Dear UMBC community,
 
Together with President Hrabowski’s office, Retriever Essentials would like to ensure that those in need of nonperishable food items and personal care products are supported through the Campus Food Pantry in Sherman 205. As a part of the university’s ongoing measures in response to COVID-19, Retriever Essentials would like to reassure you that its services will continue to serve the UMBC community during and after the spring break. The pantry will remain open on the following times:
Mondays 12-2 pm
Tuesdays 4-6 pm
Fridays 11-1pm

If anyone needs to make an appointment outside of these hours, please email us at retrieveressentials@umbc.edu.*

We are holding special hours this week: 

Thursday 03/12 - 9.30 - 11.30 am

Friday 03/13 - 11 -1 pm

 Any student in need of dining services during the extended break please contact retrieveressentials@umbc.edu. 

*In case of emergencies or after hours please contact our UMBC Campus Police Department for an immediate response dial (410)455-5555. The UMBC Police Station is a designated Food Zone that hosts readily accessible bags of food. Address: UMBC Police Department 1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250.

We also urge our campus community to donate the following items to food pantry in these times of need:

· Healthy cereals: plain oatmeal, plain Cheerios and other healthy non-sugar sweetened cereals – please no Fruit Loops, Sugar Frosted Flakes or other unhealthy cereals
· Protein: canned tuna, canned beans, canned chili, peanut butter
· Canned fruits: canned fruit packed in its own juice or made with Splenda
· Starch: brown rice, pasta, macaroni and cheese
· Miscellaneous: pasta sauce, soup (vegetarian especially), snacks (granola bars, individual servings of nuts), and baby products
· Supplies: paper bags and canvas/reusable grocery bags, reusable/plastic cutlery, can openers
· Personal care products and toiletries: shampoos, lotions, soaps, oral care items, hand sanitizers

Please use one of these donation centers to drop off the items. The most preferred location for us is the donation box right outside the food pantry in Sherman 205.

While the Campus Food Pantry will operate on its usual hours during and after the spring break, please refer to the following resources in case you or anyone you know needs further assistance relating to food and housing access.

Food Pantries Nearby

Search your nearest food pantry here:
https://211md.org/211provider-md-food

Food pantries around UMBC:
Catonsville Emergency Assistance
Southwest Emergency Services
Elkridge Food Pantry

Service area map for these three pantries
Snapshot:

Other emergency services 

211 Maryland
Baltimore County Westside Men's Shelter (open 24 hours within a mile’s distance)*
My Sister’s Place
Women’s shelter

Please note that there are certain stipulations involved while staying in a shelter. Usually it means you are given a bed, you are supposed to store your belongings underneath the bed etc. 

We are grateful for Dr. Hrabowski’s continued support in our endeavors and for the entire UMBC community for its care and kindness. It is our collective grit that keeps us going. 

Sincerely,
The Retriever Essentials team