Annapolis, Maryland (September 9, 2025) – The Anne Arundel County Department of Health Disease Prevention and Management Bureau recently awarded Food 4 Thought Community Outreach Services, Inc. (F4TCOS), a $20,000 grant. Funding will enable Food 4 Thought to take over operations of the Brooklyn Park Healthy Food Pantry (BPHFP), ensuring continued access to nutritious food for residents in need.
The BPHFP is entering its seventh year of serving food-insecure residents in Northern Anne Arundel County. It provides access to healthy, culturally preferred, shelf-stable, and fresh foods, including a variety of vegetables and fruits. Located at the North County Recreation Center, in partnership with Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks, the pantry operates on Thursday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. by appointment. It utilizes a family choice or "shopping" model, empowering residents to select food that best meets their needs. In addition to food distribution, the BPHFP offers health resources and promotes healthy eating to improve overall health and wellness within the community.
“This grant is more than funding,” said Dr. Shawn Ashworth, Founder and President of F4TCOS, “it’s a lifeline for neighbors who count on the Brooklyn Park Healthy Food Pantry every week. For seven years, this pantry has been a place where families can choose the healthy foods they love and feel welcome doing it. At Food 4 Thought, we believe food is hope, and hope changes everything. With the support of partners, volunteers and the Department of Health, we’re not just keeping the doors open, we’re opening new possibilities for families to eat well, live well and know they are not alone.”
Dr. Ashworth leads this nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity, educational support and wellness in underserved communities. F4TCOS has been actively serving the community to address food insecurity for over six years through collaborative partnerships and volunteer-driven programs. Their expanded role in operating the BPHFP marks another step in its mission to empower residents and promote long-term community health. They plan to leverage its strong partnerships with the Lambda Xi Nu Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Learn It Live It Teach It to strengthen outreach efforts, increase operational efficiency, and provide holistic services to families.
“The Department of Health is pleased to support Food 4 Thought Community Outreach Services, Inc.’s efforts to increase their existing community service and provide healthy food access in Brooklyn Park,” said Dr. Tonii Gedin, Anne Arundel County Health Officer.