A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Lakeland, Florida distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around Lakeland, Florida from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 3 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Lakeland, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Lakeland, FL
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Food & Nutrition
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Young Adult
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 853-2214 to book your appointment.
Address :
2620 Kathleen Rd,
Lakeland, FL 33810.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 648-0047 to book your appointment.
Address :
3915 S Florida Ave,
Lakeland, FL 33813.
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Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
The Salvation Army - Lakeland, FL Community of Hope
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Day Care
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Transitional Housing
- Worship Services - Church
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 940-9696 to book your appointment.
Address :
3800 Kathleen Rd,
Lakeland, FL 33810.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Lakeland, Florida have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 5 Church Food Pantry locations in Lakeland, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Church at the Mall
Church at the Mall is a multi-site campus church in Lakeland, FL. Our mission is to glorify God by making disciples who overflow His presence everywhere we go.
At Compassion House we welcome over 200 individuals and families a week to receive food and groceries! More than that, we love to tell our guests about Jesus and the power He has to save them out of any situation! Our lives on earth are temporary, but life after death is eternal. We want to tell our guests that they have the choice of where they spend their eternity!
Each individual is welcome to receive food and clothing once a month. Guests are strongly encouraged to arrive early, as the line forms quickly and we are only able to serve the first 75 individuals/families that arrive. So that we know how many groceries to give you, please bring the Social Security Card of each individual in your household. The amount of groceries you receive will be based upon this number.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- spiritual support
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
1010 E Memorial Blvd,
Lakeland, FL 33801.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc.
Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church, Inc. is a Christ centered, Biblically based, Spiritually led church, that meets the needs of the total person.
Our food and clothing ministries offer food and clothing to anyone in need at no charge.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
1047 N Ohio Ave,
Lakeland, FL 33805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Fri: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Harmony Missionary Baptist Church
Harmony Missionary Baptist Church has been servicing the Lakeland community for over one hundred years. We seek to provide a holistic approach to ministry that addresses all aspects of human need.
We provide food, second hand clothing. Aid is offered in a limited quantity. Families can access the pantry once per month.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
1645 N Webster Ave,
Lakeland, FL 33805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakeland
Believers' Fellowship Word Of Faith Church
Hands of Mercy Food Pantry distributes groceries to those in need. This service not only helps those in need but also provides wonderful opportunities of ministry. A service is given at 5pm with food distribution at 6pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- spiritual support
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 858-5668 to book your appointment.
Address :
5240 N Socrum Loop Rd,
Lakeland, FL 33809.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakeland
Saint David's Episcopal Church Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00am-2:00pm. Everyone is welcome. No proof of income is required. Families shop freely for what they need. No one leaves hungry. No one is turned away.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 686-4143 to book your appointment.
Address :
145 Edgewood Dr,
Lakeland, FL 33803.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakeland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Lakeland, Florida are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 4 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Lakeland, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Saint Anthony Catholic Church
Thanksgiving Food Baskets provides a basket containing food and items suitable for a thanksgiving meal along with our prayers and invitation to our Parish Masses for those who need assistance at this holiday. If you would like to assist with this ministry, please contact the Parish Office and we will have someone from the Food Pantry Ministry get in touch with you. Call 863.858.8047 to get more information.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 858-8047 to book your appointment.
Address :
820 Marcum Rd,
Lakeland, FL 33809.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakeland
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Distributes food to participating charitable agencies and organizations.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 655-7074 to book your appointment.
Address :
625 McCue Rd, SUITE 2,
Lakeland, FL 33815.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 07:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
- Hardee
- Highlands
Catholic Charities of Central Florida - Lakeland Office & Food Pantry
The mission of Catholic Charities of Central Florida is to provide vital social services to people in need, regardless of their religious, social or economic background, to improve lives of individuals, families and the community. Food Assistance is available through Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s regional Food Pantries.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 686-7153 to book your appointment.
Address :
1801 E Memorial Blvd,
Lakeland, FL 33801.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakeland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Catholic Charities/Agape Food Bank
Agape Food Bank is one of several programs that Catholic Charities of Central Florida operates in its Western Region (Polk, Hardee, and Highland counties). Agape takes a multi-faceted approach to serving the community. We collect more than 6 million pounds of donated food, distributing it to an estimated 100,000 needy families and individuals in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. We do so mainly through our members, a network of more than 250 soup kitchens, churches, senior centers and other not-for-profits. We also rely on powerful national and regional partners:
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 665-7074 to book your appointment.
