Food Banks Continue to See Increased Usage
by Alisha Yocum
Prices have continued to rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, making it difficult for many local families to keep up with everyday expenses. A 2025 United Way of Frederick County ALICE Report shows about 33 percent of households in Frederick County struggle to afford basic necessities, including food.
Many of the local food banks are reporting increased usage from families, putting a strain on resources, especially during cold winter months when families may be experiencing higher electric and heating bills.
“Providing nourishing food to over 1,200 individuals who make up the 300-400 households requires more than 7,000 hours of volunteer time and generous contributions from local businesses, community groups, churches, the Town of Thurmont, and our neighbors,” Sally Joyner-Griffin of the Thurmont Food Bank said.
Josepine Willard with the Help Hotline Food Bank in Blue Ridge Summit echoed the same sentiments. “In 2025, we served 600 families with food alone, not counting those we helped with electric and rent. That was all possible because of our community.”
Willard went on to explain that the Help Hotline Food Bank, which has been helping the community for nearly 44 years, does not receive any government assistance, with the exception of the Venison Donation Program through Catoctin Mountain Park. It completely relies on donations from the community.
As food banks face increased demand, organizers encourage thoughtful giving. While items such as canned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter are frequently donated, there are other essential products that are often in short supply. Household items such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, shampoo, and laundry detergent are especially needed, as they cannot typically be purchased with SNAP benefits.
As we prepare for what could be a few more weeks of winter weather, please consider helping those in our community who may need an extra hand.
Emmitsburg Food Bank
130 S. Seton Avenue (Rear Entrance)
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Hours: Mondays, 7:00-8:00 p.m.; Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m.; Fridays and
Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Most needed items: Toiletries, Canned Fruit, Brownies, Cake Mixes, Cookie
Mixes, Icing, Chef-Boyardee Cans, and Rice and Potato Packets
Monetary Donations Mailed To:
P.O. Box 898
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Contact: 717-642-6963 or kellyphy82547@gmail.com
Thurmont Food Bank
10 Frederick Road
Thurmont, MD 21788
Hours: Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00 p.m.; Fridays, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Most needed items: Canned Meats, Cheese, Microwave Meals, Toilet Paper,
and Depends (Adult Pull-Ups)
Monetary Donations Mailed To:
P.O. Box 74, Thurmont, MD 21788
Contact: thurmontfoodbank@gmail.com
Help Hotline Food Bank
13646 Summit Avenue
Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Most needed items: No Specific Items
Monetary Donations Mailed To:
PO Box B Blue Ridge Summit, PA. 17214
Contact: 717-762-9050
Glade Valley Food Bank
21 West Frederick Street
Walkersville, MD
Hours: Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Most needed items: No Specific Items
Monetary Donations Mailed To:
GVCS, PO Box 655, Walkersville, MD 21793
Contact: 301-845-4229 or gvfb21w@gmail.com
