food establishment closure dashboard displaying information regarding recent Baltimore County Department of Health food facility inspections.
Creating a dashboard displaying detailed information about fatal and nonfatal opioid overdose incidents occurring in Baltimore County.
Introducing the Park Finder web tool which provides users with comprehensive information on 362 parks and recreation centers throughout the County.
Providing a number of downloadable raw data-sets related to numerous government functions and services

FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

The Baltimore County Department of Social Services offers programs and services designed to help residents in financial need who meet income-eligibility requirements, as well as resources to provide food assistance for Baltimore County families, including:

Senior Food Assistance—Seniors experiencing food access needs may call 410-887-2594 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.
Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) Food and Nutrition Services—Learn more about the food assistance programs offered through BCPS.
SNAP Emergency Allotments—The Maryland Department of Human Services has been approved to issue SNAP emergency allotments to all current SNAP households. Learn more about SNAP to see if you qualify for monthly benefits to help purchase food.
Pet Food Assistance—Learn how to receive pet food assistance from the Baltimore Humane Society or make donations to their Bmore Kind Pet Food Bank.

The Food Pantry Locator is available here.