Priority Partners Launches Two Mini-Pantries for Local Community Support in Maryland

Priority Partners' New Mini-Pantries Open to Support Local Communities

As part of its ongoing commitment to serve underprivileged areas, Priority Partners, Maryland's largest Medicaid managed care organization, is excited to announce the grand opening of two new self-serve mini-pantries. This initiative coincides with Giving Tuesday, an annual event dedicated to generosity and community support, making it especially meaningful for local residents.

Scheduled for Tuesday, December 3rd, the first mini-pantry will be unveiled at the Laurel Armory, located at 422 Montgomery Street, Laurel, MD, at 9 AM. Following this, the second pantry will open at noon at the Bladensburg Town Hall, found at 4229 Edmonston Rd, Bladensburg, MD. Both events are free and open to the public, featuring refreshments and a surprise appearance by Cubby the Cupboards Bear, the new mascot for Priority Partners.

Ed Kumian, CEO of Priority Partners, expressed the organization’s dedication to combating food insecurity in underserved communities. “By opening our sixth and seventh Cupboards, we are providing another way for neighbors to put food on their tables,” he stated. This effort reflects Priority Partners’ continuous focus on improving access to essential resources, especially during the holiday season, a time traditionally viewed as a period for giving and sharing.

The initiative falls under the Priority Partners Cupboards Project, which has been active since 2021. This project has successfully established five mini-pantries across various neighborhoods in Maryland and has also developed three mobile pantries termed “Club on the Go,” in collaboration with local Boys & Girls Clubs. These custom-built mini-pantries operate under the principle of “Take What You Need, Leave What You Can,” aiming to offer a steady supply of healthy food and nutritional resources in areas that lack sufficient access.

The addition of the new mini-pantries brings the total number to seven and highlights an ongoing goal to further expand this program. Community partners and residents are motivated to engage with the initiative, which acknowledges the significance of local collaboration in addressing food scarcity.

Priority Partners extends its heartfelt gratitude to various community partners for their generous support, which has made this ambitious project possible. Those interested in learning more about the Cupboards Project or exploring ways to contribute can visit their official website at prioritypartnerscupboards.org.

The overarching mission of Priority Partners is to deliver high-quality health care services to over 330,000 recipients, including those enrolled in the Medicaid and Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). The organization is part of the Johns Hopkins Health Plans and Maryland Community Health System, striving to enhance individual wellness and community health while fostering a sustainable healthcare model.

Looking ahead, Priority Partners continues to set its sights on being a leading force in Medicaid managed care in Maryland and beyond, blending innovation with community service to effect positive change in the lives of many. This commitment not only encompasses health services but extends into essential everyday resources like food, which are crucial for maintaining the livelihoods of vulnerable populations in the region.