You can determine if a family is at risk for food insecurity by asking the following questions:

1. Over the past 12 months, we worried whether our food would run out before we got money to buy more.

• Often true.
• Sometimes true.
• Never true.
  

2. Over the past 12 months, the food we bought just didn't last and we didn't have money to get more.

• Often true.
• Sometimes true.
• Never true.

Families are considered "at risk for food insecurity" if they answer "sometimes true" or "often true" to either item.

The following assistance is available to food insecure families:

Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
Food Stamp Program
Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens

Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that services pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to age five. WIC helps moms have healthier babies and helps babies and children to grow and develop. WIC provides foods high in iron, protein, vitamin C and other nutrients so children can develop strong, healthy minds and bodies.

ELIGIBILITY:
A person is eligible for WIC services free of charge if they meet the following criteria:

• Live in Maryland.
• Are pregnant, a new mother, an infant or child under 5 years of age.
• Have a nutritional need.
• Have a household gross (before taxes and deductions) income that is less than or equal to specific income guidelines , or you receive food stamps, medical assistance, TCA (temporary cash assistance) or participate in MCHP (Maryland Children's Health Program).

Services and Benefits Include:

• Nutrition Education
• Free Healthy Food
• Health Screening - Growth and Weight Checks for Children
• Breastfeeding Support
• Referral to Other Health and Social Agencies

WIC Participants Receive at No Cost:

• Milk
• Infant Formula
• 100% fruit and/or vegetable juice
• Peanut butter
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Dried beans and peas
• Cereal

How to Apply for WIC:
To set up an appointment for WIC, call the Baltimore City WIC Appointment Line at (410) 396-9427, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Ask about monthly evening and Saturday clinics.

Baltimore City Health Department WIC Program Clinic Sites:

• Eden Street, 621 N. Eden Street
• Harford Clinic, 5610 Harford Road
• Mondawmin Mall Lower Level, Room 1128
• Bon Secours Community Center, 26 N. Fulton Avenue
• WIC Express at the Garwyn Medical Center (walk-in site)
  • 2300 Garrison Boulevard, Suite 290
    Baltimore, MD 21216
    (443) 984-3702

Food Stamp Program

The Food Stamp Program helps low-income households buy the food they need for good health. Food stamps are used like cash to buy food.

ELIGIBILITY:
There are several eligibility requirements that include resource and income limits. Most households must also meet a gross income test (130% of poverty).

A person may qualify for food stamps if they:

• Work for low wages
• Are unemployed or work part-time
• Receive medical assistance, TCA (Temporary Cash Assistance) or MCHP (Maryland Children's Health Program)
• Are elderly or disabled and live on a small income
• Are homeless

HOW TO APPLY:

Application for Assistance (for Food Stamps, Medicaid, Cash Assistance and Emergency Assistance): http://www.dhr.state.md.us/fia/doc/assist.pdf

Apply in your local office: Family Investment Center Phone Number

CLIFTON-JOHNSTON SQUARE CENTER
1920 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21213

443-423-6200

DUNBAR-ORANGEVILLE CENTER
2919 East Biddle Street
Baltimore, MD 21213

443-423-5200

HARBOR VIEW CENTER
(formerly Cherry Hill-Patapso Centers)
18 Reedbird Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21225

443-423-4700

HARFORD-NORTH CENTER
2000 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21213

443-423-6400

HILTON HEIGHTS CENTER
500 Hilton Street
Baltimore, MD 21229

443-423-4800

NORTHWEST CENTER
5818 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215

443-378-4400

PENN-NORTH CENTER
3500 Pennsylvania Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217

443-423-7600

SOUTHWEST CENTER
1223 West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21223

443-423-7800

TALMADGE BRANCH BUILDING
1910 North Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21213

443-423-6300

Or file your application online at www.marylandsail.org.

Documents you will need to qualify:

1. Proof of identity (driver's license, ID card);
2. Proof of address, unless you are homeless (apartment or house lease, electric, gas, water or phone bill, rent book or receipt, or mortgage statement);
3. Social Security Number for everyone you are applying for. If you don't have a number, you will have to apply for one;
4. Proof of the amount all earned and unearned income before taxes or deductions (pay stubs for the past month or two, employer wage statement, benefit letters from Social Security, unemployment compensation, Veteran's Administration or pensions);
5. Proof of shelter costs. If you want us to count your actual utility expenses you will have to verify them (rent or mortgage, insurance on your house, telephone, gas, electric, oil and water bills);
6. Proof of any cash or non-cash assets (most recent savings and checking account statement, value of stocks or bonds);
7. Proof of immigration status for non-citizens who are applying for food stamps (you do not have to provide any immigration information on people who are not applying for food stamps);
8. Proof of child support payments you make if you want us to consider the amount you pay (support order, separation agreement, child support records);
9. Proof of out-of-pocket medical expenses if you are age 60 or older or receive federal disability benefits (doctor or hospital bills; prescription receipts, receipts for over-the-counter medical expenses if prescribed by a medical practitioner; transportation costs to get to medical care);
10. Proof of childcare expenses if you are working or looking for work or in training.

If you have trouble getting the papers or information you need, ask your local office for help.

Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens

There are several food pantries or soup kitchens that offer food for free or at a reasonably low cost. See this map for a food pantry near you

Top