Food Resources in Garrett County
Garrett County's Response to Loss of SNAP benefits:
Our mission is to support our community by providing access to essential food resources. This website is your gateway to local food access handouts, food drives, and other support initiatives available in Garrett County. Our community stands united in ensuring that no family or individual goes hungry. Here, you'll find:
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Information on local food drives happening near you.
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Handouts and guides on how to access nutritious food.
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Community resources to help navigate these challenging times.
Explore our resources and join us in building a stronger, more resilient community together. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to help every step of the way.
Donations
In light of recent challenges, Garrett County has established several donation locations to facilitate the collection and distribution of food to families in need. Your generous contributions play a vital role in supporting our community. Below are the designated donation locations where you can drop off your donations:
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Please ensure that all food items are within their expiration dates.
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Only unopened and unused products will be accepted.
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For large donations, contact the site in advance to arrange for drop-off.
Your contributions are crucial in providing relief to families and individuals impacted by the reduction in SNAP funding. We sincerely appreciate your generosity and commitment to our community.
Thank you for your continued support and kindness.
Grantsville Lions Club Food Drive
November 1st-30th
Drop Off Locations:
The Highland Thrift Shop, The Travel Mug, First United Bank & Trust, The Mountain Grape Tavern, Ruth Enlow Library-Grantsville, MD.
Accepted Donation Items:
Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Meats, Cans of Soup, Juices, Cereal, Fruit, Pasta, and Sauces
Contact: grantsvillelionsclub@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1biYLAPLyB/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Yoder's Butcher Barn
DONATE DEER
Donate your deer to feed neighbors in need to The Butcher Block at 2482 Maryland Highway in Oakland or Yoder's Butcher Barn at 3521 Chestnut Ridge Road in Grantsville. There is NO COST to donate your deer. We pay the bill.
Contact:
Tel: (240) 807-9361
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/YodersButcherBarn
Oakland Shop N Save
October 30th- November 21st
Sponsor a full Thanksgiving Meal for a local family in need for only $35. Meal includes a 7-9lb turkey and all the fixings, plus dessert. We will take the responsibility of packing it and getting it to a family in need. Partnering with Community Action and the School System to get a count on those who are in need.
Give us a call or stop in the store and ask a cashier to donate!
Contact:
Tel: (301) 334-4411
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CjPxzPXEP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Fox's Pizza Den
Donate to the Bambino Fund
Introducing the Local Bambino Fund. If your family is in need of warm food, just order a free bambino (5" round- 2cut) for each of your kids- a one topping personal pizza with no questions asked. If you'd like to help, you can add any dollar amount to your order and buy a bambino for the next person. All donations will be added to the bambino fund. This will be offered in-store at Oakland or Deep Creek Lake Locations for as long as we are able.
Contact:
Tel: (301)334-3212 -Oakland
Tel: (240) 442-5590 - Deep Creek
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17eAuPmnRW/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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Oak Park Church of the Brethren
Accepting Any and All Food Donations
Our church is accepting any and all unexpired food for our food pantry. Whatever you can give is greatly appreciated. We are located at 110 Church Lane, Mountain Lake Park, MD 21550
Contact:
Tel: (301) 334-2243
Website:
Locations Accepting Non-Perishables Only
Locations below are accepting unexpired non-perishable items.
Little Food Pantries
Locations: Crellin Elementary, Oakland City Hall, Friendsville Library, Lion's Club Park in McHenry. Food Donations can be placed in them anytime as they are accessible 24/7
Contact:
Tel: (301)616-6133
Website:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Little-Free-Pantries-of-Garrett-County/100066502124439/
Dove Center
The Reflection House
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House of Hope
Garrett County Lighthouse Inc
Garrett County Community Action Committee Inc
Department of Social Services
12578 Garrett Hwy
Oakland, MD 21550
Tel: (301)533-3000
Ways to make your food Last
Maximize your Meals
In these challenging times, stretching your food resources is more important than ever. Our guide, "Maximize Your Meals," offers innovative tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your groceries. From transforming simple ingredients into delicious meals to cooking items in five different ways, we provide practical strategies to make your food last longer. Let's make every meal count and reduce waste while savoring every bite!
Beans
5 Ways
Chili or Taco Filling
Use beans in homemade chili or tacos in place of meat. You can also cut food costs by using less meat and adding beans to your meat mixture.
Bean Dip
Beans add a great protein source to salsa! Stir cooked or rinsed canned beans into jarred or homemade salsa.
Homemade Soup
Add beans to any of your favorite homemade soup recipes! Add cooked beans near the end of the cooking time for a hearty, delicious soup.
Rice and Beans
Beans and rice are a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Mix cooked rice with canned or leftover cooked beans.
