Thanksgiving Food Assistance and Donation Guide for Anne Arundel County

Community networks rally for Thanksgiving in Anne Arundel County

While many residents in Anne Arundel County are preparing traditional holiday menus, several local organizations are working to ensure that food insecurity doesn’t keep neighbors from a holiday meal.

According to a report by Tyler Ingle for Annapolis Moms Media, a wide network of food banks, police departments, and nonprofits is currently mobilizing to provide turkeys and pantry staples to families in need.

The effort to bridge the gap between surplus and scarcity is hitting critical deadlines this month. For those looking to contribute physical goods, the Annapolis Police Department is accepting donations of nonperishable items—such as potatoes, onions, stuffing, and cranberry sauce—at 199 Taylor Avenue through November 18.

The scale of the need is met by a diverse array of local resources, ranging from large-scale food banks to hyper-local community pantries. This seasonal surge in activity highlights a recurring challenge: the holiday season often brings a spike in demand for assistance that requires immediate, coordinated community action.

Ways to provide direct support

For residents who prefer a direct connection to those receiving help, the Anne Arundel County Holiday Sharing Program offers a way to match donors with specific families or seniors. While the recipient application deadline for 2026 passed on November 1, the Anne Arundel County Government notes that donors can still register to be matched with local residents for food or gift deliveries.

Other organizations offer structured sponsorship models to make giving more predictable:

SPAN: This Severna Park nonprofit is seeking sponsors for more than 250 families. Donors can provide a Thanksgiving dinner box along with a grocery gift card of at least $25, or contribute a standalone grocery gift card valued between $50 and $75.
Heritage Baptist Church: Located in Annapolis, the church aims to provide complete meals to 150 families through its “Sponsor a Family” program, where a $20 donation covers a full turkey dinner.
Love Wins Movement: This group is conducting a “Thanks & Giving Food Drive” through November 15 and will host a drive-up food distribution on November 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at its Pantry & Marketplace in Severn.

The economic reality of these programs is that they often rely on the generosity of neighbors to function. As Annapolis Moms Media pointed out, the work of these organizations extends far beyond the November holiday, providing essential support throughout the entire year.

Accessing food assistance and resources

For families currently struggling to afford groceries, several permanent resources remain available. The Anne Arundel County Food Bank, located in Crownsville, serves as a central hub that connects families to local pantries and meal programs via an online pantry finder. They accept both financial contributions and nonperishable food donations during weekday hours.

Specific neighborhood resources include:

Organization	Location/Service Area	Key Details
ACAN (Asbury Church Assistance Network)	Severna Park	Provides groceries, produce, and baby supplies; offers home delivery for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities.
NCEON (North County Emergency Outreach Network)	Glen Burnie	Offers emergency food and financial assistance to families in northern Anne Arundel County.
The Y Fresh Mart	Pasadena	A free community pantry offering staples like meat, rice, and produce on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Caring Cupboard	Pasadena/Countywide	Supplies food through school pantries and “Little Free Pantries” across the region.

If a family is unsure where to turn, the county’s Food Access Warmline can be reached by dialing 410-222-FOOD (3663) to connect residents with available local programs.

There are technical nuances to the county’s assistance programs that applicants should keep in mind. According to official guidance from the Anne Arundel County Government, the Holiday Sharing Program is donor-based, meaning participation is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the availability of donors.

If an applicant’s information does not match pre-approved lists, the county may perform a manual verification of SNAP or TCA benefits, a process that can take time due to the high volume of requests.

The Light House, which has served the Annapolis area for over 35 years, continues to focus on those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity through its “Set the Holiday Table” meal drive. Similar to other local efforts, the organization emphasizes that while the holiday provides a focal point for giving, the necessity for household essentials and food remains a constant for many in the community.

The deadline for the Annapolis Police Department’s food drive on November 18 remains the most immediate window for those looking to drop off physical goods to assist local families.