We found 25 food pantries listed for Colorado Springs, Colorado. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in El Paso County, Colorado.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can also check your eligibility.
Salvation Army Family Store and Donation Dropbox
Phone: (719) 574-4335
Address: 3955 Tutt Blvd, thrift<br > co spgs, Colorado Springs, CO 80922. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
Call (719) 574-4335 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
The Salvation Army - COLORADO SPRINGS, CO: Corps Community Center
Phone: (719) 636-3891
Address: 908 Yuma St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Clinics Services
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Domestic Violence Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Group Work Services
- Homemaker Services
- Latchkey Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Senior Citizens Residences
- 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 (719) 636-3891 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
The Salvation Army - FOUNTAIN (Valley), CO: Corps Community Center & Business Office
Phone: (719) 382-1182
Address: 901 N Santa Fe Ave, Fountain, CO 80817. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- 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 (719) 382-1182 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
The Salvation Army of Fountain Valley
Phone: (719) 382-1182
Address: 901 N Santa, Fe Fountain, CO 80817. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Salvation Army came to Fountain Colorado in the early 90′s, and opened their doors in 2000. Since opening the doors in Fountain, we have served families with emergency food and utility assistance. Along with our social services and utilities assistance, we are involved in Community Care Ministries (CCM). The Salvation Army holds regular Church service every Sunday at 10:30 am and Sunday school at 9:30 am for adults and youth. We also have programs for the youth which are held weekly. Those programs are Sunbeams, Adventure Corp and Girl Guards. These programs help build character and allow Christian fellowship among young people.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 382-1182 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fe Fountain
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 6 Church Food Pantry locations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can also check your eligibility.
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 392-5782
Address: 1201 Leta Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
For those who truly do not have enough food to last until Food Pantry hours on Thursday, emergency food is available by contacting the church office during regular office hours. In order to receive emergency food supplies, each person must meet eligibility requirements. Emergency food is only available for a given recipient on an occasional basis with a referral provided by The Walt Fortman Center.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 392-5782 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Eastborough Church of the Nazarene Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 596-1929
Address: 4123 E Pike, Peak Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We are pleased and privileged to provide food boxes and prayer support to those who are facing challenging times. We seek to provide a ‘hand up’ to assist those in need by offering food to meet immediate needs, but are focused on helping people overcome difficulties in their lives for the long-term. We also provide Thanksgiving food boxes each year for families in our neighborhood that find themselves in difficult circumstances.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 596-1929 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Peak Ave Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Springs First Church of the Nazarene - More Than Food
Phone: (719) 596-5119
Address: 4120 E Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Springs First wants to be a beacon of light in our community. If you are in need of some groceries to get you through a few days, we would like to help with that. Distribution: Fridays 2-4pm on East Side of building (LAC). A household can recieve presorted food bags (put together by volunteers) once a month. Clients will have to sign-in (Reports given to Care & Share) and show proof of residency (Drivers License, Utility Bill, etc.) in the zip codes 80916 and 80910 or give a referral from a Springs First attendee. We will have pre-made bags of food for clients to pick-up after check-in. It will be first-come, first-serve. There will be no access to the storage area by clients or volunteers during distribution. Any extra items from the "Bread Table" and "Produce Table" will be available to all until we run out.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 596-5119 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Bread of Life Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 596-0661
Address: 4125 Constitution Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Bread of Life Food Pantry is open Monday and Tuesday from 1-4 pm and Saturday from 9 am – noon for those in 80909, 80915, and 80916 zip codes. (Members do not need to be in those zip codes to use the Food Pantry).
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 596-0661 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
First United Methodist Church of Fountain - Community Soup Kitchen
Phone: (719) 382-5113
Address: 1003 N Santa, Fe Fountain, CO 80817. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Community Soup Kitchen: Friday Nights from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Local organizations help support and host this weekly outreach for the Fountain Valley Community. The Community Soup Kitchen is working at stopping hunger in the Fountain Valley Area one meal at a time.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 382-5113 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fe Fountain
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Westside First Wesleyan Church Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 473-7113
Address: 502 N Walnut St, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We have been in operation since November of 2011. Since then, we’ve helped over 2,000 people with food assistance. We strive to serve God and combat hunger by distributing food to the public in a way that displays kindness, dignity, respect and compassion and honors their inherent value as a person. At Westside First Wesleyan Food Pantry, we are led by our mission and guiding principles in all that we do. We value: Safety, Dignity, Faith, Community and Stewardship. These values guide us every day as we reach out to the people we serve. These values are why we choose to use a client choice shopping model. They are why we ensure all foods are handled safely by trained volunteers with clean techniques. They are the reason we keep red tape and paperwork to a minimum. And, above all, they are the reason you will find that we truly care for and value each and every person who enters our facility - customer or volunteer.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 473-7113 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Helping Hands Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can also check your eligibility.