Address :
625 Mccue Rd Unit 2,
Lakeland, FL 33815.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakeland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Lakeland, Florida almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Lakeland, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Lakeland, Florida in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2024
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Lakeland, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Lakeland, Florida much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Lakeland, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Lakeland, Florida area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 4 Food Pantry locations in Lakeland, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Dream Center of Lakeland
The Dream Center of Lakeland is a Christ-centered community center that serves our at-risk neighbors, through free programs and resources facilitated by local churches, ministries, civic groups, and for-profit businesses that wish to make an impact in the city of Lakeland.
The Community Shoppe & Market is an innovative food pantry and clothing closet where neighbors are encouraged to give and receive. Functioning as a co-op, guests are invited to attend Dream Center programs where they earn Co-Op Vouchers that can be spent like cash at the Community Shoppe & Market. Items that can be "purchased" include non-perishable food, hygiene products, clothing, and more. Perishable grocery bags are available to all, with no restrictions.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
- baby supplies
- clothing
- home goods
- toys & gifts
- financial education
- community support services
- mentoring
- spiritual support
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 413-0088ext to book your appointment.
Address :
,
Lakeland, FL 33805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM EST
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM EST
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
- Sun: 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST T:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Polk County Department of Social Services
Fellowship Dining program provides meals to older residents , along with their caregivers, spouses, disabled children who live with them regardless of age.
The program provides both congregate and home-delivered meals.
Congregate meals are available for those individuals who are not homebound. Activities are offered daily at the sites and include nutrition education and counseling, games, parties, trips, exercises, speakers and socialization. The county also provides transportation to and from the meal sites when needed.
Home delivered meals are for individuals who are unable to come to the congregate meal sites because of health reasons, or live too far away for transportation to be provided.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 899-2551 to book your appointment.
Address :
150 W 14th St,
Lakeland, FL 33805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Elder Point Ministries
Portable Pantry is designed to assist seniors who are struggling to keep their pantry stocked because of physical ailments, economic circumstance, or lack of transportation.fresh. Portable Pantry truck comes with high quality produce that seniors can purchase for $1 per portion. Our seniors love the great value, selection and convenience of produce at their doorstep. We take all forms of payment including SNAP funds.
Portable Pantry CO-OP Locations includes;
• Monday at 1 – Georgetowne MHP 1501 Ariana Dr. Lakeland, FL 33803
• Tuesday at 11 – Woodbrook MHP 1510 Ariana Dr. Lakeland, FL 33803
At 2 Episcopal Catholic Apartments 500 Ave L Winter Haven 33881
• Wednesday at 2 Lakeview Tower 745 Ave C SW Winter Haven, FL 33880
• Thursday at 11 Lakeview Place Apartments 515 E. Orange St. Lakeland, FL 33803
At 2 Lakeland Presbyterian Apartments 530 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803
• Friday – 4th Friday YMCA North Lakeland 2125 Sleepy Hill Rd Lakeland, FL 33810
For additional information call (863) 682-7249.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 682-7249 to book your appointment.
Address :
2125 Sleepy Hill Rd,
Lakeland, FL 33810.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Elder Point Ministries
ElderPoint Ministries supports hundreds of seniors in the greater Lakeland area with the help of a dynamic, interfaith group of volunteers and a generous community of donors and sponsors. We operate with one single goal: to meet the elderly of our community at the point of their need.
ElderPoint Ministries provides a continuum of free home-based caregiving services to support healthy, safe and independent living for our older adult neighbors, including a food pantry, transportation, and housing. Our pantry service allows seniors to select food items themselves. Rather than distributing pre-selected bags of food, seniors choose exactly what they want, for free.
ElderPoint aims to create a personal connection with our clients. Like concerned neighbors, we don’t look so much at which individual services will help an elder in our community, but what solutions will improve their quality of life. Our continuum of services includes:
• Mobile pantries focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables
• Yardwork, house painting and citation remediation
• Simple errands
• Transportation
• Light housekeeping
• Friendly calls
• Shopping
• Referral services with our partner agencies in the community
We simply desire to meet the needs of our clients, whatever they may be. If a client has a need that is not listed here, all they have to do is ask.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- maintenance & repairs
- transportation
- navigating the system
- support network
- home visiting
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 682-7249 to book your appointment.
Address :
1021 Lakeland Hills Blvd, suite 4 2 floor,
Lakeland, FL 33805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Lakeland, Florida
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.