Food Pantry in San Francisco, California

We found 48 food pantries listed for San Francisco, California. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in City and County of San Francisco, California.

Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations

We have located 10 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in San Francisco, California. You can also check your eligibility.

The Salvation Army - San Francisco (Metro), CA: Bayview Hunters Point Ministry

Phone: (415) 826-9020

Address: 4622 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94124. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Community Recreation & Education Programs
  • Food & Nutrition

Appointments :

Call (415) 826-9020 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - San Francisco (South of Market), CA: Corps Community Center

Phone: (415) 777-2677

Address: 360 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Casework Services
  • Character Building Programs
  • Christian Education
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Nutrition Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Senior Citizen Clubs
  • 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 :

Call (415) 777-2677 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO (Chinatown), CA: Corps Community Center

Phone: (415) 781-7360

Address: 1450 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94133. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Casework Services
  • Character Building Programs
  • Christian Education
  • Day Camp Activities
  • Latchkey Programs
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Nutrition Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Senior Citizen Clubs
  • Senior Citizens Residences
  • 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 :

Call (415) 781-7360 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO (Lighthouse), CA: Corps Community Center

Phone: (415) 503-3000

Address: 445 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Camping Activities
  • Christian Education
  • Day Camp Activities
  • Disaster Services
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Visitation Services
  • Women's Ministries
  • Worship Services - Church
  • Worship Services - Sunday School

Appointments :

Call (415) 503-3000 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO (Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center), CA: Corps Community Center

Phone: (415) 345-3400

Address: 240 Turk St, San Francisco, CA 94102. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Casework Services
  • Character Building Programs
  • Christian Education
  • Community Recreation & Education Programs
  • Community Recreation Programs
  • Day Camp Activities
  • Disaster Services
  • Emergency Financial Assistance
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Food & Nutrition Programs
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Nutrition Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Seasonal Services
  • Senior Citizen Clubs
  • Transitional Housing
  • 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 :

Call (415) 345-3400 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO (Lighthouse), CA: Harbor House

Phone: (415) 503-3029

Address: 407 9th St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Casework Services
  • Community Recreation & Education Programs
  • Emergency Shelter
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Group Work Services

Appointments :

Call (415) 503-3029 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO (Lighthouse), CA: Harbor Light Center

Phone: (415) 503-3071

Address: 1275 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Alcohol and Drug Treatment
  • Christian Education
  • Clinics Services
  • Community Recreation & Education Programs
  • Detoxification Services
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Men's Ministries
  • Military Personnel Assistance
  • Transitional Care & Work Release
  • Visitation Services
  • Women's Ministries

Appointments :

Call (415) 503-3071 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Adult Rehabilitation Center

Phone: (415) 643-8000

Address: 1500 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Adult Rehabilitation Center
  • Rehabilitation

Appointments :

Call (415) 643-8000 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO (All Nations), CA: Corps Community Center

Phone: (415) 585-8877

Address: 4000 19th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Character Building Programs
  • Christian Education
  • Group Work Services
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Women's Ministries
  • Worship Services - Children's / Teen
  • Worship Services - Church
  • Worship Services - Sunday School
  • Worship Services - Young Adult
  • Worship Services - Youth Ministries

Appointments :

Call (415) 585-8877 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Salvation Army - SAN FRANCISCO (Mission), CA: Corps Community Center

Phone: (415) 648-0260

Address: 1156 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Casework Services
  • Character Building Programs
  • Christian Education
  • Day Camp Activities
  • Disaster Services
  • Domestic Violence Services
  • Emergency Financial Assistance
  • Food & Nutrition Programs
  • Group Work Services
  • Latchkey Programs
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Nutrition Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • 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 :

Call (415) 648-0260 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Church Food Pantry Locations

We have located 10 Church Food Pantry locations in San Francisco, California. You can also check your eligibility.

