We found 24 food pantries listed for New Castle County, Delaware. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in New Castle County, Delaware.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in New Castle, Delaware. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - WILMINGTON TEMPLE
Phone: (302) 472-0701
Address: 400 N Orange St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Christian Education
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (302) 472-0701 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
The Salvation Army - WILMINGTON CITADEL
Phone: (302) 472-0705
Address: 401 Shipley St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Adult Day Care
- Casework Services
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Day Care
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (302) 472-0705 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 9 Church Food Pantry locations in New Castle, Delaware. You can also check your eligibility.
Holy Rosary Church - Food Closet
Phone: (302) 798-1513
Address: 3200 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE 19703. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Closet Hours: Monday and Thursday, 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Please call (302) 798-1513 for an appointment.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 798-1513 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Claymont
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
New Calvary Baptist Church - Bridge of Hope Ministry
Phone: (302) 652-9565
Address: 610 S Heald St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The mission of the Bridge of Hope grocery club is to help reduce hunger in the Southbridge community by providing food on a monthly basis to financially challenged families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 652-9565 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church Food Pantry
Phone: (302) 368-4655
Address: 10 Old Newark Rd, Newark, DE 19713. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Food Pantry has been in operation for over 25 years.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 368-4655 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Hanover Presbyterian Church - Food Pantry
Phone: (302) 658-5114
Address: 1801 N Jefferson St, Wilmington, DE 19802. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Pantry is run by volunteers from Hanover and the community and serves over 3000 people each year. Food and money are donated by local churches and individuals, and food is purchased from the Food Bank of Delaware. The third Sunday of every month is Food Pantry Sunday, when we bring non-perishable food for the pantry as part of our offering to God. The Pantry is open every Thursday morning, serving individuals and families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 658-5114 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Red Lion United Methodist Church - Red Lion Food Closet
Phone: (302) 834-1599
Address: 1545 Church Rd, Bear, DE 19701. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Red Lion Food Closet is supported by gifts from our congregation. We are partnered with the Food Bank of Delaware and are able to fill our shelves at a reduced cost. The food closet is open on Wednesdays from 9:00am - 12:00pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 834-1599 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Bear
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Cedars Church of Christ Food Pantry
Phone: (302) 994-3800
Address: 511 Greenbank Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Food Pantry operates each Thursday, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. With proper identification, we provide three days worth of food (3 meals per day), for no charge. This is meant as a temporary help, for those in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 994-3800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Zion Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Phone: (302) 658-5288
Address: 2101 Lancaster Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to welcome those that come into our midst. No one should be a stranger long in a Christian community. It is in that spirit that we are glad to have you come and worship with us.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 658-5288 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Cornerstone Church - Cornerstone Community Food Pantry
Phone: (302) 836-2862
Address: 3135 Summit Bridge Rd, Bear, DE 19701. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The food pantry provides canned goods and packaged food to those in need who request it and depends on our friends and members help in donating food, re-stocking shelves or pre-packing boxes. Donations can be brought in, Mon-Fri (9am-4pm) and during weekend services at the "wagon" in the main entrance/foyer.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 836-2862 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Bear
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Hope Lutheran Church - L.I.F.E. Food Pantry
Phone: (302) 328-7909
Address: 230 Christiana Rd, New Castle, DE 19720. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our mobile food pantry occurs on the third Thursday of every month. Come celebrate the good works of the Lord inside our sanctuary as you wait for your food. Speak to our pastor (habla español) and experience the grace of our God. Our doors open at 2 with our distribution beginning around 2:30.There is no need to come early. Everyone that comes in between 2 and 2:30 is guaranteed to leave with food.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 328-7909 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- New Castle
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Catholic Charities Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in New Castle, Delaware. You can also check your eligibility.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington - Bayard House Food Cooperative
Phone: (302) 654-1184
Address: 300 Bayard Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Catholic Charities food cooperative program based at Bayard House in Wilmington is available to families with school-age children living in the 19801, 19802, and 19805 zip codes. Food distributions occur at Bayard House on the first and third Wednesday of the month. The food cooperative program also provides menus and information on nutrition, shopping on a budget, and meal planning. Members can also participate in workshops that the site holds on a regular basis.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 654-1184 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 12 Food Pantry locations in New Castle, Delaware. You can also check your eligibility.
Floyd I. Hudson State Service Center
Phone: (302) 283-7500
Address: 501 Ogletown Rd, Newark, DE 19711. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Floyd I. Hudson State Service Center currently offers administrative and client services administered by Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) divisions: Division of State Service Centers (DSSC), Division of Social Services (DSS), Division of Public Health (DPH)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 283-7500 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Winder Laird Porter State Service Center
Phone: (302) 777-2800
Address: 509 W 8th St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Winder Laird Porter State Service Center currently offers client services administered by Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) divisions: Division of State Service Centers (DSSC), Division of Social Services (DSS), Division of Public Health (DPH)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 777-2800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Rick VanStory Resource Center
Phone: (302) 691-7946
Address: 500 W 2nd St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Rick VanStory Resource Center (RVRC) was founded by former mental health consumers who recognized the urgent need for a recovery-oriented peer center for people with psychiatric disabilities. RVRC empowers individuals to access the resources and services they need to build independent, satisfying life in the community through the support of their peers in an environment that is free of stigma. Open to all mental health consumers in Delaware, RVRC receives support from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services – Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 691-7946 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Appoquinimink State Service Center
Phone: (302) 378-5770
Address: 122 Silver Lake Rd, Middletown, DE 19709. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Appoquinimink State Service Center currently offers client services administered by Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) divisions: Division of State Service Centers (DSSC), Division of Social Services (DSS), Christiana Care; Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF) division: Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS); Delaware Department of Labor's (DOL) division: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 378-5770 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Middletown
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Our Daily Bread Dining Room of MOT, Inc.
