Food Pantry in Springdale, Arkansas

A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Springdale, Arkansas 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 Springdale, Arkansas 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 Springdale, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

The Salvation Army - Springdale, AR

Services provided :

  • Camping Activities
  • Christian Education
  • Men's Ministries
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Visitation Services
  • Women's Ministries
  • 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 (479) 751-7352 to book your appointment.

Address :

315 Holcomb St,
Springdale, AR 72764.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

The Salvation Army - Fayetteville, AR

Services provided :

  • Camping Activities
  • Christian Education
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Visitation Services
  • Women's Ministries
  • Worship Services - Children's / Teen
  • 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 (479) 444-7910 to book your appointment.

Address :

219 W 15th St,
Fayetteville, AR 72701.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

Church Food Pantry

A number of churches around Springdale, Arkansas 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 7 Church Food Pantry locations in Springdale, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

First United Methodist Church of Bentonville - Second Street Pantry

Second Street Pantry was established in January, 2011 as a community outreach program by members of First United Methodist Church of Bentonville. Our hope is that when people from our community come to our church, that we will always be able to help. We want those who enter our doors to be fed, to be warmed, and to know the love of Christ. Bentonville area residents are welcome to come for assistance. Certain restrictions apply, but we pray that all who enter leave with a sense of hope and love.

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 (479) 273-2712 to book your appointment.

Address :

201 Nw 2nd St,
Bentonville, AR 72712.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Bentonville

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

First Christian Church G.R.U.B. Food Pantry

GRUB is open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. - noon (for weather cancellations, we follow suit with the Rogers Public Schools closings). We typically serve 55-80 families every week. GRUB is operated on monetary donations from the church budget and individuals in the congregation. It is run completely by volunteers with great hearts for love and service.

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 (479) 636-2230 to book your appointment.

Address :

905 S 13th St,
Rogers, AR 72758.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Rogers

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Rogers Christian Church Food Pantry

The food pantry at Rogers Christian church is a mission of the Women’s Ministry. Needy people may request groceries at the office during regular business hours. The pantry is supplied by your donations.

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 (479) 636-9067 to book your appointment.

Address :

2421 W Oak St,
Rogers, AR 72758.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Rogers

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

First United Methodist Church - Bread of Life

The Bread of Life is devoted to serving and ministering to people in need by providing food, emergency financial assistance, counseling and spiritual support in an atmosphere of respect and compassion. Volunteers work stocking the pantry, greeting clients, filling grocery orders, counseling, and making community resource referrals.

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 (479) 750-5229 to book your appointment.

Address :

208 W Emma Ave,
Springdale, AR 72764.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Springdale

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

Bentonville Church of the Nazarene - Compassionate Ministry Center

Open every Monday morning from 10am - 12noon, our Food Pantry serves as many as 65 families a week.

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 (479) 273-2132 to book your appointment.

Address :

220 Nw A St,
Bentonville, AR 72712.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Bentonville

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Radiant Life Church - Community Food Pantry

The Community Food Pantry provides groceries and paper products free of charge for those in our city and surrounding areas who are in need on a first-come, first-served basis every Monday starting at 10 AM.

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 (479) 464-9400 to book your appointment.

Address :

1100 N Walton Blvd,
Bentonville, AR 72712.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Bentonville

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Peace Lutheran Church Ministry with the Hungry

Our Food Pantry feeds approximately 17,000 men, women and children yearly.

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 (479) 636-2140 to book your appointment.

Address :

805 W Olrich,
Rogers, AR 72756.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Rogers

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

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 Springdale, Arkansas 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 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Springdale, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

St. Raphael Catholic Church Food Pantry

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 (479) 756-6711 to book your appointment.

Address :

1386 S West End St,
Springdale, AR 72764.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Springdale

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

Helping Hands Food Pantry

Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Springdale, Arkansas 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 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Springdale, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

Helping Hands Inc.