Covenant Presbyterian Church

Phone: (415) 664-5335

Address: 321 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tues: 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: Closed
  • Thurs: 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: Closed
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Our 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.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 664-5335 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Calvary Baptist Church

Phone: (415) 585-9190

Address: 5655 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Calvary Baptist Church is a vibrant, diverse, multi-generational community of faith and provides a welcoming place of worship for all. We strive to be a church that connects with people of all walks of life, positively impact our community and reach out to those who are less fortunate and in need. Serving through outreach and simple, random acts of kindness gives us the opportunity to use our passion, talent and gifts to make a difference for others, and we grow in the process.

SF Marin Food Bank provides food to the residents of San Francisco each week. Every family is treated with respect and as a member of our family. Clients are able to shop in our pantry for their own food with help from our volunteers. Our goal is to give each family we serve a hand-up by providing them with access to adequate nutrition.

We distribute every Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Enroll for free by visiting us and filling out the required paperwork.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 585-9190 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

St. Francis' Episcopal Church

Phone: (415) 334-1590

Address: 399 San Fernando Way, San Francisco, CA 94127. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tues: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

St. Francis' Episcopal Church is a vibrant, diverse, multi-generational community of faith and provides a welcoming place of worship for all. We strive to be a church that connects with people of all walks of life, positively impact our community and reach out to those who are less fortunate and in need. Serving through outreach and simple, random acts of kindness gives us the opportunity to use our passion, talent and gifts to make a difference for others, and we grow in the process.

Our Food Pantry provides food to the residents of San Francisco each week. Every family is treated with respect and as a member of our family. Our goal is to give each family we serve a hand-up by providing them with access to adequate nutrition. Visitors from three local zip codes have a one time registration with the San Francisco Food Bank, and then can come to receive bags of healthy, nutritious groceries each week.

The food pantry distributes every Wednesday afternoon.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 334-1590 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Temple United Methodist Church

Phone: (415) 586-1444

Address: 65 Beverly St, San Francisco, CA 94132. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Food Pantry program provides food every Wednesday where nearly 400 families receive food in a setting that is both compassionate and dignified.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 586-1444 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

St. Gregory'S Episcopal Church

Phone: (415) 255-8100

Address: 500 De Haro St, San Francisco, CA 94107. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Food Pantry Program offers free groceries to hungry families. We provide literally tons of fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, pasta, cereal, bread; and we share our peaceful, beautiful sanctuary with people from all over the city. The pantry is run entirely by volunteers–most of them people who came to get food and stayed to help out.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 255-8100 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Grace Covenant Church of South San Francisco - Abundant Harvest Food Pantry

Phone: (650) 589-6797

Address: 740 Del Monte Ave S, San Francisco, CA 94080. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Grace Covenant is a partner agency with Second Harvest serving food to the low-income of our community. As a Partners, we help serve the culturally-diverse population of SSF, San Bruno and Brisbane through our "Abundant Harvest Food Pantry" ministry every 1st Saturday of the month from 8:00-9:30am.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (650) 589-6797 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Mateo

Christ for All Nations Lutheran Church - Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 468-2937

Address: 465 Woolsey St, San Francisco, CA 94134. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Christ for All Nations offers a Saturday morning community food pantry for needy Portola residents. Patrons are welcome to join our Chinese-language worship service at 8:30 a.m., immediately before the pantry opens at 9:30 a.m.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 468-2937 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

True Sunshine Episcopal (Anglican) Church Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 956-2160

Address: 1430 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

On June 13, 2009 with the blessings of God, True Sunshine Food Pantry started to serve 100 low-income families in Chinatown. It is not always easy to do something new for the first time. The first food pantry day was chaos. It was overwhelmed in managing with many aggressive people wanting food. It got better and better as we learned from experience. Now our food pantry is serving about 300 food recipients every Saturday. The most important factor that made this program success was the teamwork spirit of our wonderful volunteers. These volunteers include members of the adult church members, the youth group with their friends and relatives and some walk-ins. They see themselves as one big happy family.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 956-2160 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