Phone: (302) 734-2720
Address: 143 E Lk, Street Middletown, DE 19709. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Warm, free meals are served every first and third Mondays at Dale Memorial U.M. Church, located at 143 E. Lake Street in Middletown, Delaware. Our hours of operation: 12pm until 1:30pm. It is a food program set forth by concerned citizens in the M.O.T. area to provide meals for the needy. Our main goal is to operate and sufficiently maintain a “soup kitchen†in the Town of Middletown. The mission of our food program is to feed low income families, individuals, children, the elderly and the impoverished in Middletown, Odessa, Townsend communities with nutritious meals served at no cost and without discrimination.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 734-2720 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Street Middletown
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Ministry of Caring Inc. - Emmanuel Dining Room
Phone: (302) 652-5523
Address: 121 N Jackson St, Wilmington, DE 19805. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Emmanuel Dining Room helps alleviate the immediate needs of Delaware’s hungry with nutritious meals served at no cost and with no questions asked. The program operates at three locations in economically depressed areas of Wilmington and New Castle, Delaware. At the heart of Emmanuel Dining Room lies the faithful ongoing support of members of nearly 100 churches, synagogues, businesses, and civic groups who prepare and serve meals on a rotating basis. Every day of the year, guests of Emmanuel Dining Room are seated in a clean, cheerful dining room and served a nutritious meal in restaurant fashion. An average of 550 meals are served every day. All who come through its doors are warmly welcomed.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 652-5523 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
DeLaWarr State Service Center
Phone: (302) 577-2970
Address: 500 Rogers Rd, New Castle, DE 19720. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The DeLaWarr State Service Center currently offers client services administered by Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) divisions: Division of State Service Centers (DSSC), Division of Social Services (DSS), Division of Public Health (DPH)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 577-2970 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- New Castle
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Ministry of Caring Inc. - Emmanuel Dining Room
Phone: (302) 652-5523
Address: 226 N Walnut St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Emmanuel Dining Room helps alleviate the immediate needs of Delaware’s hungry with nutritious meals served at no cost and with no questions asked. The program operates at three locations in economically depressed areas of Wilmington and New Castle, Delaware. At the heart of Emmanuel Dining Room lies the faithful ongoing support of members of nearly 100 churches, synagogues, businesses, and civic groups who prepare and serve meals on a rotating basis. Every day of the year, guests of Emmanuel Dining Room are seated in a clean, cheerful dining room and served a nutritious meal in restaurant fashion. An average of 550 meals are served every day. All who come through its doors are warmly welcomed.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 652-5523 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
St. Patrick's Center
Phone: (302) 652-6219
Address: 107 E 14th St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The St. Patrick's Center is a major part of the community and plays a vital role to those in need. Without the help of the St. Patrick's Center a tremendous amount of people in need would suffer. The Center has an ongoing challenge — to sponsor Nutritional, Social Service, Transportation, Clothing, Recreational and Empowerment programs, similar to those once provided by federal and state agencies. With the help of a small network of supporters, St. Patrick's Center has become key among the organizations that provide vital services to the community.At the Center, friends gather in a secure, friendly environment to play cards and other games, enjoy television and other activities. St. Patrick's is a source of information and referral for people needing assistance in accessing healthcare, filing taxes, dealing with Social Security, or securing food stamps. At the Center, friends gather in a secure, friendly environment to play cards and other games, enjoy television and other activities. St. Patrick's is a source of information and referral for people needing assistance in accessing healthcare, filing taxes, dealing with Social Security, or securing food stamps.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 652-6219 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
West End Neighborhood House, Inc. - Food Closet
Phone: (302) 658-4171
Address: 710 N Lincoln St, Wilmington, DE 19805. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
West End helps Delaware families meet immediate needs, such as assistance with food, and periodically offers funds for delinquent rent, mortgage and/or utilities for those in crisis situations. To find out if you qualify for our emergency services or Food Closet, call 302-658-4171.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 658-4171 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Kingswood Community Center, Inc. - Community and Family Services
Phone: (302) 764-9022
Address: 2300 Bowers St, Wilmington, DE 19801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Kingswood Community Center’s mission is to enable people in Northeast Wilmington and surrounding communities to achieve their potential economic, social and personal well-being. Our long term plan is to critically examine present programs and assess future needs of these programs and the center at large. Our plan will then serve as a driving force behind Kingswood's vision for future growth and development. The vision for the Community and Family Services department is to enhance the capacity and functions of the GED and Job Readiness components. The vision requires that the GED program be able to adjust to a changing target population, from one that served typical older returning students to an untraditional model that actively recruits and engages younger participants; due to the community's increasing dropout rates. The job readiness program must establish and strengthen relationships with training institutions, local and regional businesses in order to provide employment opportunities for our clients.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 764-9022 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wilmington
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
Claymont Community Center - Food Closet
Phone: (302) 792-2757
Address: 3301 Green St, Claymont, DE 19703. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Assists those in need with food support. Food Closet Hours: Wednesdays and the 3rd Friday of the month, by appointment, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (302) 792-2757 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Claymont
Help Residents of Counties:
- New Castle
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in New Castle, Delaware 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 Castle, Delaware 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 Castle, Delaware 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 Castle, Delaware 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 Castle, Delaware 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 Castle, Delaware, 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 Castle, Delaware 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 Castle, Delaware 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 Castle, Delaware.
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.