Pratt Free Market
In the United States, 1 in every 8 people face hunger. Food insecurity affects 42 million people and impacts every county in America, and libraries are increasingly becoming more involved in helping to fight hunger in the communities they serve. The Pratt Free Market (PFM) aims to create a safe space for the community through food. Our goal is to help address the issue of food insecurity in Baltimore City and alleviate hunger in the local community. PFM is a judgment-free, accessible, modern, and bright, FREE grocery store located at the Southeast Anchor Library. PFM is stocked with produce, dry goods, paper goods, and more by generous local partners. The market serves as a hub for food and nutrition based community programming.
Schedule
Each customer will be allowed to fill one library-supplied bag per day.
Hours of operation within the Southeast Anchor Library are:
| Wednesday | 11 am — 2 pm |
| Friday (except fourth Friday—see below*) | 2 pm — 5 pm |
*On the 4th Friday of the month, Pantry on the Go! will replace Pratt Free Market operation. See below for further details.
Please note that the Pratt Free Market will not be open during scheduled Library closures and holidays.
The Pratt Free Market will receive food from accredited partners including Plantation Park Heights, Leftover Love, Benbow Concession Services, and Moon Valley Farms.
Pantry on the Go!
On the 4th Friday of every month, the Pratt Free Market will also serve as a Pantry on the Go! location in partnership with the Maryland Food Bank, giving away free produce in a farmers’ market-style setup outside the library. Available beginning at 10 am, while supplies last.
Support the Pratt Free Market
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for PFM, please complete the interest form below:
If you are interested in partnering with PFM, please complete the interest form below:
Special thanks and appreciation to our partners: Maryland Food Bank, Plantation Park Heights, and more to come!
For more information about the Pratt Free Market, please contact prattfreemarket@prattlibrary.org.