Hillside Church of God - South San Francisco Food Pantry

Phone: (650) 588-6860

Address: 1415 Hillside Blvd S, San Francisco, CA 94080. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Every second Saturday of the month, our church is transformed from it’s usual house of worship to a vital food pantry that serves the residents of South San Francisco, San Bruno and Brisbane. We are supported by Second Harvest Food Bank, local business and generous individuals. We do require proof of residency, however, we do not base eligibility on household income.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (650) 588-6860 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Mateo

Jones Memorial United Methodist Church - Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 921-7653

Address: 1975 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

On Saturday mornings, church and community volunteers distribute free groceries (fruits, vegetables and USDA foods) from the San Francisco Food Bank to low income families living in the 94115 area. Persons living outside the 94115 area, are served and given a listing indicating the food pantry near their home. No one is left behind. Participants are requested to bring bags for their groceries. Hours: 8:30 a.m. Distribution of numbers / 10:30 am to 11:30 a.m. Distribution of groceries by number. Church volunteers prepare and serve free lunches to the community on every Wednesday. Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 921-7653 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

Mobile Food Pantry Locations

We have located 1 Mobile Food Pantry locations in San Francisco, California. You can also check your eligibility.

San Francisco City Impact

Phone: (415) 292-1770

Address: 230 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94102. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Mobile food bank takes groceries directly to the families and meet a real and immediate need in San Fransisco.

Services provided :

  • food delivery
  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 292-1770 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Food Pantry Locations

We have located 27 Food Pantry locations in San Francisco, California. You can also check your eligibility.

Project Open Hand

Phone: (800) 551-6325

Address: 730 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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 - 04:00 PM
  • Sat: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
  • Sun: Closed

Project Open Hand’s Wellness Programs focus on serving people who are sick and need nutritious food to support their medical treatment. We believe that our nutritious food is medicine. For people fighting illness, good nutrition can help them heal, get stronger and lead healthier lives.

Our services include:

• Meals: We provide nutritious meals to people living with critical illness. Meals are available for pick up. For clients who are homebound, we offer home-delivered meals.
• Groceries: For clients and caregivers who are able to prepare meals, we offer healthy groceries that can be picked up once a week.
• Nutrition counseling and education: All clients receive a nutrition and wellness assessment from our Registered Dietitians when starting service. Our dietitians are also available for regular check-ins and advice.

Eligible diagnoses to qualify for our wellness program include:

• Autoimmune disease (e.g. Lupus)
• Cancer, active diagnosis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Coronary Artery Disease
• End-stage renal Disease (ESRD)
• Diabetes
• End-stage Liver Disease (ESLD)
• Hepatitis C
• HIV+/AIDS
• Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Serious Neurologic Condition/Stroke/Parkinson’s
• Recent Major Surgery

Our application form is available on our website. Please print out the application form and have your doctor fill it out; application forms must be filled out completely in order to be considered for services. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Services provided :

  • food delivery
  • food pantry
  • nutrition education
  • meals

Appointments :

Call (800) 551-6325 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Alameda
  • San Francisco

Ywam San Francisco

Phone: (415) 885-6543

Address: 357 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Tues: 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Wed: 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Thurs: 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Fri: 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Ywam San Francisco Food Pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. By hosting Food Pantry, We serve food to our neighbors. Distributing food is a simple but powerful way to share God's love.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 885-6543 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

San Francisco Community Fellowship

Phone: (415) 990-0352

Address: 1195 Geneva Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

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 help. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size. Our food pantry is open every Saturday.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 990-0352 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Richmond Neighborhood Center

Phone: (415) 751-6600

Address: 4545 Anza St, San Francisco, CA 94121. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tues: 05:45 PM - 07:45 PM EST
  • Wed: Closed
  • Thurs: Closed
  • Fri: Closed
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Thanks to our partnership with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, we provide over 700 Richmond District residents with free produce and groceries each week through our volunteer-run food pantries at The Richmond Neighborhood Center and Lafayette Elementary School.

