Baltimore County Tackles Food-Insecurity For Seniors

TOWSON, MD — Starting next week, the Baltimore County Department of Aging will begin providing boxes of food to the county's older residents after the Eating Together program was put on pause by the new coronavirus. The meal program is supported by $590,000 in funding from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Baltimore County said in a news release.

To obtain a box of food, one must be a Baltimore County Resident and at least 60-years-old. Proof of age is required and can be confirmed with a BCDA Senior Center Membership Card or other identification, the county said.

Food can be picked up by appointment only. Residents should call 410-887-2040 to schedule a pickup location, date and time. Anyone unable to travel should contact Maryland Access Point at 410-887-2594.

The new program will provide a box of food that equates to three meals and one snack for six days, the county said. Boxes are distributed at the following locations:

• West — Tuesday, May 12 — 10 a.m. to noon
  • Liberty Senior Center, 3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, Maryland 21133
• North — Tuesday, May 12 — 10 a.m. to noon
  • Parkville Senior Center, 8601 Harford Road, Parkville, Maryland 21234
• East — Thursday, May 14 — 10 a.m. to noon
  • Ateaze Senior Center ,7401 Holabird Avenue, Dundalk, Maryland 21222

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this new support for older adults in the County who may have difficultly preparing nutritionally-balanced meals during this uncertain time,” Laura D. Riley, Director of the Department of Aging, said in a statement. “Before this pandemic, over 600 senior citizens relied on our Eating Together programs each day for nutritionally-balanced meals and we hope that this newly expanded meal distribution will help those in most need.”

The Department of Aging plans to continue providing meals through the end of June, or until senior centers reopen, the county said. Food is also distributed on Saturdays at the Hereford and Reisterstown Senior Centers.

Younger residents in need of meals can access a number of resources in Baltimore County. Click here to learn more online.