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. A free ticket is required for admission— see below for details.
As we approach the end of the year, our team has made some necessary adjustments to the Pratt Free Market schedule to ensure we can continue offering this service through the remainder of the year. Moving forward the market will be open using the below schedule within the Southeast Anchor Library:
Every Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Every Third Wednesday of the Month: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Oct 31, Nov 14, and December 12 (Pantry on the Go): 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
We’re also excited to continue our partnership with the Department of Social Services (DSS) as part of our ongoing efforts to better serve the community. DSS will be on-site every third Wednesday in conjunction with the market, to assist community members with Food Stamp (SNAP) enrollment and benefits status inquiries.
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. Tickets are not required for Pantry on the Go! distribution.
Tickets
The Pratt Free Market operates on a numbered ticket system to ensure a fair and organized shopping experience for all visitors.
| Wednesday | Ticket distribution 8 am — sellout |
| Friday (except fourth Friday—see below*) | Ticket distribution 10 am — sellout |
Tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Each ticket is numbered and secures a place in line for market entry. If you miss your place in line or need assistance, please see the guest attendant at the entrance for help.
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to serving you!
*Tickets are not required for Pantry on the Go! distribution.
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, Moon Valley Farms, Leftover Love, and Benbow Concessions!
For more information about the Pratt Free Market, please contact prattfreemarket@prattlibrary.org.