THE FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN TWICE A WEEK:
Every Tuesday from 2:45-4:45PM at Lafayette Elementary (4545 Anza St.)
Every Thursday from 2:30-4:00PM at The Richmond Neighborhood Center (741 30th Ave)

To receive food, please come to the food pantry and fill out a registration form.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 751-6600 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Lutheran Social Services of Northern California

Phone: (415) 581-0891

Address: 191 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Polk Street Senior Housing is designed to house formerly homeless and low-income seniors in San Francisco. This program assist residents through case management services and regularly host community-building activities that give residents opportunities to engage with each other in a safe and positive environment.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • residential housing
  • navigating the system
  • one-on-one support
  • temporary shelter

Appointments :

Call (415) 581-0891 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

La Raza Community Resource Center Inc

Phone: (415) 863-0764

Address: 474 Valencia St, SUITE 100, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Food Pantry program offers nutritious, local and organic groceries free of charge on a weekly basis to 135 low income neighborhood families.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 863-0764 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Hamilton Families

Phone: (415) 274-0311

Address: 1 Avenue of the Palms, ROOM 166, San Francisco, CA 94130. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Food Pantry program provides free nutritious food and supports to low income children and their families to stretch their monthly food budget. For more information visit our location at 1 Avenue of the Palms, Room 166.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 274-0311 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Community Awareness & Treatment Services (CATS)

Phone: (415) 241-1184

Address: 1171 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Coronado Hotel program provides case management, support network, mediation with property management, crisis intervention, benefits counseling, advocacy, veterans benefits, employment related services, mental health, substance abuse, medical counseling, referrals, housing and access to food in the food pantry program for formerly homeless individuals.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • residential housing
  • counseling
  • mental health care
  • substance abuse counseling
  • navigating the system
  • help find housing
  • one-on-one support
  • help find work
  • advocacy & legal aid
  • mediation

Appointments :

Call (415) 241-1184 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Haight Ashbury Food Program

Address: 1525 Waller St, San Francisco, CA 94117. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Pantry Program provides fresh fruits and vegetables to canned foods to bread and rice to clients. These are nutritious foods that they otherwise cannot afford. We make a special effort to provide foods that can be used by those without permanent homes or cooking facilities, since they are part of the clientele we serve. The Pantry operates between 12pm and 2pm every Saturday, except when a Saturday is followed by a Monday holiday (when the Food Bank is closed for deliveries).

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The United Council of Human Services

Phone: (415) 671-1100

Address: Call for address

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tues: Closed
  • Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: Closed
  • Fri: Closed
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Clothing Bank & Food Pantry program provides clothing daily while food pantry provides fresh produce & grocery bags to homeless and low income individuals and their families on a weekly basis. Oakdale Clothing Bank is open Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m, Oakdale Food Pantry: Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m by appointment. Sunnydale Food Pantry: Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. by appointment.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • clothing

Appointments :

Call (415) 671-1100 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Jewish Family & Childrens Services

Phone: (415) 449-1200

Address: 2150 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Jewish Family & Childrens Services serves people of all faiths and backgrounds with our comprehensive system of care. Our professional teams bring years of experience to every client who walks through the door. As a national leader in developing innovative human services, JFCS incorporates the latest research and best practices to ensure everyone get the highest quality services and care.

JFCS Food Pantry offer nutritious, high-protein food to seniors on fixed incomes, adults with disabilities, young families with low incomes and others individuals and families facing temporary crises.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 449-1200 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Marin
  • San Francisco
  • Santa Clara
  • Sonoma
  • San Mateo

Donaldina Cameron House

Phone: (415) 781-0401

Address: 920 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Food Pantry program distributes groceries to families in need of food assistance in the Chinatown area and each year Cameron House assists low-income families to experience a more hearty thanksgiving by providing them a bountiful bag of groceries.

Services provided :

  • food delivery
  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 781-0401 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Donaldina Cameron House

Phone: (415) 781-0401

Address: 920 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Tues: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Food Projects - Food Pantry program offers emergency food assistance and food distribution to the families in need of food assistance in Chinatown area.

