A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Fort Myers, 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 Fort Myers, 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 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Fort Myers, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Fort Myers, FL
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Disaster Services
- Domestic Violence Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Group Work Services
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Store
- Transitional Care & Work Release
- Transitional Housing
- 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 (239) 278-1551 to book your appointment.
Address :
10291 McGregor Blvd,
Fort Myers, FL 33919.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lee
The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry, & Glades Counties
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.
We provide Food Pantry services to the residents of Fort Myers each week. Each individual and family is treated with respect. Food includes portion-appropriate canned and dried food, perishables such a meat, bread, produce and pastries. Clients may come in Monday through Friday during open hours to help themselves to any bread and produce that is available.
Our food pantry distributes on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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 (239) 334-3745 to book your appointment.
Address :
2476 Edison Ave,
Fort Myers, FL 33901.
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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:
- Fort Myers
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Fort Myers, 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 6 Church Food Pantry locations in Fort Myers, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Broadway Community Church Of God
SWFLA Outreach program provides services to disadvantaged individuals and families in the Fort Myers, Florida area struggling with hunger, joblessness & other poverty issues. Our Outreach Center provides emergency assistance and operates a food pantry.
We also offer a faith-based, addiction recovery program called the House of Hope for men struggling with substance abuse.
Contact at: 239-275-1141 for more information .
Services provided :
- food pantry
- addiction & recovery
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (239) 936-8366 to book your appointment.
Address :
3309 Broadway, FT,
Fort Myers, FL 33901.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fort Myers
Grace Church
Grace Church has several locations in the area and welcomes everyone.
Food Ministry provides emergency food assistance to our neighbors in the North Fort Myers, Cape Coral and other areas in Lee County.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food delivery
- 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 (239) 334-3160 to book your appointment.
Address :
2415 Grand Ave,
Fort Myers, FL 33901.
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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:
- Lee
Daniels Road Baptist Church
Soul Food Ministry Food Pantry is DRBC’s community outreach ministry that provides assistance to those who need food. Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs help. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (239) 481-2416 to book your appointment.
Address :
5878 Daniels Pkwy,
Fort Myers, FL 33912.
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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:
- Fort Myers
Mcgregor Baptist Church
Food Pantry Program provides a variety of groceries including canned goods, boxed foods and frozen meats for those in need including single persons, as well as families who are suffering from hunger.
We request a printed form with your full name.
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 (239) 936-1754 to book your appointment.
Address :
3131 E Riverside Dr,
Fort Myers, FL 33916.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fort Myers
House of Prayer Apostolic Faith Church, Inc.
House of Prayer Food Pantry mission is to overcome hunger in Lee County by working in a cooperative effort with Harry Chapin Food Bank to distribute food equitably and without discrimination, located on our church property at 2112 Mitchell Court. We have a food distribution day on the third Saturday of the month, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
If you know of anyone who has a need, please contact us at (239) 215-3444.
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 (239) 215-3444ext to book your appointment.
Address :
2112 Mitchell Ct,
Fort Myers, FL 33916.
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: 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Sun: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM T:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lee
Tice United Methodist Church
Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs help. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size. Clients are given canned goods, fresh produce, bread, milk, eggs, dairy and meat when available.
Please note the following:
-Carry your photo I.D. for faster service.
-Anyone who is need comes only once in a 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 (239) 694-1256 to book your appointment.
Address :
4545 Tice St,
Fort Myers, FL 33905.
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:
- Lee
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 Fort Myers, 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 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Fort Myers, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
Our food pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
If you need food assistance, call our office and leave a message with your name & number.
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 (239) 693-0818 to book your appointment.
Address :
13031 Palm Beach Blvd,
Fort Myers, FL 33905.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fri: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fort Myers
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Fort Myers, 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 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Fort Myers, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Fort Myers, 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 Fort Myers, 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 Fort Myers, 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 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Fort Myers, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Fort Myers, 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 4 Food Pantry locations in Fort Myers, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Interfaith Charities of South Lee (ICSL)
Food Pantry clients at Interfaith Charities of South Lee (ICSL) can receive a 3-5 day supply of food every 30 days. Items include dry, canned and boxed items and other non-perishable foods. Clients may also come every 7 days to pick up bread, sweets, and other perishable foods.
Residents who live in communities south of Gladiolus Road, along US 41 and I-75, to Coconut Road in Estero can register to receive food from the food pantry.
Please contact us for more information on registration.
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 (239) 267-3510 to book your appointment.
Address :
17592 Rockefeller Cir,
Fort Myers, FL 33967.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lee
Community Cooperative
The Healthy School Pantry Program is a mobile, on-site school food pantry serving high-need schools in Lee County. The program is an effective approach to meeting the hunger need of the entire family. Non-perishable food is provided in addition to fresh food including fruits, vegetables, produce and meat. If a student qualifies for Free or Reduced Lunch, they are eligible for the program. The goal of the school pantry program is to provide not only food but connections to additional services for the family in order to achieve long-term solutions to hunger.
For more information, contact 239-332-7687.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- navigating the system
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (239) 332-7687 to book your appointment.
Address :
3429 Dr Martin Luther King JR Blvd,
Fort Myers, FL 33916.
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:
- Lee
Mcgregor Clinic Inc
HIV Primary Care provides medical care for persons living with HIV/AIDS, laboratory services, case management services as well as a food pantry and clothes closet are all under one roof.
For more information, contact 239-334-9555.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- hiv treatment
- navigating the system
- one-on-one 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 (239) 334-9555 to book your appointment.
Address :
3487 Broadway Ave,
Fort Myers, FL 33901.
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: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lee
St. Martin de Porres Community Outreach Ministries, Inc.
St. Martin De Porres Outreach serves the people with an open heart for humanity by providing food, clothing and educational training, thus setting the pace for families to self sustain.
Our food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed. The amount of food given depends on household size.
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 (239) 693-4711 to book your appointment.
Address :
4711 Palm Beach Blvd,
Fort Myers, FL 33905.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fort Myers
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 Fort Myers, 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.