At the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, we believe that when our community comes together, we can make a powerful difference - especially for women, girls, and families in need.

With the impending loss of emergency SNAP benefits and the impacts of the federal shutdown, we know that many of our neighbors are struggling to access basic food and product resources and support.

These challenges highlight why collective giving matters - when we pool our dollars, voices, and resources we can respond quickly to urgent needs and help fill critical gaps.

If you or someone you know needs food or product support right now, please know that you are not alone - help is available, and your community is here for you.

​And, WGC is committed to sharing information, raising awareness, and mobilizing support for those in need in our community.

Here is a list of local partners and organizations offering food and product assistance across Howard County:
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• Community Action Council (CAC) & Howard County Food Bank

The Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) operates the Howard County Food Bank, located at
9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J, Columbia, MD 21046. The Food Bank offers family-choice shopping, fresh produce, dairy, frozen meats, and pantry staples.

• Columbia Community Care

Columbia Community Care (CCC) provides free groceries, personal care items, and baby supplies at several distribution sites across the county, and can deliver to residents who cannot travel.

• Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center Pantry

The Grassroots Pantry supports individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or crisis. Community members can access the food pantry at the Grassroots Day Resource Center at Leola Dorsey.

• Howard County Health Department: Food Access & Resource Locator

The Howard County Health Department’s Food Access and Resource Locator is an interactive map that helps residents find nearby pantries, food distribution events, and community gardens.

• Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center Food Bank

​If you are a Howard County resident who needs assistance with feeding your pet, please call us at 410-313-2780 ext. 0 for information about our PET FOOD BANK. We are here to help. 

• S.A.F.E Food Pantry

The S.A.F.E. Food Pantry serves clients with food allergies - distributing gluten-free and allergy-friendly food on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-noon at the NonProfit Collaborative located at 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, MD.

• United Way of Central Maryland: 2-1-1 Helpline

If you’re not sure where to start, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211md.org. The United Way of Central Maryland’s 2-1-1 Helpline connects residents to food resources, emergency shelter, utility assistance, and other essential services - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Together, we can make sure women, girls, and families in Howard County have access to the food and support they need -because when we give collectively, we create a stronger, more caring community for everyone. If you are able, please consider donating to or volunteering with one of these partners - every act of generosity helps feed hope and strengthen our community.