Services provided :

  • emergency food
  • food delivery
  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 781-0401 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

The Food Pantry

Address: 500 De Haro St, San Francisco, CA 94107. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

The food pantry groceries to the hungry people residing in San Francisco on Friday from 12 noon until 3PM. Email sara@thefoodpantry.org to get more info.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

North Beach Citizens

Phone: (415) 772-0918

Address: Call for address

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Community Food Pantry provides fresh fruits, non-perishable items and many products that do not require cooking facilities to homeless, low-income, senior, disabled residents living in single room occupancies (SROs) and low-income individuals residing in single-room occupancy residences within San Franciscos North Beach and surrounding neighborhoods. The Community Food Pantry is open every Wednesday from 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. to all those living in participating single room occupancies (SROs).

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 772-0918 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Compass Family Services

Phone: (855) 234-2667

Address: 49 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • 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

Compass SF HOME helps families in danger of homelessness to stabilize and maintain their housing and rapidly re-houses homeless families so that they can work towards long-term economic self-sufficiency.
Services include:
-Assistance to locate and maintain safe, permanent housing
-Rental subsidies coupled with intensive case management to address; education and professional goals, self-sufficiency skills like how to find resources or advocate for their families, organizing expenses and effectively managing money, maintaining a safe and healthy household, fortifying their children's developmental and educational success, maintaining good physical and mental well-being for the entire family through preventative care and awareness.
-Intensive case management and rental subsidies specifically targeted to families fleeing domestic violence through our Housing Access Project (HAP)
-Interest free loans for move-in costs, deposits, back rent, debt payment, and outstanding bills through our Rental Assistance Project (RAP)
-Access to a food pantry, clothing closet, personal hygiene products, diapers and baby supplies and transportation assistance
-Access to enriching educational and recreational activities for their children.

For more information contact us at 855-234-2667.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • help find housing
  • residential housing
  • baby supplies
  • diapers & formula
  • clothing
  • personal care items
  • transportation
  • daily life skills
  • financial aid & loans
  • financial education
  • recreation
  • navigating the system
  • support network
  • one-on-one support

Appointments :

Call (855) 234-2667 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

Donaldina Cameron House

Phone: (415) 781-0401

Address: 920 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108. Get Directions

Listed hours, call to confirm:

  • Mon: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Tues: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Food Projects - Harvest Home program assists low-income immigrant families to experience a more hearty thanksgiving by providing them a bountiful bag of groceries.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 781-0401 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Francisco

La Raza Community Resource Center - Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 863-0764

Address: 474 Valencia Ste 100, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Our Food Pantry service offers nutritious groceries free of charge on a weekly basis to low income neighborhood families. Dually serving and building the community, the service is staffed each Wednesday afternoon by our capable and devoted volunteers who are also clients of our Center. Currently, our pantry serves at least 100-120 families per week.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 863-0764 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

San Francisco Food Bank

Phone: (415) 282-1900

Address: 900 Pennsylvania Ave, San Francisco, CA 94107. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Our mission is to end hunger in San Francisco and Marin. It's a huge job that's only gotten harder as our community struggles with a prolonged period of economic distress and record numbers of people are pushed to the point of hunger. Thankfully, thousands of caring donors and supporters have rallied around the Food Bank and enabled us to scale up our operations to meet the need. With 120 employees, 25,000 volunteers each year, and 450 partner organizations throughout the community, the Food Bank is vital lifeline for people in need of food assistance.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 282-1900 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • San Mateo
  • Santa Clara
  • City and County of San Francisco
  • Alameda
  • Contra Costa
  • Marin

Cityteam San Francisco

Phone: (415) 861-8688

Address: 164 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

In San Francisco, Cityteam is providing hot meals, safe shelter, showers, and clean clothing to this city's homeless population. Cityteam in San Francisco has a wonderful, caring staff and volunteers that provide foot care to many needy people each year. A full recovery program is in place for men that are on a road of destruction from drugs and alcohol. Cityteam is involved in real life situations with the people that walk through our doors. The caring staff at Cityteam, reaches out to those people in need and shows them there is real hope in Christ in order to formulate an everlasting real change in their lives.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 861-8688 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

Richmond District Neighborhood Center - Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 750-8554

