Food Pantry in New London, Connecticut

We found 21 food pantries listed for New London, Connecticut. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in New London County, Connecticut.

Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations

We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut. You can also check your eligibility.

The Salvation Army - New London Corps

Phone: (860) 443-6409

Address: 11 Governor Winthrop Blvd, New London, CT 06320. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Services provided :

  • Boys' & Girls' Club
  • Casework Services
  • Character Building Programs
  • Christian Education
  • Community Recreation Programs
  • Day Camp Activities
  • Disaster Services
  • Emergency Financial Assistance
  • Food & Nutrition Programs
  • Men's Ministries
  • Music & Arts Programs
  • Residential Camping Activities
  • Seasonal Services
  • Women's Ministries
  • Worship Services - Church
  • Worship Services - Sunday School
  • Worship Services - Youth Ministries

Appointments :

Call (860) 443-6409 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

The Salvation Army - Norwich Corps

Phone: (860) 889-2329

Address: 262 Main St, Norwich, CT 06360. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Food Pantry - Tuesdays to Thursdays – 1:00 to 3:00PM. The Salvation Army is known for providing a broad array of services and feeding people has always been a major part of its mission. The Army serves men, women and children. Many of the adults are single parents. The Army is always there to help! Feeding Program - 2nd Sundays – 1:45 to 2:45PM

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 889-2329 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Norwich

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Church Food Pantry Locations

We have located 2 Church Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut. You can also check your eligibility.

Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church - Holy Family Food Pantry

Phone: (860) 822-8241

Address: 54 W Main St, Baltic, CT 06330. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

We are created in love and for love to serve others in this life. Our vision of faith recognizes the reality of the Mystical Body of which we are all members in Christ. In the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul, Apostle of charity and our patron of the works of charity, we serve the needy among us with whom we are to journey in charity. In the poor whom we serve, we see and know the crucified, suffering Christ. We see in these members the need for food, clothing and shelter. We serve these poor in many ways. Our food pantry aids hundreds of families a month by providing food and donations of clothing. In faith and charity we continue to ask the Lord, through the intercession of St. Vincent de Paul, to bless these works of charity that directly impact the needy members of the Mystical Body of Christ in a way that shows the care and concern of the Master. The Holy Family Food Pantry is located in the Motherhouse in Baltic, CT. We welcome any nonperishable food items and frozen meat to allow our pantry to continue to help the poor.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 822-8241 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Baltic

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

St. James Episcopal Church - The Lord's Pantry

Phone: (860) 443-4989

Address: 76 Federal St, New London, CT 06320. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The work of The Lord's Pantry is divided into two areas: Financial Assistance and Food Staples. The Financial Assistance mission helps those who need one-time help for items like prescriptions, large gas or water bill, transportation home, or a pair of work boots. Funding comes from our operating budget, from donations given to Fr. Michael at weddings and funerals, and from your donations. Financial Assistance is available by appointment. The Food Mission is the most visible part of our ministry, and the one that gets the greatest use. Often we can help people with non-perishable staples so that they can use their own cash for other problems. In the winter, people often have larger demands made on their cash for medical, heating, clothing and other bills. The flexibility that these staples provide is not only healthful and sustaining, it also helps our guests retain a stronger sense of independence and self-reliance. For food doners, it is a way you can supplement your pledge to the essential community work of St James so that The Lord's Pantry can be a self-sustaining ministry... a negligible burden on the budget. The Lord's Pantry is open Weekdays, 9:30 AM-12 noon.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 443-4989 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • New London

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Catholic Charities Food Pantry Locations

We have located 2 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut. You can also check your eligibility.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. - Norwich Office

Phone: (860) 889-8346

Address: 331 Main St, Norwich, CT 06360. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Emergency help for families facing emergency situations can be found at Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Willimantic. The primary goal of Emergency Services and Case Management Services is to provide , information and referrals to community resources, as well as case management for individuals and families in crisis situations to help meet their immediate basic needs.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 889-8346 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Norwich

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. - New London Office

Phone: (860) 443-5328

Address: 28 Huntington St, New London, CT 06320. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Emergency help for families facing emergency situations can be found at Catholic Charities in Norwich, New London and Willimantic. The primary goal of Emergency Services and Case Management Services is to provide , information and referrals to community resources, as well as case management for individuals and families in crisis situations to help meet their immediate basic needs.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 443-5328 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • New London

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Locations

We have located 1 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut. You can also check your eligibility.

