Food for Friends 2019

The Pratt Library’s partnership with the Maryland Food Bank continues … with a twist.

January 2 – 31

The newly named Food for Friends program replaces popular Food for Fines. “The Pratt Library is now fine-free. But we want to continue our support of the Maryland Food Bank during the winter,” says Pratt Library President & CEO Heidi Daniel. “I encourage everyone to drop off canned goods at our Pratt branches to help in this citywide effort to give back.”

Donate canned foods to help our neighbors in need.

canned foods
  • All proceeds benefit the Maryland Food Bank.

  • One can pays off $1 of library fees up to $50 per customer for the month. 
    For example, 5 cans = $5 off of your library fees.
  • Canned goods must be unopened and unexpired to qualify. No glass containers, please.
  • To participate, just drop off your cans at the Circulation Desk of any Pratt Library branch.

Last year the Pratt collected 7,411 pounds of food, enough to feed more than 6,175 Marylanders. “This year marks our 40th year of feeding hungry Marylanders across the state, so we are especially excited to kick off 2019 with the help of our friends at the Enoch Pratt Free Library,” says Carmen Del Guercio, President & CEO of the Maryland Food Bank. “Campaigns like Food For Friends are instrumental to the work we do, not only because it’s an easy way for people to donate nutritious food, but because they bring attention to the fact that hunger is a year-round issue, one that doesn’t end once the holidays are over.”

Support healthy eating by donating the following most needed items:

  • Canned Proteins: canned tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter, or beans
  • Canned Vegetables: low sodium, no salt added
  • Fruits and Juices: in light syrup or its own juices, fruit cocktail, apple sauce, juice boxes
  • Pasta & Rice: brown & white rice, macaroni & cheese, pasta
  • Breakfast: cereal, oatmeal, quick oats, granola/cereal bars
  • Soups & Stews: low sodium, beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, vegetable, turkey & rice
  • Dairy: shelf-stable milk, evaporated milk, infant formula