Address: 741 30th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

In a high-cost neighborhood like the Richmond District, it can be a real challenge to make ends meet. People from all over our neighborhood, including hard-working people with low wage jobs, can find themselves unable to afford all the food they need. Children, seniors, unemployed and low-wage workers make up the majority of those struggling with hunger. Thanks to our partnership with the San Francisco Food Bank, we provide over 200 Richmond District residents each week with free produce and groceries through our youth and volunteer-run Food Pantry. To receive food, you must demonstrate proof of residency in the 94121 zip code. The Food Pantry takes place every Thursday from 2:30-5:00 pm.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 750-8554 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

St. Anthony Dining Room

Phone: (415) 241-2690

Address: 150 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

In San Francisco, one in five adults lacks the resources to provide food for themselves or their families. In the Tenderloin that number is as high as one in two. At St. Anthony Dining Room, we hope to offset this lack of basic resources by serving nearly a million hot, nutritious meals each year, at one of the Bay Area’s largest community meal programs. The meals served feed individuals and families who have slipped through the safety net: veterans, seniors, the working poor, homeless and low-income residents, recent immigrants, recent parolees, and the mentally and addictively ill. A fundamental component of the Dining Room meal service is to welcome each guest with dignity and respect. The Dining Room has served poor and homeless Tenderloin residents since 1950; through six decades of growing demand we have never turned a Dining Room guest away for lack of food. More than one-third of our guests rely on these meals as their only source of food each day; many must decide between paying their rent and purchasing medicine before budgeting for food. This year we will serve more than 2,000,000 pounds of food, 75% of that food is donated or provided free by our community partners. As a model of environmental stewardship, St. Anthony Dining Room composts or recycles 70% of all program waste. The Dining Room is more than a meal service however, it is a community. Whether in a residential hotel room or on the street, 83% of our guests live alone, and the Dining Room is a place to share stories and smiles, a place where someone would notice if they did not show up. Alongside regular volunteers, student, church and business groups volunteer daily, men in our recovery program help prepare each day’s meals relearning the routine of employment and seeing the positive impact they can have on others. An outreach team is also present to provide guidance to guests who would benefit from other programs and services available. In addition to the regular meal service and in collaboration with the San Francisco Food Bank, the Dining Room hosts two monthly food distribution programs which provide groceries to nearly 1,000 low-income San Francisco residents and seniors. Our Dining Room serves hot, nutritious meals 365 days a year. Hours: 10:00am-11:45am Open to Families with Children and Seniors (age 60+), 11:30am-1:30pm Open to Anyone

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 241-2690 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

The Women's Building - Immigrant Assistance Food Pantry Program

Phone: (415) 431-1180

Address: 3543 18th St # 8, San Francisco, CA 94110. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The Food Pantry intends to address the needs of a multicultural community of immigrants by providing culturally sensitive services such as access to quality food, nutrition classes, wellness activities; as well as, opportunities for community participation. In partnership with the San Francisco Food Bank, the Immigrant Assistance Food Pantry provides over 160 immigrant families with the food they need every week. Cooking healthy meals in their own homes they are able to maintain their independence and a higher quality of life. Organized in a farmers' market-style, clients select the foods that best meet their needs. From fresh fruits and vegetables to bread and rice, each client receives nutritious food that is otherwise unaffordable. Mondays at 9:45am - 11:00am in the Audre Lorde Room (second floor). On-site registration is required every 6 months.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 431-1180 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

Arriba Juntos - Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 487-3240

Address: 1850 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Every Thursday, rain or shine, we offer a food pantry distributing free, healthy groceries and fresh produce to more than 900 local residents to help balance their diets.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 487-3240 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

Excelsior Community Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 787-4751

Address: 32 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The Excelsior Community Food Pantry offers free groceries to all in need every Saturday. The mission of the Excelsior Community Food Pantry is to strengthen the Excelsior community by distributing food to families in need.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 787-4751 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

Diamond Heights Neighborhood Food Pantry at St. Aidan's

Phone: (415) 826-8372

Address: 101 Gold Mine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94131. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

