On September 25th, Baltimore made history with a groundbreaking initiative that shows what community care looks like in action. The Pratt Free Market, located inside the Enoch Pratt Free Library, is the state’s first ever 100% free, full-service grocery store. No ID, no income check, and no paperwork required!

The idea is simple but powerful: everyone deserves access to healthy food. Residents can walk in, fill a bag with groceries, and leave without paying a cent. It’s a completely judgment-free experience designed to help families, students, and anyone facing food insecurity.

A Community Effort
This project is powered by partnerships with the Maryland Food Bank, Plantation Park Heights, Moon Valley Farms, Leftover Love, and Benbow Concessions. Together, they’re providing fresh produce, canned goods, household essentials, baby supplies, and feminine hygiene products, all at no cost.

The dream began nearly two years ago… a vision to turn Baltimore’s libraries into spaces that serve not just minds, but also bodies. The goal is to make food access a basic right, not a privilege.

More Than a Grocery Store
The Market also serves as a place for community members to learn about food and nutrition, meal planning, education on SNAP benefits as well as assistance with SNAP enrollment thanks to a continued partnership with DDS (Department of Social Security)!

The Pratt Free Market represents hope and unity. In a state where one in three residents faces food insecurity, this initiative proves that compassion and collaboration can achieve what politics often can’t. It’s a model built on empathy rather than profit.

A Model for Other Cities
The dream doesn’t stop in Baltimore. The team hopes other cities and library systems will follow this example, transforming community spaces into hubs for health, dignity, and survival.

Because hunger doesn’t need paperwork, just people who care.

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A free ticket is required for admission— see below for details.

Moving forward the market will be open using the below schedule within the Southeast Anchor Library:

An online donation form is available for those wishing to support the Pratt Free Market.

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Keep showing up, keep cheering each other on — and as always, B-MORE happy!

❤ B-More Happy Team

P.S.

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