A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie, Pennsylvania 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 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Erie, Pennsylvania which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - MESA, AZ: Corps Community Center
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Homemaker Services
- Latchkey Programs
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Visitation Services
- 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 (480) 962-9103 to book your appointment.
Address :
241 E 6th St, MESA,
Erie, PA 16507.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Erie
The Salvation Army - CORRY WORSHIP & SERVICE CENTER
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- 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 (814) 664-7100 to book your appointment.
Address :
127 W Washington St,
Corry, PA 16407.
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Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Erie
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Erie, Pennsylvania 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 3 Church Food Pantry locations in Erie, Pennsylvania which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Inter-Church Ministries of Erie County
Saint Martins Center provides financial assistance, food, clothing, household furnishings, counseling and advocacy.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
- counseling
- financial assistance
- advocacy & legal aid
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (814) 452-6113 to book your appointment.
Address :
1701 Parade St,
Erie, PA 16503.
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Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Erie
Saint Patrick Church
The Sister Mary Pascal Gray, SSJ- Food Pantry works in conjunction with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania to distribute between 2 and 3 tons of food to an average of more than 530 people every week of the year with addition distributions for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We also provide emergency food assistance when necessary. Whenever possible, we also distribute clothing, furniture, baby products, indeed anything that is donated to the Food Pantry. Unlike many food pantries that only distribute canned and dry goods, the Sister Mary Pascal Gray, SSJ Food Pantry strives to provide complete meals to our recipients. Those who receive food live in a defined area of the lower east side of the City of Erie. People of every race, creed and nationality are welcome. Many of our recipients are refugees from Africa and Eastern Europe, hoping to find a better more peaceful life in our community. Many are senior citizens trying to make ends meet. Many are working parents who simply dont make enough to feed their children.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food delivery
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- clothing
- furniture
- 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 (814) 454-8085 to book your appointment.
Address :
130 E 4th St,
Erie, PA 16507.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Erie
Inter-Church Ministries of Erie County
Kearsarge Area Food Pantry provides food and clothing to seniors, the unemployed and anyone in need.
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 (814) 864-1920 to book your appointment.
Address :
5440 Washington Ave,
Erie, PA 16509.
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Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Erie
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 Erie, Pennsylvania 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 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Erie, Pennsylvania which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie, 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 Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie, Pennsylvania 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 Erie, Pennsylvania 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 6 Food Pantry locations in Erie, Pennsylvania which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Martin Center, Inc.
Emergency Food Pantry Program provides food to families and individuals. When donations are available, personal care items are given out, too. Appointments should be made once a month for one to receive the services.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- personal care items
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (814) 452-6113 to book your appointment.
Address :
1701 Parade St,
Erie, PA 16503.
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:
- Erie
St Martin Center
Emergency food pantry program provides food for families, veterans, students, the elderly and everyone in between who qualifies can receive help from our food pantry once each month. Contact us at 888-452-6113 for more information.
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 (888) 452-6113 to book your appointment.
Address :
1701 Parade St,
Erie, PA 16503.
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:
- Erie
Compassionate Actions Project
Compassionate Actions Project offers eligible people in Erie County Pennsylvania free whole foods and personal care items. When funding is available, CAP will purchase and offer eligible people health sustaining foods and personal care items.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- personal care items
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 :
,
Philadelphia, PA 19154.
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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:
- Erie
Bethany Outreach Center
Bethany Outreach Center reaches out to those who have no hope and are living on the edge in downtown Erie which is in the area of highest poverty. This program empowers low income families through various enrichment classes so that they may find jobs and fulfillment. Services offered includes food pantry, clothing and households. For more information about this program please call 814) 456-6254 or even email at info@bethanyoutreachcenter.org.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (814) 456-6254 to book your appointment.
Address :
254 E 10th St,
Erie, PA 16503.
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:
- Erie
North East Food Pantry
The North East Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
We are open for distribution on the first four Saturdays of each month during the hours of 9:30AM until noon. We are not open on the fifth Saturdays. We provide food free of charge, according to our ministry's guidelines, to households located in either North East Township or Greenfield Township. All households seeking help from our ministry must complete a comprehensive Application for Assistance.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
30 Bothel St,
North East, PA 16428.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Erie
Community Shelter Services
Lodge on Sass and Columbus Apartments SRO Housing provides total of 90 units of safe, decent, affordable and supportive housing for single adults at the Lodge on Sass, as well as Columbus Apartments. Residents have the benefit of a fully furnished, Section 8 subsidized room with basic household necessities within an environment that preserves their personal privacy. Although residents are responsible for their own meals, a weekly family style meal is provided to promote socialization and to help stretch their food resources. In addition, an on-site pantry lends emergency assistance when food personal supplies are depleted each month. The agency, through donations from the community, provides clothing and other necessities. Common kitchens and lounge areas are located on all floors at each of the SRO facilities and laundry facilities are available on-site.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- residential housing
- clothing
- 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 (814) 453-5937 to book your appointment.
Address :
652 W 17th St,
Erie, PA 16502.
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:
- Erie
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 Erie, Pennsylvania
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.