City Reach is a non-profit, faith based, 501©(3) organization dedicated to assisting low income families in South Miami-Dade County by providing food and other basic necessities, job assistance, spiritual counseling and referrals to other organizations for additional needs. Our Food Distributions are in part provided by USDA. USDA & Cityreach Ministries prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, or religion. The primary service that the organization offers is its food distribution program. Needy families register with the organization by filling out an application, declaring their need for assistance and providing permanent data. Once registered they return to CityReach the first and third Tuesday of every month where they received a pre-packed box containing various items of food. The system for the distribution goes beyond the simple fact of picking up some free food. Due to the large numbers of families being served, every client is assigned a time to pick up their food on the first and third Tuesday. Upon their arrival, they register at the door and are given a number. They then proceed to a large meeting room were they are informed of important announcements concerning CityReach and its programs and also listen to a brief talk about getting help for a variety of needs, either by the staff of CityReach or by a representative from another service organization. When the orientation is over they are called in small groups to the to receive their box of food and are also given the opportunity to select any of the articles of clothing or household goods that have been donated to CityReach. This system of distribution not only serves to supply their most pressing needs, but it develops a relationship of friendship and trust between the organization and its clients. The registration process is very simple: No documentation needed. Fill out a couple of forms, you'll receive your card (keep card with you and present any other time you come).
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 (305) 259-7677 to book your appointment.
Address :
12236 Sw 128 St,
Miami, FL 33186.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Miami
Help Residents of Counties:
- Miami-Dade
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (305) 259-7677 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
Food Pantry in Near By City
Food Pantry in Near By County
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.