High Plains Helping Hands
Phone: (719) 495-3123
Address: 7375 Adventure Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80923. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
At High Plains Helping Hands, we serve a large area from Colorado Springs to the north and east, where there are few agencies to assist with such needs. Food and other resources, as well as prayer and encouragement, are offered to those in need who live in the following zip code areas: 80808, 80828, 80830, 80831, 80832, 80833, 80835, 80864 and 80923.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 495-3123 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 14 Food Pantry locations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can also check your eligibility.
Marian House Soup Kitchen
Phone: (719) 475-7314
Address: 14 W Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Since 1985, the Marian House Soup Kitchen has been serving people who are hungry in downtown Colorado Springs. Hot, nutritious meals are provided for more than 600 people most days. Towards the middle and end of the month, the number of meals served increases to 700+ on most days. Guests include struggling families, seniors on a fixed income, the working poor, veterans, people with disabilities, unsupported teens, and those who are homeless. Only about a third of our guests are homeless. Open 365 of the year, the soup kitchen is operated by a small Catholic Charities staff and approximately 45 dedicated volunteers a day from various organizations, churches, corporations, the military, and individuals. Browse our list of volunteer organizations. Our doors are open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sundays, 8:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 475-7314 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Grace Be Unto You Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 596-9076
Address: 3195 Airport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
This service is possible through God's Grace and the generous donations of a local food bank (Care and Share), local supermarket chain's, other agencies and people like “YOUâ€. We provide fresh vegetables, dairy, bread, can goods, and other necessities of life. Each Wednesday we give out 3000 lbs of food and donated clothing available for families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 596-9076 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
God's Pantry
Phone: (719) 382-0643
Address: 102 N Main St, Fountain, CO 80817. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-denominational clothing & food bank, as well as a thrift store.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 382-0643 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fountain
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Hanover Outreach Community Pantry
Phone: (719) 683-3441
Address: 19380 Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80928. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Stated Mission: Providing Nutrition to a community to better the education and living of our community members great or small. What that Means to Us: Community means more to us than a word. We see our community as more of a family. We work to make sure our family has the tools to grow and succeed in life. This is why we provide nutrition through donated goods and supplies as well as through our affiliation with Care and Share. We offer a kind neighborly face to provide compassion and understanding to those who need it. Together with our donors and volunteers we have provided services to over 200 families last year, and your support helps us continue with our mission.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 683-3441 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Silver Key Senior Services - Emergency Pantry
Phone: (719) 884-2370
Address: 2250 Bott Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food for people over 60 in an emergency and temporary situation. Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 884-2370 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
American Charities - Colorado Springs
Phone: (719) 646-3922
Address: 3604 Galley Rd Ste 102, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
American Charities, Inc. is a Colorado based non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation. We are not affiliated to any religious group or any political organization. It is our mission to assist families in need of food and clothing no questions asked . The funds that we raise are directly put to use in the community to help people in need and to keep our facilities operational. We know that most families have a hard time making ends meet. Even with both parents working, after paying for the rent/mortgage, utilities, car loan(s) and insurance, gas, etc.. we barely have enough money for the day to day necessities. Our kids are growing so fast, it seems we have to buy new shoes and clothes every other month. Our Concept: You donate necessary items (clothing, non-perishable foods, diapers, blankets, etc…) to American Charities, Inc. and we distribute it right back to families in need in the community absolutely FREE.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 646-3922 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Tri-Lakes Cares - Food Assistance
Phone: (719) 481-4864
Address: 235 N Jefferson, Monument, CO 80132. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Help Yourself - Groceries are donated by many local food providers (Safeway, King Soopers and Panera Bread) and are available for clients at the Tri-Lakes Cares facility in Monument. Groceries are distributed based on the number of people in the household. Food can be picked up once a day per household, on Monday and Thursday. Groceries and sundries are available at the Tri-Lakes Cares facility: Monday and Thursday at 12:00-3:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Commodities - A supplement of staple foods is provided by The Federal Government Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) once each calendar month. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Supplemental food requires income qualification and residence in El Paso County. Emergency Groceries - A week’s worth of groceries, packed for an individual or household, is available to clients during a crisis situation. In addition to food products, groceries include non-edible items, such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo, and more. These groceries help to subsidize a client’s grocery shopping to free up income for other household expenses. Senior Supplemental Groceries - A special monthly supplement of food is available for senior citizens. We try to honor requests for clients who have dietary restrictions and need special food (for instance, gluten free, low sodium, sugar-free, etc.). Supplemental groceries are ready for pick-up the second Thursday of each month, and up to thirty days after, depending upon availability. Snack-Pack Program - Weekend supplemental food program is available for selected low-income students at three of our local schools. Talk to your school counselor about eligibility for this program.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 481-4864 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Monument
