A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Clearwater, Florida 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 operates free local food banks around Clearwater, Florida from almost all of their local social service centers. 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.
We have located 4 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Clearwater, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Clearwater, FL
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 725-9777 to book your appointment.
Address :
1625 N Belcher Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33765.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 724-3913 to book your appointment.
Address :
24400 US Highway 19 N, clearwater,
Clearwater, FL 33763.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
The Salvation Army - Clearwater, FL (Social Services Complex)
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Transitional Housing
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 446-4177 to book your appointment.
Address :
1521 Druid Rd E,
Clearwater, FL 33756.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
The Salvation Army Clearwater and Upper Pinellas County - Clearwater Office
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 446-4177 to book your appointment.
Address :
1521 E Druid Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33756.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clearwater
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Clearwater, Florida have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 3 Church Food Pantry locations in Clearwater, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Countryside Baptist Church
Countryside Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. Just as we sprang from mission-minded folks in another church, we promulgate the Gospel with local missions of our own. Countryside Baptist Church has a deep passion for Missions both at home and around the world.
The Food Pantry Ministry provides one bag of non-perishable food items to the families in need. This is available during church hours, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Recipients must bring their drivers license, which will be photocopied and kept on file along with their intake form. Recipients may receive one bag of non-perishables every two months.
For more information call 727-726-2550.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 726-2550 to book your appointment.
Address :
[3201 - 3209] McMullen Booth Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33761.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
St. Paul United Methodist Church
Open arms ministry offers food and personal care items, in addition to gently used clothing for women and children. We also offer help filling out paperwork to apply for government and other assistance programs.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- diapers & formula
- clothing
- personal care items
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 586-5380ext to book your appointment.
Address :
[1443 - 1483] Druid Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33756.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM EST
- Tues: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM EST
- Wed: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM EST
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Pasco
- Pinellas
Sylvan Abbey United Methodist Church
Through the donations of our members, and many participating local organizations, the Sylvan Abbey UMC Food Pantry helps several families each month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 796-3057 to book your appointment.
Address :
2817 Sunset Point Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33759.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clearwater
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Clearwater, Florida are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Clearwater, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Clearwater, Florida almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Clearwater, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Countryside Cares - Helping Hands
Countryside Cares maintains the food pantry, Helping Hands as an outreach service to those in need. The program encourages and provides homeless and low-income families with the tools needed to become independent and productive members of the community. Access to provisions. Food & Clothing from the pantry is offered to: Individuals and needy families; Clients receiving Life Skills coaching who need assistance; Individuals referred from partnering service providers; Past clients who need further assistance. Helping Hands is stocked with donations from individuals and groups throughout the community and local food drives. Without this help, our shelves would be bare. Open to the Public: Monday – Thursday 10 am – 12 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 724-1290 to book your appointment.
Address :
2565 Blackburn St,
Clearwater, FL 33763.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clearwater
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Clearwater, Florida in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
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 2024
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 pantry scheduled to 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.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Clearwater, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Clearwater, Florida much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 1 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Clearwater, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen
The Soup Kitchen was established in 1982 to feed the poor and hungry in the Clearwater area. The first facility was in the Knights of Columbus building. Later, the Soup Kitchen moved to Trinity Presbyterian Church and the Calvary Baptist Church provided bus transportation from downtown. At this point the Soup Kitchen was serving 85 meals a day, and needed to move to a larger facility. A building was located in 1990 which permitted us to expand our food service as well as provide additional services to poor and hungry people in and around the city. The Soup Kitchen’s financial support comes entirely from private donations from individuals and groups. Although it is a Catholic lay organization, the Soup Kitchen receives support from people and organizations of all faiths. Much of the food served is donated by local supermarkets, produce stands, and bakeries. Vans from the Soup Kitchen pick up donated food three days a week, which is then stored in our walk-in freezer and refrigerator. Approximately two hundred people volunteer over 30,000 hours a year to enable us to serve nearly 60,000 meals. We are open seven days a week, 365 days a year, providing a hot meal which includes, soup, salad or fruit, hot entrée, bread, beverage, and dessert. Serving Hours: every day 8:30 am - 10:30 am; Showers: every day 6:00 am - 9:50 am (first come, first served); Laundry: M-W-F 6:00 am - 9:30 am (1 load per client)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 441-3790 to book your appointment.
Address :
1345 Park St,
Clearwater, FL 33756.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clearwater
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Clearwater, Florida area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 7 Food Pantry locations in Clearwater, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Bay Area Pregnancy Center
At the heart of Bay Area Pregnancy Center beats a message of love, and a commitment to emulate God's love by providing services that protect and enhance the lives of children, families, and young people. We respect the confidentiality of each person and the sacredness of all human life. We provide care, counseling, clothing, food, and other services to all clients without prejudice, regardless of their circumstances or status.
Services that we provide include:
• Free pregnancy test
• Food from our food pantry
• Post abortion trauma counseling
• Baby massage classes
• Provide alternatives to abortion
• Clothing, diapers, and formula as needed
• Peer counseling & spiritual guidance
• Pregnancy & infant care classes
• Parenting classes
• Education and referral system
Services provided :
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- baby clothes
- diapers & formula
- parenting education
- pregnancy tests
- navigating the system
- counseling
- spiritual support
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 449-1988 to book your appointment.
