The Cecil County Help Center operates a food pantry that is designed to assist people who are facing food insecurity throughout Cecil County. The pantry directly serves individuals on a daily basis by providing food that is donated by a variety of community partnerships. Individuals and families can receive food commodities by visiting the Help Center, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9-12pm and 1-3:30pm. Individuals and families may be eligible for emergency food designed to provide meals for 3-5 days through a referral made by the Department of Social Services. To receive a referral from the Department of Social Services, individuals should contact the Homeless Outreach and Services Intake Center at 443-986-3548.

The Cecil County Help Center also serves as a hub for other food pantries and faith-based organizations that have the mission of meeting the needs of those facing food insecurity. The Help Center receives food from a variety of partners including the Maryland Food Bank. This food is then distributed to local pantries in various parts of the County to ensure that citizens have convenient access when a need arises.

A winter coat program operates at the Help Center from November-March and serves both adults and children by providing free winter coats, hats and gloves.

Cecil County Department of Social Services Office of Home Energy Programs is co-located at the Help Center and provides assistance to individuals and families experiencing an energy crisis during the heating season. Cecil County residents in need of energy assistance, should contact 410-996-0270 for information about this program.

Volunteers are the heart of the Cecil County Help Center and the work that is done would not be possible without them. Individuals who are looking for a place to make a difference through volunteerism, need not look any further! Providing assistance in meeting the basic human need of food is meaningful and satisfying. For more information, please call 410-996-0260 or visit http://www.volunteercecil.org and click on the organizations tab to find the Cecil County Help Center.