St. Vincent de Paul Place

Phone: (860) 889-7374

Address: 120 Cliff St, Norwich, CT 06360. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Currently operating out of the former St. Joseph's School building in downtown Norwich, CT, St. Vincent de Paul Place is a community meal site and food pantry that strives to meet the needs of homeless people and families with limited income in the greater Norwich area. Established by the Catholic Diocese of Norwich in 1979, our goal is to provide food, companionship, and advocacy for anyone in need, regardless of race or religion. We seek to not only meet the immediate needs of those who come to us, but to also promote a more independent lifestyle. Our primary services are our kitchen and dining area which serves breakfast and lunch six days a week, and our food pantry which distributes food three days a week. In addition we also offer shower and laundry facilities. We do our best to meet any other needs our clients may have. We also serve as a location to perform assigned community service. We serve breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday. We open our doors for breakfast at 8:00am and it is available until 10:00am. Lunch starts at 11:30am and is available until 1:00pm. For breakfast we serve hot and cold cereal, toast, and pastries. Coffee, juice, and fruit are also always offered. We often serve breakfast specials. Lunch is a full meal of one of the following: turkey, chicken, beef, fish, or pasta, all served with a vegetable, bread, and dessert. We often include soup and/or salad. Our dining area is open from 8:00am to 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome to come in out of the weather. Our food pantry distributes food three days per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. On Monday and Wednesday food distribution runs from 1:00pm until 3:00pm. On Saturday our distribution time is from 9:00am until 11:00am. To receive food a short eligibility form must be completed. Clients may come for food once a week. The food bag process is a client-choice system where each person chooses items from our selection. We strive to offer canned soup, pasta with sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned meats, canned vegetables, bread, and dessert every week. We often have other foods available including fresh fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, cereal, chips and snacks, and other donated foods.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 889-7374 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Norwich

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Food Pantry Locations

We have located 14 Food Pantry locations in New London, Connecticut. You can also check your eligibility.

Senior and Community Services at the JFEC

Phone: (860) 444-6333

Address: 28 Channing St, New London, CT 06320. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The JFEC offers a variety of activities and support services for Seniors and the general community. If you are having an acute crisis that requires some guidance and assistance, we may be able to be of help. We have a food pantry which is open Mondays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. and Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bring a photo ID or another form of ID that shows your permanent address. A Kosher Hot Lunch for people 60+ is offered on Mondays in New London at Congregation Beth El and on Tuesdays in Norwich at Beth Jacob Synagogue. The lunch is usually followed by an activity or program. A small voluntary donation per meal is requested. Excursions are offered weekly, as are trips to the theater and movies. If you are isolated and unable to get out of the house easily we can arrange for pick ups, and help you get to doctor’s appointments or go shopping. We also assist with the online purchase and delivery of groceries from either Stop & Shop or ShopRite. We also offer utility and oil assistance through FEMA and the United Way of Southeastern CT, respectively. We can also provide some direct minimal assistance and help you find and navigate your way through state or other local social service agencies that may be able to assist you. If you want to remain in your home, or transition back to your home from the hospital or a convalescent center we can help with that transition.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 444-6333 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • New London

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Town of Groton Human Services Department - Social Services - Groton Food Locker

Phone: (860) 441-6760

Address: 2 Fort Hill Rd, Groton, CT 06340. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The Food Locker is utilized year-round to help Groton households in need of emergency food assistance

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 441-6760 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Groton

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Town of Ledyard - Ledyard Food Locker

Phone: (860) 464-3254

Address: 741 Colonel Ledyard Hwy, Ledyard, CT 06339. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Ledyard Food Locker is available to any Ledyard or Gales Ferry resident who can demonstrate financial need. Anyone wishing to utilize the food locker for the first time must provide the following: Proof of Ledyard / Gales Ferry residency; Name / Date of Birth for all household members; Last four weeks of income (for all household members); Most recent bank statement (for all household members); All household bills; 1040 Tax Form; Individuals must also sign a Release of Liability Form. The food locker is stocked entirely through donations. Therefore, Ledyard Social Services cannot guarantee the availability of any specific item(s). The food locker is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 am - 11:30 am and 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 464-3254 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Ledyard

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Old Lyme Pantry and Meal Site

Phone: (860) 388-1988

Address: 2 Ferry Rd, Old Lyme, CT 06371. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Our pantries located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme provide enough food for three meals for three days for those who attend, and those in their household. The food distributed includes both fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non- perishable canned and packaged food and heat-n-eat meals. Those in need are welcome to attend one distribution per week. Our meal sites are located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Old Lyme. Hot nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers and served family style. Those in need are welcome to attend all our meal sites. All who enter our doors will be welcomed and will be served to the best of our ability. Those who attend our pantries and meals sites do not need to prove they are in need; only come and be served. We know that we could all end up needing a pantry, that empathy makes us committed to being welcoming and caring. All our meals and services are free of charge. Food Pantry: Saturdays 9:00 - 11:00 am; Meal: Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 am.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 388-1988 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Old Lyme

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center - Emergency Food Locker

Phone: (860) 599-3285

Address: 27 Chase St, Pawcatuck, CT 06379. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, founded in 1985, is a multi-purpose facility which offers a variety of social, educational, health and human services programs with an emphasis on community spirit.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 599-3285 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Pawcatuck

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Essex Meal Site

Phone: (860) 388-1988

Address: 10 Prospect St, Essex, CT 06426. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Our meal sites are located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Old Lyme. Hot nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers and served family style. Those in need are welcome to attend all our meal sites. All who enter our doors will be welcomed and will be served to the best of our ability. All our meals and services are free of charge. Meal: Mondays 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 388-1988 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Essex

