The Central Baptist Church operates the Gift of Love Center Food Pantry, where individuals and families in need can get emergency food assistance. Food assistance is available to individuals and families within our church and surrounding communities.

The food pantry is fully staffed and operated by member-volunteers. Our volunteers shop for necessities, record information necessary for monthly reporting, stock the food pantry, assist with distribution, and organize and manage programs and projects within the church that support the food pantry. 

The Gift of Love Center Food Pantry is open on the 4^th Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, except for holidays and emergency reschedulings. We operate the food pantry in partnership with the Maryland Food Bank and comply with Maryland Food Bank requirements for cleanliness, safety, and food distribution. Clients must complete a short registration form and provide a non-expired photo ID.

We distribute grocery bags of food designed to provide balanced, nutritious meals to needy individuals and families. Typically, the bags contain roughly one week of groceries, including vegetables, macaroni and cheese, cereal, fruit, spaghetti, tomatoes, tomato sauce, rice/beans, and soup.  Health, education, and employment referrals are also available upon request.

The Gift of Love Center Food Pantry has remained open during the pandemic. Special procedures are in effect to allow for the recommended social distancing. Face masks are required of everyone on our premises. We distribute food on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Walk-Up Service:
Walk-up clients must wear masks and maintain the recommended social distance. Member volunteers provide a touchless distribution service.

Curbside Service:
Curbside service is available for clients with limited mobility or who prefer to drive. Clients are to remain in their vehicles with the windows rolled up at all times; otherwise, masks are required. Member volunteers will place the food bags in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle.

Emergency Service Contact:
Emergency food service is available on a case-by-case basis and under limited circumstances. Please contact:

Dr. Gail N. Edmonds, Managing Director
Messaging: (410) 233-8558
Email: gynedmonds@gmail.com