February Is Canned Food Month: Here’s Where You Can Donate In Calvert County

CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — February is National Canned Food Month, and Calvert County communities are looking for donations to help support local charities.

National Canned Food Month serves several purposes. One, it aims to dispel myths about canned foods. Two, it encourages people to stock up on their canned foods, many of which have long shelf lives and can be eaten without having to be prepared on a stove. And three, the month encourages people to donate to local food pantries to make sure others in their community have adequate access to fruits, veggies and legumes.

One of those myths is that canned food is less nutritious than fresh foods. Often, this isn’t the case, but is instead a misconception due to past packing processes that included lots of preservatives and salt. Today, most canned foods have a salt-free version and maintain their nutrients.

While you’re replenishing the canned foods in your pantry, Calvert County officials are encouraging residents to donate to local food pantries, too. The Town of Chesapeake Beach, for example, is supporting the Ladies of Charity of Calvert County with their February-themed canned food drive. Anyone interested in donating can drop the cans off at the Chesapeake Beach Town Hall or at Our Ladies of Charity in North Beach.

Calvert’s food pantry list was last updated in 2025. Call ahead to make sure the pantry is still running and to see their drop-off hours before you make your donation. Many branches of the Calvert County Library accept canned food donations. You can also check local grocery stores to see if they have a food drive. Many accept donations in stores or offer discounts for buying canned goods you plan to donate.

---