Salads
Beans can be added to salads for added protein. Black beans, garbanzo beans, and navy beans are just a few to start. There are so many to try!
Canned Chicken or other meats
5 ways
Soup
Homemade soup saves money and is a great way to use leftover vegetables, pasta, rice, or barley. Add drained, canned chicken to soups and stews to make a healthy main-dish meal. Serve soup for lunch or dinner with a side salad and whole grain bread or crackers.
Lettuce Wraps
Mix canned chicken or tuna with some low-fat mayonnaise or salad dressing like Italian or ranch. Add chopped or shredded veggies like carrots, peppers,
and onions for flavor and crunch! Serve inside lettuce leaves.
Burritos
Add a packet of taco or chili seasoning mix to canned chicken or other meat. Mix in canned beans, canned tomatoes, corn, peppers and onions to make burrito filling. Serve inside whole grain tortillas and top with low-fat cheese and salsa.
Salad
Top a salad with canned chicken, salmon, or tuna and turn it into a main-dish meal. Mix chicken or fish with low-fat mayo or salad dressing. Add dried or fresh herbs and chopped veggies like onion, celery, and peppers. Serve on whole grain bread or tortillas.
Pasta
Make a protein-packed meal with canned tuna, salmon, or chicken. Add drained chicken or fish to cooked pasta, cooked rice, or to a casserole for a quick and filling lunch or dinner.
Rice
5 ways
Casserole
Rice is a great, low-cost ingredient for casserole dishes. Add rice with cooked vegetables, meat or beans, and bake for a quick, easy weeknight meal.
Salad
Top your favorite salad with plain, cooked rice. Add flavor with seasonings like cumin, cilantro, or other dried herbs and spices.
Stir-Fry
Pair rice with stir-fry vegetables. Combine cooked rice with low-sodium soy sauce and serve. Add cooked chicken, beef, or add tofu to make a one dish meal.
Stuffed Peppers
Mix canned beans, salsa, and cooked rice together. Stuff the mixture inside bell peppers, which have been cut in half and seeds removed. Top with shredded cheese and bake in oven until heated through.
Rice Pudding
Mix cooked rice with low-fat milk, a pinch of salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring often, until mixture is creamy. In a small bowl, mix milk, egg, and cinnamon. Stir into rice mixture and continue to cook over low heat.
Canned Vegetables
5 ways
Dips and Spreads
Canned vegetables, blended with canned beans make a quick and easy dip for whole grain crackers or tortilla chips, or cut veggies.
Drain and rinse the canned beans and canned veggies before blending with spices like garlic or onion powder. Add a tablespoon or two of vegetable or olive oil for a smoother texture. Try these combos:
- Canned, diced tomatoes and garbanzo or navy beans
- Black beans with canned jalapenos or green chili peppers
- Canned peas, avocado, garlic
Sheet Pan Meals
Cook chicken, turkey cutlets, or fish on a baking pan. For the final 15-minutes of cooking, add drained, canned vegetables like peas
and carrots, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, or lima beans to complete your easy to clean-up meal.
Super Soups and Stews
No time to peel and chop fresh vegetables for soup or stew? Add canned vegetables for great flavor and to stretch meals
farther. Canned tomatoes, canned pumpkin or squash, mixed vegetables, carrots, corn or potatoes are all great add-ins!
Since these veggies are already cooked, just add them in for the final 15 minutes of cooking.
Healthy Toddler Snacks
Little ones can practice using their fingers to pick-up these tasty snacks, one by one. Serve some drained, canned veggies like
diced carrots, cut green beans, and peas to toddlers for a healthy snack. Vegetables are already cut into bite-sized pieces and are soft to chew.
Eggs and Omelets
Add canned vegetables like spinach, green chilis, jalapenos, and diced tomatoes to scrambled eggs or to make a flavorful
omelet. Sprinkle on low fat, shredded cheese just before serving. Eggs are a low-cost main-dish option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Peanut Butter
5 ways
Oatmeal
Add peanut butter to oatmeal for a nutty, creamy flavor. Peanut butter adds protein for a healthy satisfying breakfast.
Muffins
Replace oil in a muffin recipe with the same amount of peanut butter to add moisture and healthy fat. Muffins are a great grab and go breakfast or an after school snack.
Smoothies
Add peanut butter to your favorite smoothie recipe for extra protein. Peanut butter goes well with any fruit and veggie.
Dipping or stir-fry sauces
Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, and vinegar to make a quick dipping sauce. Want some spice? Add a few chili flakes. Serve with grilled chicken strips for dipping, or add to stir-fry dishes made with rice, meat, and veggies.
Pancakes
Include peanut butter in pancake batter in place of oil. Top pancakes with banana slices or berries. Pancakes can also be used to make a sandwich filled with nut butter, fruit, or low-fat cream cheese.