A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Port Charlotte, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Venice, FL
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition
- Food Pantry
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (941) 484-6227 to book your appointment.
Address :
1051 Albee Farm Rd,
Venice, FL 34285.
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Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Sarasota
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Port Charlotte, 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 1 Church Food Pantry locations in Port Charlotte, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Lift Church - Food Pantry
At Lift Church our commitment is to "lift" our community. We do this by by addressing the physical, emotional, financial and spiritual needs of the neighbors in our area of influence. Our Love for Jesus drives us to search out different avenues to reach people in practical ways. We recognize and understand that Jesus draws men to His Father (John 6:44), and we also accept the responsibility of being the means of expression He uses as His hand extended.
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 (941) 497-5683 to book your appointment.
Address :
695 Center Rd,
Venice, FL 34285.
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Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Venice
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sarasota
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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 Port Charlotte, 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 6 Food Pantry locations in Port Charlotte, Florida which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
InReach
We are a catalyst for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (i.e., Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury, etc.) and their families in Mecklenburg County to meet their self-determined needs by leveraging relationships and resources, and encouraging reciprocity in their communities. We offer support to said families and individuals according to their self-defined needs. Examples of supports include computers, home furnishings or modifications, childcare or respite, or repairs to vehicles. Support can also be connecting individuals to vocational, social, and educational opportunities in the community. In addition, FIF can help families with linking sibling caregivers and help plan for the future by exploring alternatives to guardianship, special needs trusts, and personal networks of support. First In Families does not offer a “menu” of services because our philosophy instead is to ask questions and listen to families explain what supports they need to remain independent in their own home and active within the community.
Eligibility
Must provide proof of Mecklenburg County residency (i.e., photo ID OR current utility bill OR signed lease agreement)
Must provide proof of all household income not to exceed $65,000.00 (i.e., pay stubs and/or SSI award letter, and/or 1040 tax form)
Must provide proof of intellectual/developmental disability (i.e., psychological evaluation, medical record) {IEPs are not accepted}
Family Support
Families who have received help from First In Families often wish to help another family in the future. Examples of this type of 'circle of giving' include foreign language translations or donations of labor or needed items such as furniture, computers and toys. Families also “give back” by volunteering for the Chapter, serving on the Board, or writing letters to funders.
Here is the link to our application: http://inreachnc.org/images/fif-pdfs/2017fifmeckappacket.pdf
Services provided :
- help pay for utilities
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
- furniture
- transportation
- help pay for healthcare
- financial assistance
- help pay for school
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (704) 536-6661ext437 to book your appointment.
Address :
4530 Park Rd, SUITE 300,
Charlotte, NC 28209.
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Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Mecklenburg
- Charlotte
CHAPS Food And Hygiene Pantry
Providing food and hygiene items without cost to those persons in need living with HIV/AIDS and their dependents.
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 (941) 625-2552 to book your appointment.
Address :
18200 Paulson Drive A-1 Prt,
Charlotte, FL 33954.
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Charlotte
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charlotte
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition
Founded in 1989, the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition leads the drive to assisting individuals and families in need. Our clients are not only the chronically homeless, but many families and individuals hit hard by the economy and foreclosure crisis. The Coalition's Hunger Prevention Programs consist of a Food Pantry that distributes a 3-day supply of food to needy families and a Hot Meals Program that is available 365 days per year, serving a nutritious breakfast and dinner. Join us for dinner ANY night between 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Food Pantry open Mondays from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
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 (941) 627-4313 to book your appointment.
Address :
1476 Kenesaw St Prt,
Charlotte, FL 33948.
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Charlotte
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charlotte
Edgewater UMC Food Pantry
Edgewater's Food Pantry is open Fridays 10:00 12:30 for temporary/emergency food assistance. We are closed the 5th Friday. We try to help those that find themselves in a bind because of the economy and/or loss of a job. Edgewater partners with Harry Chapin Food Bank to help you through this tough time. You will need a Charlotte County picture identification when you visit our pantry and are eligible one time per month to stop by for food. This Institution is an EOP {Equal Opportunity Provider}.
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 (941) 625-3039 to book your appointment.
Address :
19190 Cochran Blvd Prt,
Charlotte, FL 33948.
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Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Charlotte
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charlotte
South County Food Pantry, Inc.
We are a once a month Food Pantry centrally located to the area we serve (Venice, Laurel, Nokomis, and Osprey) on the Island of Venice, just off Business 41 (Tamiami Trail South). Started in 1986, the Food Pantry has provided assistance to a growing number of families. In 2011 we served almost 14,500 individuals. This was about 5,330 family units. We typically serve an average of 445 families a month and due to the current economic situation the number of new families is rising. The pantry is able to provide each family with a generous amount of food , enough for 3 to 4 days. At Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, families are given a gift certificate (amount is determined by the size of the family) which can be used at any area grocery store to help defray the cost of their holiday meal. The Food Pantry is blessed by the generosity of many area churches, mobile home parks, schools, service clubs, businesses, and individuals who faithfully support the unfortunate in our community. Food donations are passed directly to our clients, and monetary donations are used to purchase supplemental food products at local grocery stores and All Faiths Food Bank. Over 95% of monetary donations are used directly to benefit the needy.
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 (941) 484-4609 to book your appointment.
Address :
790 Tamiami Trl S,
Venice, FL 34285.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Venice
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sarasota
The Center of Hope - Food Pantry
At the Center Of Hope you will find a warm welcome, spirit filled atmosphere, with anointed preaching, lively music, and heartfelt worship which ministers to every age level. We believe Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and is still moving in signs, wonders, and miracles. Come and experience the presence of Jesus!
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 (941) 412-9044 to book your appointment.
Address :
1216 E Venice Ave,
Venice, FL 34285.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Venice
Help Residents of Counties:
- Sarasota
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 Port Charlotte, 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.