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Connections4Life Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 387-9919
Address: 6436 Us Hwy 85 Ste U, Fountain, CO 80817. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Food Pantry began in 1999 and has approximately 50+ volunteers. In 2011 there were 3,386 food boxes totaling 100,450 lbs given to 12,260 family members in south Colorado Springs. The Connections4Life Food Pantry provides the most basic need of feeding the hungry. Life Skills classes are then provided to help overcome the issues that brought them here. From the moment a family walks through the door, we are truly blessed to be able to help. We celebrate with them as they achieve their goals and climb above their circumstances. The Food Pantry distributes food every Thursday from 5:30pm until 7:30pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 387-9919 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fountain
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Christian House of Prayer Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 596-7469
Address: 4360 Bradley Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80911. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
CHOP is committed to fight hunger by lending a helping hand to ensure that economically disadvantaged people to include, working poor, needy, seniors, disabled, homeless, shut-in, youth, and infants of our community are able to access healthy food and resources. “Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poorâ€. - Proverb 22:9. Hours of Operation: CHOP Food Pantry is open from 3:00p.m. - 6:00p.m., every 3rd Friday of the month. We Serve our clients with confidentiality, respect, and efficiency. Keep client forms away from public view. Sign in sheets must be filled out completely. (This is the only requirement, no income verification). Clients are encouraged to come only once for pantry. However, if someone is in need, he or she may receive another distribution of food. Never send a person away hungry. Our clients come from all levels of need, so we serve without judgment.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 596-7469 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Ecumenical Social Ministries Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 636-1916
Address: 201 N Weber St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
ESM maintains the largest food pantry in Colorado Springs with the most consistent hours of service. The pantry is stocked with nutritious canned and packaged goods supplied from three primary sources: member churches, Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado, and outright food purchases. In addition, ESM stocks commodities supplied by the Federal Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 636-1916 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Springs Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 593-2433
Address: 4159 Centennial Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Springs Food Pantry has been serving the southern Colorado and surrounding areas for over eighteen years. We are the only no boundaries pantry in southern Colorado. This means we will serve anyone who comes to our pantry. Our customers range from single moms with children, the elderly, the homeless, to families and people who can’t afford food. We currently serve 150 families a month. The need is very great in Colorado and unfortunately it will only get worse. The winter months are the hardest because the decision will be to pay heating costs or buy food. With the elderly they also have to incur the cost of medicine that continues to rise. We receive many donations from the following companies and places. Care and Share of Southern Colorado, Panera Bread, Borriello Brothers Pizza, along with other churches and pantries provide food and clothing. Fellowship church provides our space and pays utilities. We have to purchase most of the food from Care and Share at a lower cost. These are just a few of the companies who help our mission to feed the hungry. The Springs Food Pantry has a large clientele and it continues to rise. We are in desperate need of food to provide for the hungry and needy. Since we work completely on donations and the employees all work on a volunteer basis, we do not have any means except donations. We would be very grateful if we could acquire help through your organization. It would be a tremendous blessing and greatly appreciated.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 593-2433 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Fishes & Loaves Emergency Food Pantry
Phone: (817) 966-7939
Address: 2221 N Wahsatch Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Motivated by Christ’s Love, the Fishes & Loaves Emergency Food Pantry continues Christ’s work by feeding the unemployed, working poor, the elderly, those physically or emotionally challenged or anyone else in need in Colorado Springs. We strive to foster a caring atmosphere and treat each person with dignity and individual care. We are dedicated to maintaining a continuous growth in services to assist our clients to improve their quality of life. It is our hope that those who receive food will be strengthened in body and soul. We are open Saturdays between 9am and 12 noon.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (817) 966-7939 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
Springs Rescue Mission Samaritan's Kitchen
Phone: (719) 632-1822
Address: 5 W Las Vegas St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Every year the Mission's Food Service Department has continued to grow and feed more people throughout the Pikes Peak Region. We have recently surpassed providing over 1,400,000 meals to hungry and homeless families and individuals. As our programs continue to develop so does our effectiveness in caring for an many people as we can. Six days a week, Monday through Saturday at 5 pm, the Mission's Samaritan’s Kitchen opens its doors to feed those who are hungry. A hot meal is provided to the homeless, the working poor, needy families with children, and anyone who needs a meal. In addition, hope-filled Gospel messages are shared by local churches.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 632-1822 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
TSBC Community Food Pantry
Phone: (719) 575-9287
Address: 5120 Astrozon Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The True Spirit Food Pantry is proud to serve all of El Paso County.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (719) 575-9287 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Colorado Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- El Paso
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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.