Food

HOW TO DONATE FOOD

Suzanne*, who comes to the Mission for groceries and meals with her daughter, says, “The food I get is fresh, and there’s a great selection. And lunch here is good! It’s tasty, and it warms your stomach.” 

The United Way’s 2023 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report revealed 1 in 3 Frederick County households struggle to afford basic needs. Inflation, under-employment or unemployment, and lack of affordable housing have created a toxic mix of circumstances for many in our community. The Mission has fed the needy in our community for nearly 60 years.

The Frederick Rescue Mission’s Bread of Life Kitchen serves an average of 300 people daily through warm breakfast and lunch meals in our dining hall. Each meal offers guests nutritional choices for a balanced diet 365 days a year, regardless of weather or holidays. Lori* explained, “I love the food here, and I’ve lost 20 pounds because you serve protein and food that’s healthier than what I’m used to!” 

Our Food Distribution Center (FDC) offers guests a free shopping experience. The FDC is open to the general public three days a week and added a specific day for senior citizens, so they do not need to wait in long lines. We receive over 7,000 visits every month. The FDC offers fresh produce, bread, a variety of meats, canned and packaged goods, and desserts. Most of this food is donated by the local community, and it is used up very quickly to feed the growing number of men, women, and children in our community struggling financially to cover food costs. 

For this reason, the Mission graciously accepts donations of many foods. Most needed are canned meats, cereal, peanut butter, spices, condiments and canned goods.

The Mission accepts donations at our main campus during business hours:

419 West South Street

Frederick, MD 21701

Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm

Donors may receive a tax receipt for their donation at drop-off or via email if provided.

For questions about donating food items please contact Valerie, FOOD. Manager, at 301 695-6633 ext. 216 or email vmoore@therescuemission.org.

* The guest names have been changed.