Helping Hands Inc. is a non-profit organization operated as a partnership of 26 churches from through-out Benton County. Established in 1976 Helping Hands has been providing assistance to those in need for 37 years. We operate a thrift store located at 320 Airport Road in Bentonville, Arkansas. Proceeds from the thrift store are then used to meet the needs of Benton County residents through our assistance programs. We are extremely proud of our store which is really better compared to a high end department store than a thrift store. We are blessed to live in one of the most generous areas of the country and its the giving nature of the people of Northwest Arkansas that allow us to sell name brand clothing, furniture, jewelry and household items at thrift store prices. In addition we offer one of the largest food pantries in Northwest Arkansas providing food to more than 900 families each month.

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 (479) 273-2511 to book your appointment.

Address :

320 Airport Rd,
Bentonville, AR 72712.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Bentonville

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Mobile Food Pantry

The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Springdale, Arkansas 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 Springdale, 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 Springdale, Arkansas 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 1 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Springdale, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry opened in December 2004, has grown rapidly, and is now providing food to many hundreds of families per month. The food pantry is our attempt to answer Jesus’ call to feed the hungry. We meet Him in the poor whom we serve. There is a great need in the community and in our own parish for emergency food assistance. Many families have difficulty meeting their basic needs. In the past our parish operated a small pantry by appointment only. Many people would come to the parish office regularly asking for assistance. There was a clear need for a larger food pantry with regular hours of operation. Food, paper goods, and diapers are obtained from monthly Sharing Sunday collections, donations from individuals and vendors, Walmart Neighborhood Market, the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, the United Way Gift In Kind Warehouse. We have recently begun receiving food from the USDA Commodities Program. Food is provided to families in need in Benton County without regard for race, religion, or national origin. Families are asked to provide identification and proof of residence in Benton County. Basic information including names, addresses, and number of persons in the household is collected. Families may return monthly if needed.

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 (479) 636-4020 to book your appointment.

Address :

1413 W Poplar St,
Rogers, AR 72758.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Rogers

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Food Pantry Delivery Program

Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Springdale, Arkansas 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 8 Food Pantry locations in Springdale, Arkansas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

Samaritan Community Center - Samaritan Café (Rogers)

If you're looking for a soup kitchen that provides watery soup and stale bread you won't find it here. Each of our Samaritan Cafés are open to the general public and serve hot meals in a restaurant-style setting - meaning our clients are seated at tables and served their meals by happy, smiling volunteers who often take time to sit and visit with familiar faces. And while we might serve a hot, delicious soup from time to time, it will always be accompanied by generous portions of other items, such as baked chicken breasts, salad, rolls and cake or pastries for dessert. The delicious meals we serve are prepared on-site in our health-department certified café kitchens, utilizing food generously donated each week from eight Northwest Arkansas-area restaurants - Olive Garden, Noodles Italian Kitchen, Atlanta Bread Company, Mimi's Cafe, Panera Bread and Red Lobster. Old Tyme Donuts and Daylight Donuts in Lowell also provide a weekly donation of pastries to help satisfy our clients' sweet tooth! ROGERS CAFE' HOURS: 10:30 am-12:30 pm TU, W, TH, SA

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 (479) 636-4198 to book your appointment.

Address :

1211 W Hudson Rd,
Rogers, AR 72756.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Rogers

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Care Community Center - The Root Cellar Food Pantry

The Root Cellar will serve those in need of food assistance and nutrition education. The goal of this program is to provide emergency food assistance to neighbors facing food insecurity as a barrier to self sufficiency. As part of this effort we will provide our neighbors the opportunity to participate in Nutrition Education workshops that teach cooking skills, meal planning, as well as how to shop and prepare healthy meals on a budget. The Root Cellar will provide our neighbors with 3 meals for 3 days based on household size and product availability. Neighbors may access the pantry once every 30 days. The Root Cellar is open every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 9:00am - 12:00pm on a walk-in basis. Neighbors will be asked to show proof of residency and fill out a Mentor Assessment in English or Spanish.

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 (479) 246-0104 to book your appointment.

