Foodbank Program

The Foodbank Program operated by the Frederick Community Action Agency (FCAA) provides a 3- to 5-day supply of food to families and individuals who are facing an economic crisis and cannot afford to buy their groceries. The FCAA Foodbank serves between 300 to 400 households each month ranging from very low-income families who use the foodbank on a regular basis to moderate-income families who are facing a financial crisis and need food assistance. Volunteers are needed to: 1) sort food and re-stock the foodbank shelves; 2) hand-out groceries to families using the foodbank; 3) perform data entry on the computer system to track the number of families using the foodbank; and 4) perform light maintenance around the foodbank (e.g., wiping down shelves, recycling cardboard boxes, etc.).

Foodbank hours are:

Monday - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Friday - 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (2nd and 4th Saturday only)

Stocking, data entry and maintenance hours are flexible and can generally be performed at anytime, but primarily on weekday mornings or evenings and on weekends.

For more information please contact Sarah McAleavy, Coordinator of Food & Nutrition Services at 301-600-6263 or email: smcaleavy@cityoffrederick.com. If you're ready to volunteer, you can also sign-up on our Volunteer Registration Line by calling 301-600-1341.

Soup Kitchen Program

The Soup Kitchen Program provides a full evening meal, seven nights a week from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to anyone in need of a hot, nutritious meal. Most of the men, women and children using the Soup Kitchen are homeless, but some are very low-income renters (including senior citizens) who come to the FCAA for a free meal in order to help make ends meet. The Soup Kitchen Program has been in continuous operation by the Frederick Community Action Agency (FCAA) since 1984. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday from approximately 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to set-up and serve meals (we have a paid cook during the week) and then to clean up the dishes and kitchen area after the meal is finished. Weekday volunteers usually sign-up to work the same evening (e.g., Monday evenings) either every week or every other week.

Groups of volunteers (e.g., religious institutions, civic groups, companies, and other organizations) are used to staff the Community Kitchen on weekends (Saturdays and Sunday) and on major holidays. Groups are responsible for cooking, serving and cleaning-up after the evening meal.

For more information please contact Sarah McAleavy, Coordinator of Food & Nutrition Services at 301-600-6263 or email: smcaleavy@cityoffrederick.com.

General Information for Volunteers in the Foodbank and Soup Kitchen

• Volunteers must be age 14 or older; youth volunteers between the ages of 14 to 18 must be properly supervised by adult volunteers.
• Volunteers are requested to commit to volunteering for at least twelve (12) months, typically for 1 or 2 shifts per month in the Foodbank or for 2 to 4 shifts per month in the Soup Kitchen.
• Client information, such as the names of people using the Foodbank or Soup Kitchen, is protected by law and must remain confidential.
• Please contact the FCAA if 301-600-1506 if you are unable to volunteer for your scheduled shift.

Opportunities for Medical and Mental Health Professionals

Physicians, dentists, psychologists, nurses, and clinical social workers are utilized to provide medical and mental health treatment services in the Primary Care Clinic and the Transitional Shelter, which are both operated by the Frederick Community Action Agency (FCAA). Medical, dental and mental health professionals that are interested in volunteering should contact Mike Spurrier, Director of the FCAA at 301-600-1506 or by email at mspurrier@cityoffrederick.com.