Turkey Drive 2026: Help the Maryland Food Bank in Halethorpe
3 November 2026

The Maryland Food Bank, headquartered right here on Halethorpe Farms Road, is running its 2026 Turkey Drive to give Maryland families a Thanksgiving meal. According to the food bank, every 43 dollars helps provide a meal box with a turkey, sides and dessert. You can give online, mail a check or sign up to volunteer at the Halethorpe location.
What is the Maryland Food Bank Turkey Drive?
The 2026 Turkey Drive is the food bank's holiday campaign to provide Thanksgiving meals to families across Maryland who need food assistance. The food bank says rising living costs are stretching a lot of households this year, and its message is simple: no family should face hunger.
How much does a Thanksgiving meal box cost?
The food bank says every 43 dollars helps provide one Thanksgiving meal box with a turkey, sides and dessert.
| Your gift | What it helps provide |
|---|---|
| 43 dollars | 1 Thanksgiving meal box |
| 86 dollars | 2 Thanksgiving meal boxes |
| 129 dollars | 3 Thanksgiving meal boxes |
| 215 dollars | 5 Thanksgiving meal boxes |
That is a fun one to do as a family, a street or an office. Pool a little from everyone and see how many boxes you can fill.
How do I donate to the Turkey Drive?
There are two easy ways:
- Online: Use the donation form on the Turkey Drive page. It takes debit cards, credit cards and PayPal.
- By check: Mail it to Maryland Food Bank, 2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd., Baltimore, MD 21227.
Can I volunteer at the Maryland Food Bank in Halethorpe?
Yes. The food bank's volunteer page lists shifts at its Baltimore warehouse, where volunteers sort donated food, check dates and pack boxes, and in its community kitchen, where volunteers prep ingredients and package meals. Here are the basics it lists:
- Warehouse and kitchen volunteers must be at least 13.
- Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver through the online portal.
- Wear closed-toe shoes (no Crocs) and a shirt with sleeves.
- Groups of 30 or fewer can book with the Group Reservation Form on the site.
Shift details can differ, so read the shift description before you sign up.
What does this mean for neighbors and people moving here?
One of the things I loved most in my 15 years in Arbutus was how people show up for each other, especially around the holidays. Having the state's food bank right here in Halethorpe makes it easy to pitch in close to home, whether that is a donation or a Saturday morning packing boxes with your kids. If you want to help even closer to home, read about how to help Catonsville Emergency Assistance, and see the Stuff the Trucks drive for BCPS students on November 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maryland Food Bank Turkey Drive?
It is the Maryland Food Bank's holiday campaign to provide Thanksgiving meals to Maryland families who need food assistance. Donations help fill meal boxes with a turkey, sides and dessert.
How much does it cost to provide a Thanksgiving meal box?
The food bank says every 43 dollars helps provide one Thanksgiving meal box. Any amount helps.
Where is the Maryland Food Bank located?
Its Baltimore office is at 2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd., Baltimore, MD 21227. That is in Halethorpe, right next door to Arbutus.
How do I donate to the Turkey Drive?
You can give online with a debit card, credit card or PayPal on the Turkey Drive page. You can also mail a check to the Halethorpe address.
How old do you have to be to volunteer at the Maryland Food Bank?
Warehouse and kitchen volunteers must be at least 13. Volunteers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver first.
Disclaimer: Details come from the Maryland Food Bank's 2026 Turkey Drive and volunteer pages, checked on 3 November 2026. Please confirm current details with the Maryland Food Bank before you give or volunteer.
Love How Arbutus Neighbors Look Out for Each Other?
That hometown spirit is a big part of what makes this area special. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Arbutus, Halethorpe or nearby, I would be glad to help. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
Join our Discovering Arbutus Facebook group
for local news and events