Address :
2380 Drew St,
Clearwater, FL 33765.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Pasco
- Pinellas
High Point Neighborhood Family Center (HPNFC)
The High Point Neighborhood Family Center (HPNFC), a non-profit organization, is located in Clearwater, Florida. For over ten years, the HPNFC has served an ethnically diverse and economically challenged neighborhood by providing financial assistance, education, an after-school care program and numerous other services.
Some of the community programs that are offered from this center include:
AA Meetings Wednesdays and Saturdays
8:00pm-10:00pm
Care Center (Food & Clothes Distribution)
Mondays 10:00am-12:00pm
Yoga Class
Monday 1:00pm
Please contact the High Point Communities Care Center for the latest schedule of programs at (727) 533-0730.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- 12-step
- tax preparation
- recreation
- support groups
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 533-0730 to book your appointment.
Address :
5812 150th Ave N,
Clearwater, FL 33760.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Pasco
Religious Community Services (RCS)
Religious Community Services RCS directs resources to people facing hunger, homelessness, domestic violence and basic needs. RCS is a cooperative of professional staff members, integral volunteers and partnering faith congregations delivering reliable services to those most vulnerable in Pinellas County. RCS continues to use research, communication and best practices to be a premier community based agency providing help & hope to people in need.
The RCS Food Bank provides nutritious groceries to individuals and families living throughout Pinellas County. With a focus on nutrition, we make every effort to provide healthy nutrient-dense foods, such as lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. RCS Food Bank distributes food to people at our Clearwater warehouse. Individuals and families may access services once per month, receiving 3-4 days worth of food for all household members per visit.
Documents Required:
- Photo ID
- Social Security Card
- Piece of mail with current address
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
700 Druid Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33756.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Bay Area Pregnancy Center
The Bay Area Pregnancy Center is staffed by full-time personnel and volunteers who are trained and supervised in a professional and skilled manner. Information shared by our clients is kept confidential, and clients are treated with upmost respect and sensitivity. Services that we provide include:
♦Free pregnancy test
♦Clothing, diapers, and formula as needed
♦Parenting class
♦Baby massage class
♦Infant Care class
♦Peer counseling & spiritual guidance
♦Education and referral system
♦Food pantry
♦Provide alternatives to abortion
♦Host mobile dental unit
Some of our programs include:
♦Earn & Learn
♦GPS - Grow, Prepare, Succeed
♦R & R (Remember & Release)
♦You and your pregnancy
♦Labor and delivery
♦Infant Care
♦Infant Massage Therapy
Services provided :
- food pantry
- diapers & formula
- clothing
- dental care
- parenting education
- pregnancy tests
- navigating the system
- one-on-one support
- peer support
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 449-1988 to book your appointment.
Address :
150 S McMullen Booth Rd,
Clearwater, FL 33759.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Pasco
- Pinellas
Beacon Street Ministries, Inc.
The Outreach strives to meet both the spiritual and physical needs of God’s homeless, working poor, and unemployed population in Pinellas County. Through God’s blessings we provide a warm welcome, a hot meal, boxes of food, clothing, and his precious message of salvation. Volunteers serve approximately 600 meals per month on our streets to men, women, and children. In addition, volunteers distribute approximately 3,500 to 4,000 pounds of food each month to families in Pinellas County from the Food Pantry Program. The food pantry is open each Thursday from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. We serve all those in need and do not turn people away. Hot Meals Served on Friday Night at 6:00 P.M. on the corner of Pierce Street and N. East Street, Clearwater, Fl.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 278-2285 to book your appointment.
Address :
1517 Tilley Ave,
Clearwater, FL 33756.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clearwater
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
First Assembly of God, Clearwater - UFO Food Pantry
Where can folks turn when they lose their job, have medical problems or other difficult situations? Who will help them when their income is inadequate to provide needed food for their family? United Family Outreach, fondly called UFO, is located in the little house facing Wyatt St. on the North side of our church property. Here volunteers touch dozens of families’ lives every week. Every Saturday, volunteers take the UFO van to pick up food from area stores and additional volunteers stock shelves when the food is delivered to the pantry. Every Monday and Tuesday at 10:00am, a group of volunteers, directed by Sally Bentley, greets counsels and prays with the neighbors in need. Each is permitted to “shop†in the “UFO STORE†to supplement their family’s grocery needs. It is precious to see people’s needs met and to witness when a family achieves solutions to their difficult times. Feeding America, once a month, brings a truck full of food to disperse to hundreds of people lined up to receive help. Food Pantry Open Monday’s and Tuesday’s at 10:00 am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 581-4579 to book your appointment.
Address :
1739 S Mlk Jr Ave,
Clearwater, FL 33756.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clearwater
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
Skycrest Food Pantry
The Skycrest Food Pantry provides 3 days' worth of food to individuals. We ask no questions other than your household size, which is needed to determine the amount of food you receive.
In April 2021, we are open on Saturday, April 17th from 10 AM to Noon. Starting in May 2021, food can be picked up on Tuesdays from 1 pm-3 pm as well as the third Saturday of every month.
Starting June 2021, donations will be accepted. All non-perishable food items are greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for more information
If you are interested in volunteering, email Pat at pat.siegling@gmail.com.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (727) 446-2218 to book your appointment.
Address :
2045 Drew St,
Clearwater, FL 33765.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clearwater
Help Residents of Counties:
- Pinellas
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Clearwater, Florida
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps 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.
Many 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.
It's just your 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 and Infant 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?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages 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 edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.