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As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and all the delicious traditional dishes that come along with it, many of our neighbors are facing the challenge of putting enough food on the table on a regular day. For those experiencing financial hardship, Martin’s House & Barn in Ridgely offers a helping hand through its food pantry, providing groceries and connections to additional resources.
Approximately 300 families turn to Martin’s House & Barn each month for food assistance, mostly through mass food distribution days that occur four days a week. The need should be no surprise, seeing as the poverty rate in Caroline sits between 11 and 12%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But seeing the cars line up to receive the needed food is no less disheartening. Through the food pantry and other food assistance, Martin’s House & Barn hopes to ease the pressure on households struggling to cover other everyday expenses like housing, utilities, clothes, gas, and other necessities.
Located at 14374 Benedictine Lane, Martin’s House & Barn operates its food pantry in the Barn, providing eligible households with groceries and other supplies. The pantry receives support from local businesses, farms, individual donors, and the Maryland Food Bank.
Food distribution is available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., as well as Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Distribution is handled as a drive-through system, with staff bringing food to recipients’ vehicles. The pantry is eligibility-based, and those looking to get regular assistance must apply.
Beyond distributing groceries, Martin’s House & Barn uses its food pantry as an opportunity to connect clients with other forms of support. Programming during pantry hours can provide information about community services, health, educational opportunities, and life skills. The organization’s broader mission includes helping families meet immediate needs while working toward greater stability.
Community participation is essential to keeping the pantry stocked. Martin’s House & Barn encourages churches, businesses, civic groups, workplaces, and families to donate to help keep the operation afloat. Those who may feel drawn to organize food drives or collections during this giving season are encouraged to contact the pantry beforehand so they can focus on items most needed at the time.
Highly suggested donations include canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, canned soup and fruit, pasta, tomato sauce, macaroni and cheese, packaged rice mixes, and low-sugar cereal. Monetary donations and volunteer assistance can also help sustain Martin’s House & Barn’s work.
