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, and more by generous local partners. The market serves as a hub for food and nutrition based community programming.
The Pratt Free Market will be closed Friday, October 23 and Friday October 30, 2026 due to early voting.
Schedule
Each customer will be allowed to fill one bag per visit. If possible, we strongly encourage you to bring your own reusable tote or grocery bag.
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. Moving forward the market will be open at the Southeast Anchor Library as supplies last:
Every Friday (except Fourth Fridays, see Pantry on the Go! information below): 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Fourth Friday of the Month* (Pantry on the Go!): 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Please note that the Pratt Free Market will not be open during scheduled Library closures and holidays.
Pantry on the Go!
On the 4th Friday of the 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. There is no regular Friday distribution on Pantry on the Go! days.
Upcoming Pantry on the Go! Dates
*Due to scheduling conflicts and the holiday season, the remaining Pantry on the Go! dates from October – December will not be on the 4th Fridays. The Pantry on the Go! dates for the remainder of the calendar year will be:
- Friday, September 25
- Friday, October 9
- Friday, November 13
- Friday, November 27
- Friday, December 11
Tickets
The Pratt Free Market operates on a numbered ticket system to ensure a fair and organized shopping experience for all visitors.
| Friday (except fourth Friday for Pantry on the Go) | 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.
Tickets are not required for Pantry on the Go! distribution.
We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to serving you!
Support the Pratt Free Market
Give
Your gifts provide critical support for Library initiatives that serve our community. An online donation form is available for those wishing to support the Pratt Free Market.
Volunteer
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for PFM, please complete the Pratt Free Market Volunteer Registration form.
Community Partners
If you are interested in partnering with PFM, please send us an email at prattfreemarket@prattlibrary.org.
Special thanks and appreciation to our partners: Maryland Food Bank, Moon Valley Farms, Leftover Love, First Fruit Farms, and ShareBaby!
For more information about the Pratt Free Market, please contact prattfreemarket@prattlibrary.org.