We found 21 food pantries listed for San Mateo County, California. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in San Mateo County, California.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in San Mateo, California. You can also check your eligibility.
Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Dropbox
Phone: (650) 583-3589
Address: 300 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
Call (650) 583-3589 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
The Salvation Army - SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO (Citadel), CA: Corps Community Center
Phone: (650) 266-4591
Address: 409 S Spruce Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts 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 :
Call (650) 266-4591 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Trailer
Phone: (650) 873-3006
Address: 1170 Mission Rd, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
Call (650) 873-3006 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
The Salvation Army of Redwood City
Phone: (650) 368-4643ext
Address: 660 Veterans Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94063. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. When hard times hit, The Salvation Army is here to help meet all of your basic needs. Whether you need a bag of groceries to get through the week, a hot meal, or assistance paying an outstanding bill, every county in California has either a Salvation Army Worship and Community Center, Service Center, or Service Unit representative ready to help.
Services provided :
- disaster response
- emergency payments
- emergency food
- food pantry
- nutrition education
- toys & gifts
- financial assistance
Appointments :
Call (650) 368-4643ext to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Marin
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 6 Church Food Pantry locations in San Mateo, California. You can also check your eligibility.
First Family Church
Phone: (925) 706-1238
Address: 3195 Contra Loma Blvd, Antioch, CA 94509. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Tues: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Wed: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Fri: 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- 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.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (925) 706-1238 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Marin
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
Hillside Church of God
Phone: (650) 588-6860ext2
Address: 1415 Hillside Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Pantry provides groceries to the residents of South San Francisco, San Bruno and Brisbane every second Saturday of the month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 588-6860ext2 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- San Francisco
- San Bruno
- Brisbane
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
InnVision Shelter Network - Breaking Bread Hot Meal Program at Covenant Presbyterian Church
Phone: (650) 853-8672
Address: 670 E Mdw, Drive Palo Alto, CA 94303. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Hot meals: Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 853-8672 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Drive Palo Alto
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
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
InnVision Shelter Network - Breaking Bread Hot Meal Program at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Phone: (650) 853-8672
Address: 330 Ravenswood Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Hot meals: Sunday 2:30-3:30pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 853-8672 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Menlo Park
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
Catholic Charities Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in San Mateo, California. You can also check your eligibility.
Saint Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church
Phone: (512) 442-0226
Address: 2303 Euclid Ave, FR JOE, Redwood City, CA 94061. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church is served primarily by brothers, priests and sisters of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
St. Ignatius Martyr food pantry program provides food, washing soap, baby diapers, some baby formula, feminine hygiene products, adult diapers and small hygiene packs. We give out food every six weeks for residents and every 2 weeks for the needy and the homeless. Families or residents can get one prescription voucher every six (6) months; homeless individuals receive prescription vouchers on a case-by-case bases.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- diapers & formula
- personal care items
- prescription assistance
Appointments :
Call (512) 442-0226 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Travis
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 10 Food Pantry locations in San Mateo, California. You can also check your eligibility.
Novato Human Needs Center
Phone: (415) 897-4147
Address: 1907 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM EST
- Tues: 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM EST
- Wed: 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM EST
- Fri: 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Novato Human Needs Center provides shelter, clothing, food or employment to the poor, the hungry, homeless and the hopeless.
Food Pantry Program provides food for Low-income Novato residents who need food every Tuesday afternoon. Food typically includes fresh produce, dairy, canned and dried foods.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (415) 897-4147 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Marin
- San Francisco
- San Mateo
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
Peninsula Family Service
Phone: (650) 780-7525
Address: 2600 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063. 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
Fair Oaks Community Center provides services to meet the ongoing and emerging needs of older adults looking to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. We offer nutritious meals, fitness classes, health screenings, and social activities for free or reduced costs.
-Fitness classes-Yoga, Sit & Be Fit, Zumba, Tai Chi, Soul Line Dancing, Samba, Chair Volleyball
-Social activities-Garden Club, Bingo, Watercolor Club, Spanish Club, Cornhole, Singing Club, Billiards Club
-Health and Wellness-Platica, Mind and Health Coaching Group, Blood Pressure Screenings, Strong for Life
-Education-ESL class, Computer Club
-Information and Assistance Program-Those who live between Belmont and East Palo Alto can contact a Case Manager and Information and Assistance Specialist to find resources regarding transportation, food, emergency shelter, caregiver support, health and wellness, recreation, housing, and healthy insurance.
