Every Sunday, the Center for Community, Service, and Justice, along with the York Road Initiative, opens its doors for Soul Kitchen day.
Soul Kitchen is a weekly program at Govan’s church that serves more than 40 meals to low-income families and individuals in need. Rooted in community, respect, and love, Soul Kitchen welcomes student volunteers each week to support neighbors in need.
During my volunteer shift, I met people who took time out of their morning to give back. Among them was Carolyn Anewich, a community partner who has given back to the community for more than 10 years.
“At some time or another, everyone could use a little help. We take everyone as an individual, not what their circumstances are. Soul Kitchen has been serving more meals this year, especially in the last 4 months. We see more children, more older individuals, and more new faces each week. I think we support our community the most just by people knowing we are there,” Carolyn Anewich said.
With support from the York Road Initiative, CCSJ, and local businesses, Soul Kitchen gives back to the community expecting nothing in return.
“We pride ourselves in giving our community members the respect that each and every one of us deserve, by making, with love, the best meals we can. People should not be hungry,” Anewich said.
The York Road Initiative was created in 2008 as part of Loyola University Maryland’s efforts to improve the quality of life for residents along the York Road corridor. This initiative uses a place-based strategy focused on the Govan’s/York Road communities of north Baltimore City, from the Evergreen campus to Northen Parkway.
Through partnerships with CCSJ and local residents, the York Road Initiative supports educational development, community well-being, civic engagement and area improvements.
CCSJ and YRI partnerships bring the Loyola community closer to its neighbors through advocacy and volunteer opportunities.
“We offer our volunteers a chance to learn how to cook, and most importantly learn how great it is to become part of a larger community,” Anewich said.
Loyola University Maryland’s York Road Initiative (YRI) is hosting the 14th season of the Govans Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3-6 p.m between May 28 and Nov. 5, 2025.
The market is in the Loyola University Maryland parking lot at 5104 York Road, Baltimore, and it features a wide selection of vendors, including fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, cold crabs and seafood, baked goods, and hot Mexican food.
A key feature of the market is the Govans community fridge. Started in 2022, the community fridge serves both community residents and Loyola students with resources such as fresh produce, hygiene products and water. It works on “get what you need, share what you can” basis, and it is always open for donations.
Launched in 2011, the Govans Farmers Market provides fresh, healthy, and affordable food options to the York Road corridor in North Baltimore. The market is a key program of Loyola University Maryland through the Center for Community, Service, and Justice (CCSJ), and it has become a seasonal staple in the neighborhood.
Rooted in community vision and built through partnership, the Govans farmers market is worth visiting.
See pictures below.
