FOOD EQUITY PROGRAMS
Baltimore Public Markets advances food equity by leveraging public markets as trusted community anchors that connect residents to nutritious food, community resources, and social support.
Through the People’s Pantry and other initiatives at each of the markets in our network, BPMC addresses both emergency food needs and ongoing meal access in neighborhoods experiencing high rates of food insecurity.
SCHEDULE OF PROGRAMS
Beginning September 1, 2026
The People’s Pantry is open to all community members, and dedicated to providing fresh produce, staple pantry items, and delicious, culturally specific meals to our market communities.
These programs could not be done without our partners: the Maryland Department of Human Services, the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Food For Health (AHF), Begin Anew, The National Council of Negro Women, United Healthcare, and participating merchants at Lexington Market.
Pop-up Pantry @ Lexington Market
1st Tuesdays | 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Fresh Produce, pantry staples, and resource tables.
People’s Pantry Meals
Every Wednesday | 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Fresh, hot meals donated by Lexington Market merchants and served by market staff.
“Food For Health” Pop-Up Pantry
2nd Tuesdays | 1:30PM – 3:30PM
Fresh produce, milk, eggs, bread, and health resources. Presented in partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s Food For Health program, and Begin Anew Baltimore.
Pop-Up Pantry @ Northeast Market
3rd Wednesdays | 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Fresh produce, pantry staples, and resource tables.
Pop-Up Pantry @ Hollins Market
4th Thursdays | 11:00AM – 1:00PM
Fresh produce, pantry staples, and resource tables.
See The Impact
People’s Pantry Meals @ Lexington Market
- Distributed more than 1,200 prepared meals through partnerships with Lexington Market merchants.
- Serves approximately 30 residents each week through free prepared meals
- Reached residents from neighborhoods throughout Baltimore City and surrounding communities.
- Approximately 95% of participants identify as Black or African American, reflecting the program’s reach within communities disproportionately impacted by food insecurity.
- Supports local small businesses while providing culturally relevant meals in a dignified and welcoming setting.
People’s Pop-Up Pantry @ Hollins Market
- 433 residents served and supported 1,085 household members.
- Distributed approximately 6,555 pounds of food.
- Provided fresh produce, shelf-stable foods, and household staples to families experiencing food insecurity.
- Reached residents from across Baltimore City, with particularly strong participation from West Baltimore neighborhoods.
- Demonstrated the role public markets can play as neighborhood-based food access hubs.
"Food For Health" Pop-Up Pantry @ Avenue Market
- 125 residents served
- Distributed around 15 lbs per shopper
- Provided fresh vegetables and fruit, eggs, milk, and bread.
- Served residents from 19 zip codes in areas of downtown Baltimore, East Baltimore, West Baltimore, and neighboring communities.
This event was done in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s “Food For Health” program, and Begin Anew Baltimore.
Our Partners
Lexington Merchants:
Get Involved
We are always seeking volunteers to assist with our food distribution events!