-Meals-Healthy Breakfast and Lunch, Brown Bags
The Fair Oaks Nutrition Program is partially subsidized by Older American Act funds. The suggested donation for our meals is $2.50 for adults age 60 and older. The cost of meals for those under age 60 is $6.55. All older adults are welcome regardless of ability to contribute.
If you are interested in visiting Fair Oaks, potential participants and their families are welcome to stop by the center. For more information, call the center at 650.780.7525.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- health education
- disease screening
- exercise & fitness
- recreation
- navigating the system
- english as a second language (esl)
- meals
Appointments :
Call (650) 780-7525 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
Korean American Community Services of Silicon Valley
Phone: (408) 920-9743
Address: 1099 N 4th St, San Jose, CA 95112. 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
Through the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, KACS brown bag program distributes a bag of nutritious groceries, such as rice, canned food, cereal, fruits, and vegetables, to low-income seniors over 60 and disabled individuals over 55 living in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.
Our volunteers distribute the food every Thursday.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (408) 920-9743 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room
Phone: (650) 365-9664
Address: 3500 Middlefield Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room is the largest “soup-kitchen†between San Francisco and San Jose and the only organization that provides food daily throughout the year. The Dining Room’s provides warm, nutritious meals in a social and friendly atmosphere to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. We serve all without regard to age, sex, race, religious beliefs, national origin, or disabilities. We serve an average of 500 meals a day. Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest days of the year for the Padua Dining Room when our patronage typically doubles. We serve approximately 1,000 meals on each holiday. Hot meals are served Mondays through Saturday between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. The Free Clothing Distribution Center is open to women and children on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. It is open to men each Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. A Public Health Nurse is present in an office next to the dining hall one day per week between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 365-9664 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Menlo Park
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
Samaritan House Food Pantry
Phone: (650) 703-3398
Address: 4031 Pacific Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94403. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Samaritan House’s Pantry supplies food boxes full of groceries for low-income families who struggle to buy groceries. Clients receive vouchers from a Case Worker at our Client Services Center and redeem the voucher at our Pantry. This option allows families to prepare fresh meals together at home.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 703-3398 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- San Mateo
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
CALL Primrose Center
Phone: (650) 342-2255
Address: 139 Primrose Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The CALL Primrose Center is a joint venture of the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame and the United Methodist Church of Burlingame. Started in 1983 as a telephone information and referral service, CALL became a drop-in location by 1984. Since then, thousands of people in need have come to our house for assistance. All requests are screened to determine the legitimacy of the need. Funds are received from private foundations, businesses and service organizations, plus various city grants, etc. Additional support comes from individuals and faith-based congregations in our community. In addition to our paid staff, we have many wonderful volunteers to help us assist others at the Center. Our Purpose: To provide a mid-Peninsula telephone and walk-in site for people in need of: Emergency direct aid with food from the Center’s in-house food pantry; Information and referral.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 342-2255 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Burlingame
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
St. Francis Center of Redwood City
Phone: (650) 365-7829
Address: 151 Buckingham Ave, Redwood City, CA 94063. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
St. Francis Center is a nonprofit organization whose focus is on helping families in need in the Redwood City area and attempts to assist such families in whatever ways will allow them to live in dignity and become self-supporting members of the community. Early each workday morning, rain or shine, women from throughout the Redwood City and Menlo Park areas gather at the St. Francis Center. They come for food, clothing and friendship. Dozens of dedicated volunteers make the St. Francis Center a place of welcome by packing grocery bags with care. Two bags of take-home food for each client family contain all of the basic food groups. Monitored by an automated photo ID check-in system, the St. Francis Center provides groceries for an average of 2,600 people each month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 365-7829 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Redwood City
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
North Peninsula Food Pantry & Dining Center
Phone: (650) 994-5150
Address: 31 Bepler St, Daly City, CA 94014. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
North Peninsula Food Pantry & Dining Center of Daly City began operation in northern San Mateo County in 1989 providing nutrition and sustenance to those in need within our community. Our food pantry program serves an average of 100 families each month with a three-day supply of shelf stable food. Our hot meal program, North Peninsula Dining Center, provides a hot meal to over 60 men, women, and children each Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. North Peninsula Dining Center is the only program of this kind in our community. The number of clients served continues to increase with new clients added daily. Continued community support for these programs is vital to our ongoing success in providing assistance to those in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 994-5150 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Daly City
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
Samaritan House Dining Room
Phone: (650) 347-3648
Address: 725 Monte Diablo Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Samaritan House’s Dining Room is open for dinner Monday through Friday every week and is open to individuals and families in the community.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (650) 347-3648 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- San Mateo
Help Residents of Counties:
- San Mateo
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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.