Are you seeking food for yourself, your family, a neighbor, co-worker or friend?
Call us at the Food Pantry.
410-778-0550
We are located in downtown Chestertown, Maryland at Christ United Methodist Church.
On the corner of High and Mill Streets, please use the Mill Street entrance.
The Pantry is open every Tuesday, Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – noon.
Our mailing address is P.O. Box 346, Chestertown, Maryland 21620.
Thank you for all your support! We appreciate you!
The Kent County Food Pantry provides supplemental food to persons with limited incomes. The Pantry’s goal is to ensure that all qualified clients in Kent County receive sufficient non-perishable food to meet their basic nutritional needs.
Eligibility is determined by Kent County’s Department of Social Services, by local clergy, schools, law enforcement, and other caring individuals in the County. DURING THE CURRENT PANDEMIC, NO REFERRAL IS NEEDED. ALL WHO SEEK FOOD AT THE PANTRY ARE SERVED, TWICE MONTHLY IF NEEDED. THIS PROCEDURE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE PANTRY SAFELY OPENS AGAIN.
If possible, please bring a written statement showing your need for food. The Kent County Food Pantry will provide food and give you a list of other food assistance options in your community, as well as other information you need to access food for you and your family.
If you need food, come to the Pantry Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. until noon. If you do not have a referral, come to the Pantry and obtain your food. You may bring your referral on your next visit.
A referral voucher can be obtained at the Kent County Department of Social Services (350 High Street in Chestertown) across from the Pantry.
Bring the voucher to The Food Pantry where you will meet our Program Director. This voucher allows you to receive 60 to 80 pounds or more of food depending on your family size.
Please also bring bags or boxes to carry food as the Pantry does not provide those.
A qualifying family will receive three or more bags each month.
Each Pantry bag includes plenty of non-perishable foods, fresh produce and everyday items needed by all.
Items such as: toilet paper, soap, toothpaste and other personal products.
Board Chair
Outreach to Seniors
Program Director
Social Media, Web, Public Relations
Treasury Auditor
Local and State Resources
Backpack Programs
Humbled By Your Trust
In 2020 the outpouring of financial support to the work of The Community Food Pantry far exceeded our expectations. The Board and staff are truly humbled with the trust awarded to us to carry out our mission. As a result, the Board of Directors is currently forging partnerships with other organizations to distribute food in ways other than through our Pantry site.
So far, in 2021, the Board of Directors has assumed the additional responsibility of:
Because of our purchasing ability at the present time, the Board is taking the opportunity to continue assisting our new partners with food purchases that will benefit people in other parts of the County who have never come to the Pantry before. This is only possible because of the generosity of our donors.
Thank you.
Susan Basener, Board Chair
Covid-19 update from the Community Food Pantry!
We are open
We are open and willing to distribute food during this difficult time.
Curbside pickup will be available during regular hours. We are open every Tuesday, Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – noon.
We are located in downtown Chestertown, Maryland at Christ United Methodist Church on the corner of High and Mill Street.
For the safety of our volunteers
We are going to make this work and know that we will someday get back to our regular routines!
Stay safe!
Chester Gras Benefits Backpack Programs
For the seventh year in a row, Peoples Bank and many generous local sponsors, will put their energy, staff, and finances behind Chester Gras, a Mardi Gras celebration that benefits our backpack programs. On February 22, 2020, beginning at 11:30, the event will take place in a large heated tent on Spring Street, adjacent to the Peoples Bank in downtown Chestertown. The event features delicious gumbos donated by area restaurants as well as some Cajun food, a silent auction, children’s activities, a colorful parade on High Street, and lively music by Phil Dutton and the Alligators. This family-friendly event is well attended by people of all ages – some in Mardi Gras attire! Over the past six years, Chester Gras has raised significant funding for the Food Pantry to purchase food for the five backpack programs in Kent County Schools as well as in Sudlersville. These volunteer run programs provide weekend food (in the students’ backpacks) for children in our public schools who live with food insecurity. Last year, over $10,000 was raised, thanks to all the participants, Peoples Bank staff, generous sponsors from business and individual donations, and many volunteers from the community.
For more information or if you wish to donate resources or time, please contact the Food Pantry either through this website or call 410-778-0550. You may call the Backpack Program Coordinator, Rachel Perry, at 410-810-3949 or email rachelperrypanas@gmail.com. Thank you!