Y Fresh Mart: Reliable Access to Healthy Food

Nourishing Our Community

Healthy living starts with access to healthy food and feeling a part of a caring community where people value, respect and support one another. 

The Y provides healthy food to our community through Y family center community food pantries called Y Fresh Mart. Food is also distributed through various Y Head Start locations and our Y Community School food pantries. 

We are deeply appreciative of the generous partners and funders who support this critical community work: Wellpoint, Maryland Food Bank, McCormick Flavor For Life, and Caring Cupboard. 

Y Fresh Mart Locations and Hours

All Y Fresh Mart locations are OPEN TO ALL. No need for an appointment, proof of address, or proof of income. All are welcome -- even if you are not a Y member. We simply ask that visits to Y Fresh Mart are limited to once a week. This allows greater access for all.

Opening Spring 2024: Y Fresh Mart at the Hill Y in Westminster

Y Fresh Mart Items

We primarily carry basic shelf-stable food at the pantry:

• canned vegetables
• canned fruit
• canned entrees
• dry goods 

We also try to have a selection of frozen meats and fresh produce. When possible, we offer halal and kosher meats as well, though we cannot guarantee their availability. Some basic hygiene and cleaning products may also be available.

YES! We Accept Donations

We happily accept food donations and greatly appreciate your kindness. We are always in need of:

• canned proteins (ex. fish, chicken, lamb)
• ready-to-eat meals (ex. Spaghetti O's, Ravioli, soups)
• canned fruit
• breakfast items (ex. cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix)
• peanut butter

We currently have plenty of canned vegetables and beans.

Before donating, please make sure your donations are not expired and are in their original packaging. If you would not serve it to a guest in your home, please do not include it in your donation to Fresh Mart. Thank you for generosity!

Volunteers Are Welcome

We love volunteers! You do not need to be a Y member to volunteer. The minimum age requirement is age 16, however younger volunteers are welcome if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Volunteer tasks may include:

• sorting food
• organizing pantries
• assisting neighbors when Y Fresh Mart is open
• reading nutritional labels for dietary restrictions

If you would like to be a Y Fresh Mart volunteer, please click below to get started. Once you find an opportunity that you like, click "register" to create your Y Volunteer Account and sign up. If you already have a volunteer account, just login.

Volunteer at Y Fresh Mart

Note: We recommend using a laptop or desktop computer when signing up to volunteer. While our volunteer website is accessible from a mobile device, the online experience is more user-friendly from a computer.

More Options

If you would like to help give more children and families access to healthy food, please click below.

Make a tax-deductible gift

If you would like to find out more about this work, please CONTACT US.