Frequently Asked Questions
How Food Access Coalition works, and how to find food or become a partner site
Can I get food for myself or my family from Food Access Coalition?
We're so glad you reached out. Food Access Coalition doesn't give food directly to individuals or families. We're a regional distribution organization (RDO): we supply local food pantries and food distribution sites across Baltimore, and they share the food free with their neighbors. To find food near you, call 2-1-1 (Maryland's free help line) or search the Maryland Food Bank food finder at https://mdfoodbank.org/find-food/.
What is Food Access Coalition?
Food Access Coalition is a collaboration of Baltimore nonprofits, each with its own EIN, working together to get food to pantries and food distribution sites (Points of Distribution, or PODs). Key partners include Somebody Cares Baltimore, which runs the warehouse for non-perishable food, Haven City Church, which runs the truck that delivers perishable food in large volumes, and Baltimore Relief Network.
Who can become a distribution site (POD)?
Food Access partners include churches, schools, health centers, community groups and other organizations that give food away to the public. Partners don't have to be Christian organizations. They need to share our four core values and give the food away for free.
What are Food Access Coalition's core values?
1) Free food: food from Food Access is always given away free and never sold. 2) Jesus ethic: Food Access is rooted in the Christian faith. 3) Collaborative spirit: we protect existing relationships, so partners don't take over a food source another pantry already uses. 4) Promoting interdependency: we help people move toward self-sufficiency and giving back, not long-term dependency.
How do I apply to become a distribution site?
Fill out the partner application on feedbaltimore.com. Someone from the Food Access team will follow up with a call to learn about your site and go over our core values. Once you're approved, you'll get an email invitation to set up your partner portal profile with your site address, distribution schedule and storage capacity. Please complete it soon, because the setup link expires.
Does it cost anything?
The food itself is free. Partners pay a cost share of $50 per pallet to cover transport, whether they pick up at the warehouse or get a truck delivery. Invoices go out after pickup or delivery, and payment is due within 10 business days.
What kinds of food are available, and how do I receive it?
Non-perishable food, such as canned goods, dry goods and snacks, is picked up at the warehouse. Partners book their own pickups through the scheduling link on feedbaltimore.com. Perishable food comes by truck in large deliveries, often several pallets at a time, and is often confirmed on short notice.
What if we don't have refrigeration or storage?
That's fine. Many partners have dry storage only, or no storage at all, and give food out the same day they receive it. Your profile records your storage capacity so we can send what you can handle.
Can we find our own food sources?
Yes, please do! We encourage partners to build relationships up the supply chain with distributors, manufacturers, farms and freight companies. If you source more than you can use, Food Access can transport it, deliver half to you, and share the rest across the network at no cost to you.
Who will I be in touch with?
You'll hear from the Food Access team for scheduling, deliveries, invoices and any questions or concerns.
How many sites does Food Access serve?
Food Access Coalition supplies 191 partner sites across the Baltimore area as of Q4 2026. Those pantries and distribution sites share the food free with their neighbors.