Food Donations Collected At Early Voting Centers Through Oct. 29

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents heading to the polls for the Nov. 3 general election can help neighbors struggling with food insecurity by dropping off nonperishable food donations at early voting centers located across the county.

The Howard County Board of Elections has partnered with the Community Action Council of Howard County to host the Harvest of Hope Food Drive benefiting the Howard County Food Bank.

Donation containers have been placed at all five early voting centers where residents can drop off nonperishable food items through Oct. 29. Early voting began Oct. 22 and continues daily, including Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Community Action Council of Howard County provides food, housing, energy assistance, early childhood education and other services to residents experiencing financial hardship. According to the nonprofit's website, the organization distributed more than 1.35 million meals from July 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026.

The Howard County Food Bank, operated by the Community Action Council, is located at 9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J, in Columbia. It provides food assistance to county residents and relies on community support to help meet local needs.

Residents can drop off nonperishable food donations at any of the following five Howard County early voting locations:

• Bain 50+ Center: 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, Columbia
• St. John Baptist Church: 9055 Tamar Drive, Columbia
• Meadowbrook Athletic Complex: 5001 Meadowbrook Lane, Ellicott City
• Gary J. Arthur Community Center: 2400 Route 97, Cooksville
• North Laurel Community Center: 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, Laurel

Below is a list of the most needed items at the food bank:

• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Soup
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Rice
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Cereal
• Canned tuna or chicken
• Beans
• Mac and cheese
• Shelf-stable milk
• Baby food
• Diapers (size 4 and larger)
• Personal hygiene products

The food bank cannot accept expired food, opened food or homemade food.

Residents who cannot participate in the Harvest of Hope Food Drive but still want to help can contact the Community Action Council about making food or financial donations.

The food bank accepts donations at its Columbia location during regular weekday hours. For information about donating, call 410-313-6440 or email engagementteam@cac-hc.org.

For additional information about the Harvest of Hope Food Drive, visit the Howard County Board of Elections' voter outreach page.