As of 12/1/13 St. Aidan’s food pantry has 240 registered households with 510 members. The food pantry is open every Friday from 1 - 2 PM for shopping. The food pantry provides us with an opportunity to reach out to our neighbors in need. Many of our shoppers join with us in our services and fund raising activities. Both volunteers and shoppers feel that St. Aidan’s is their church.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 826-8372 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

Sunset Youth Services - Family Food Pantry

Phone: (415) 665-0255

Address: 3918 Judah St, San Francisco, CA 94122. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The Family Food Pantry provides free nutritious supplemental groceries to low-income families in the neighborhood.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (415) 665-0255 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • San Francisco

Help Residents of Counties:

  • City and County of San Francisco

A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in San Francisco, California 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 offers free food help through local centers. Contact the branch nearest San Francisco, California to confirm hours and requirements. 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.

Church Food Pantry

A number of churches around San Francisco, California have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.

Church pantries often rely on food donations gathered through food drives.

Some churches also deliver food items to older adults who are unable to drive to a nearby community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.

Catholic Charities Food Pantry

Resources provided by Catholic Charities organizations can include help with food, holiday, and immigration needs.

Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charities centers for help.

Catholic Charities locations in and around San Francisco, California may offer groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal. Hours and walk-in rules vary, so call before you go.

Some of these food pantries work like grocery stores, letting clients choose the items they need from the groceries available on site.

First-time clients may need to fill out a short application with basic household information.

Helping Hands Food Pantry

Some independent food pantries use the Helping Hands name. Any Helping Hands pantries we have listed around San Francisco, California appear on this page.

Food supplies, hours, and services differ from one pantry to the next, so call before you go.

These pantries often rely on donations and volunteers from their local communities.

Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.

Mobile Food Pantry

Mobile food pantries bring free food directly to families in need in communities around San Francisco, California, often during large one-day distributions.

Some mobile pantries hand out pre-packed boxes, while others let you shop market-style.

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 2026

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 pantries often 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.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

Some St. Vincent de Paul food pantries around San Francisco, California may operate much like a grocery store, where people in need can choose their own food.

Services vary by location, so call the pantry near you to ask what is available.

Food Pantry Delivery Program

Some food banks run delivery programs that bring food and other products to partner agencies in more remote areas. Ask a food pantry around San Francisco, California whether delivery is available near you.

Drive-thru Food Pantries

Drive-thru food pantries are a convenient and efficient way to distribute food to neighbors in need. Many are open to anyone who needs help with food, but rules vary by location, so call ahead if you can.

Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?

Drive-thru pantries are generally open to anyone who needs help getting food. Requirements vary, so check with the pantry before you go.

You may be asked to provide:

  • Your zip code, and
  • Number of people in your household.

You usually do not need an appointment. Drive-thru pantries are generally first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early because lines can fill quickly and popular items may run out.

How do drive-thru pantries work?

Volunteers and staff manage the distribution line. Here is how most drive-thru pantries operate:

Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the distribution area.

Visitors pull up in their car and are guided into a clearly marked queue. Staff move cars forward to keep the line moving quickly.

Check-in.

You may be asked about your zip code, household size or income for the pantry's records.

Food is loaded into your car.

Pre-packed bags of food — typically including shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit, and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats — are loaded by volunteers directly into your trunk.

Pet Food Pantry

Some pet owners give up their pets because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet food pantries help fill a gap left by assistance programs such as SNAP, which cannot be used to buy pet food.

Pet food pantries may provide free pet food for a limited time to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in San Francisco, California.

Who is eligible for a pet food pantry?

Rules vary by pantry, but many help 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.

Some 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.

This is often a 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, Infants, and 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?

Food pantries typically provide shelf-stable items such as:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Canned beans
  • Canned stew
  • Canned fish

3. Who can go to a food pantry?

Rules vary by food pantry. Many ask only that you say you need help, while others may ask for ID, proof of address, income information, or a referral. Call ahead to find out what to bring.

4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?

A food pantry often provides food packages meant to last a few days 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 food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Those organizations then provide this food directly to families in need.