Address :

2510 N 17th St Ste 203,
Rogers, AR 72757.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Rogers

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Christian United Pantry

Springdale Christian Church is the host church for Christian United Pantry (CUP). Our five major supporters are the First Presbyterian Church of Springdale, Elmdale Baptist Church, Spring Creek Fellowship, First Church of the Nazarene, and Curves for Women of Springdale. They provide financial support as well as additional volunteers. We purchase the majority of our food from the Northwest Arkans...as Food Bank and the rest is donated directly to CUP. Food is given to anyone who can provide a valid Arkansas picture ID and fill out a short application. We are open on Mondays from 9a.m. to 2p.m. and we pick up food on Tuesdays. The CUP director is Bobby Chambers and assistant director is Jacob Dickard.

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 (479) 756-5687 to book your appointment.

Address :

714 Huntsville Ave,
Springdale, AR 72764.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Springdale

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

Samaritan Community Center - Samaritan Café (Springdale)

If you're looking for a soup kitchen that provides watery soup and stale bread you won't find it here. Each of our Samaritan Cafés are open to the general public and serve hot meals in a restaurant-style setting - meaning our clients are seated at tables and served their meals by happy, smiling volunteers who often take time to sit and visit with familiar faces. And while we might serve a hot, delicious soup from time to time, it will always be accompanied by generous portions of other items, such as baked chicken breasts, salad, rolls and cake or pastries for dessert. The delicious meals we serve are prepared on-site in our health-department certified café kitchens, utilizing food generously donated each week from eight Northwest Arkansas-area restaurants - Olive Garden, Noodles Italian Kitchen, Atlanta Bread Company, Mimi's Cafe, Panera Bread and Red Lobster. Old Tyme Donuts and Daylight Donuts in Lowell also provide a weekly donation of pastries to help satisfy our clients' sweet tooth! SPRINGDALE CAFE' HOURS: 10:30 am-12:30 pm M, TU, TH

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 (479) 872-1115 to book your appointment.

Address :

1300 N Thompson Ave Ste G,
Springdale, AR 72764.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Springdale

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

Cooperative Emergency Outreach

CEO is A COOPERATIVE group of churches assisting members of the community in EMERGENCY situations as part of an OUTREACH ministry. The food pantry at CEO has benefited from food donations from Boy Scouts, Fayetteville Library, postal workers, and numerous other community groups.

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 (479) 444-7500 to book your appointment.

Address :

1649 E Huntsville Rd,
Fayetteville, AR 72702.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Fayetteville

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

FPC Food Pantry

The mission of FPC Food Pantry is to share God's love by providing food to our neighbors in need who reside in Benton County. The pantry is open every Saturday from 9-11 in the Fellowship Hall. Clients need to provide a picture ID and proof of residency such as a rent or utility receipt. Clients can get food assistance once per calendar month. The food pantry at First Presbyterian distributes perishable and non-perishable food items as well as personal hygiene items to needy families in Benton County. In addition, the Food Pantry receives donations from two produce companies and bakery items from Harps in Bentonville. We also purchase food from the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank at 18 cents per pound.

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 (479) 273-5450 to book your appointment.

Address :

901 Ne J St,
Bentonville, AR 72712.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Bentonville

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

Servant's Heart of Northwest Arkansas Food Pantry

Servant's Heart has a pantry full of non-perishable food available to everyone. We stock this pantry through individual donations and food drives, including the Red Wagon Food Drive developed and operated by an 11 year old volunteer with our organization!

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 (479) 616-1729 to book your appointment.

Address :

421 W Centerton Blvd,
Centerton, AR 72719.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Centerton

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Benton

G.R.A.C.E. Place

G.R.A.C.E. Place is a local non-profit organization that offers assistance with food and clothing to the hungry and the poor. Each month, on average, the G.R.A.C.E. Place is privileged to serve over 200 local families and more than 800 individuals. Approximately 300 of these individuals are under 18 years of age. G.R.A.C.E. Place has been feeding the hungry and clothing the poor since 1988. We have recently expanded our facilities and this has improved our overall efficiency. We would like to increase the services that we offer to our community. We have plans to implement life classes on various subjects including parenting and financial planning.

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 (479) 824-5496 to book your appointment.

Address :

120 W Park,
Lincoln, AR 72744.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Lincoln

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Washington

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 Springdale, Arkansas

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.