Households are grouped together in pods and are expected to work together in the selection and distribution of food/grocery items.

Income eligibility for the FRI Brown Bag program follows the Maryland Women Infants and Children (WIC) program. Proof of income is required at the time of application.

All pods are required to hold monthly meetings. Each member is expected to attend every meeting and participate in the selection of food items. Exceptions may be made for those who are disabled and elderly. However, any person who is absent from the monthly meeting will be required to make himself or herself available by telephone to vote on the menu selections.

All POD members are expected to pay the $11.00 shared maintenance fee. Pod leaders may collect $12.00 per member and use the extra $1 for gas and/or special pod events. Each member will receive approximately 73 pounds of food each month they participate in the pod.

Each pod will be given a scheduled date and time for pick up of their food at the FRI warehouse. All pods are allotted 30 minutes for shopping and pick up.

All members are required to assist the pod leader in pick up, sorting or distribution.

One family per household will be permitted in the Brown Bag program. Two families living in the same household may not join separate pods. You may only hold membership in one pod.

Childcare providers who receive food from FRI through the Planning Council may not participate in the Brown Bag Program.

Members of the Brown Bag Program will be unable to receive food from the emergency food pantries on a regular basis. Exception is given for produce, dairy, and bread items.

A representative from each pod is required attend all meetings called by FRI .

Every participant of the Brown Bag Program is encourage to complete two hours of community service per year.

Food may not be sold or traded for money, goods or services.