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Middlesex

Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Old Saybrook Pantry

Phone: (860) 388-1988

Address: 366 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Our pantries located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme provide enough food for three meals for three days for those who attend, and those in their household. The food distributed includes both fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non- perishable canned and packaged food and heat-n-eat meals. Those in need are welcome to attend one distribution per week. Food Pantry: Tuesdays 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 388-1988 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Old Saybrook

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Middlesex

Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - Old Saybrook Meal Site

Phone: (860) 388-1988

Address: 336 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Our meal sites are located in Centerbrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, and Old Lyme. Hot nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers and served family style. Those in need are welcome to attend all our meal sites. All who enter our doors will be welcomed and will be served to the best of our ability. All our meals and services are free of charge. Meal: Wednesdays 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 388-1988 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Old Saybrook

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Middlesex

Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries - East Lyme Pantry

Phone: (860) 388-1988

Address: 400 Main St, Niantic, CT 06357. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Our pantries located in Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Old Lyme and East Lyme provide enough food for three meals for three days for those who attend, and those in their household. The food distributed includes both fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy and non- perishable canned and packaged food and heat-n-eat meals. Those in need are welcome to attend one distribution per week. Food Pantry: Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 388-1988 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Niantic

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Norwich Worship Center - Food Pantry

Phone: (860) 822-9522

Address: 165 Lawler Ln, Norwich, CT 06360. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The Food Pantry ministry distributes food to those in need in our community. The Food Pantry at the Norwich Worship Center began 30 plus years ago as Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. With weekly food distributions, and Thanksgiving baskets being the focus of the ministry. Many people have worked diligentily over the years to help this ministry grow and be able to help many families each and every week. Over the years we have created partnerships with other organizations like the Gemma Moran United Way Food Center, Panera in Lisbon, nd the St. Vincent Depaul Soup Kitchen.Each Tuesday registration to pick up food begins at 12:30 pm. Food Distribution begins at 1pm -2pm. Each week we encourage the members of our fellowship to bring donations for the food bank to our weekly services. If you or your family are in need of Food, please feel free to call our Church at 860-822-9522, so that we can put you in touch with the Food Pantry. If you are visiting the Food Pantry for the first time please bring a Photo ID, and a copy of the utility bill.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 822-9522 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Norwich

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

The New London Community Meal Center Inc.

Phone: (860) 444-7745

Address: 12 Montauk Ave, New London, CT 06320. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The New London Community Meal Center was established in 1985 in the New London area. It was created to respond to the needs of New London's most vulnerable residents by providing nutritious meals in a kind, hospitable and clean environment. The organization currently provides lunch five days a week and dinner six days a week, including Saturday dinner served by a downtown New London church. The New London Community Meal Center served 73,518 meals to 35,000 in one fiscal year.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 444-7745 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • New London

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Care & Share of East Lyme, Inc.

Phone: (860) 739-8502

Address: 12 Roxbury Rd, Niantic, CT 06357. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Care & Share of East Lyme, Inc. provides food, financial and emergency support to individuals and families in East Lyme/Niantic and Salem, Connecticut. As an all-volunteer organization, Care & Share operates a year-round food pantry (including paper, household and cleaning products) and delivers bread and seasonal food baskets to local residents. It also provides emergency financial, housing and energy assistance, camperships, scholarships, and emergency snacks and clothing to local school children. Over the December holidays, we support the community with a winter coat program, special food baskets, gift baskets and a gift store where families may shop free of charge for Christmas or Chanukah.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 739-8502 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Niantic

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

Gemma E. Moran United Way/ Labor Food Center

Phone: (860) 444-8050

Address: 374 Broad St, New London, CT 06320. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

Since 1988, the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center, located in New London, has played a key role in providing one of the building blocks to a good quality of life by feeding food insecure individuals and families all across our community. Alleviating Hunger in New London County. The Food Center is one of three food banks in the state. Every year, the Food Center distributes more than two million pounds of donated, surplus food to 96 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, child care centers, community meal sites, and programs for the elderly. These member agencies in turn provide food and meals to 20,000 men, women and children throughout New London County each month. The Food Center is an official Partner Distribution Organization (PDO). This status ensures a partnership with the Connecticut Food Bank in East Haven, the largest food bank in the state, to provide a product allocation based on poverty levels as determined by the census. Through the CT Food Bank, we are also a member of Feeding America which allows the purchase of approximately $7 worth of food for every $1.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 444-8050 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • New London

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

New London Area Food Pantry

Phone: (860) 443-6680

Address: 106 Truman St, New London, CT 06320. Get Directions

Hours: Call for hours

The New London Area Food Pantry is located in the basement (use side entrance) of the O.I.C. Building at 106 Truman St., New London, CT. Our hours of operation are: Monday 2 to 4pm, Tuesday 10 to 12am and Thursday 10 to 12am. Objective: To give each person a 3 day emergency supply of food.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

Call (860) 443-6680 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.

Help Residents of Cities:

  • New London

Help Residents of Counties:

  • New London

A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in New London, Connecticut 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 New London, Connecticut 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 New London, Connecticut 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 New London, Connecticut 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 New London, Connecticut 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 New London, Connecticut, 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 New London, Connecticut 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 New London, Connecticut 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 New London, Connecticut.

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.