We found 22 food pantries listed for Dekalb County, Georgia. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 3 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Dekalb, Georgia. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Atlanta (Peachcrest), GA
Phone: (404) 486-2870
Address: 3500 Sherrydale Ln, Decatur, GA 30032. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Homemaker Services
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Young Adult
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (404) 486-2870 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
The Salvation Army - Atlanta (International), GA
Phone: (404) 486-2820
Address: 3771 Central Ave, Atlanta, GA 30340. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Worship Services - Church
Appointments :
Call (404) 486-2820 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
The Salvation Army inc
Phone: (404) 486-2800
Address: 2090 N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- 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
Atlanta Temple Corps provides Emergency Shelter, Seasonal Services, Camping Activities, Visitation Services, Worship Services - Children's / Teen, Worship Services - Church, Christian Education, Men's Ministries, Music & Arts Programs, Worship Services - Sunday School, Women's Ministries, Worship Services - Young Adult, Worship Services - Youth Ministries and Community Recreation Programs.
Services provided :
- disaster response
- emergency food
- food pantry
- help find housing
- housing advice
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (404) 486-2800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 7 Church Food Pantry locations in Dekalb, Georgia. You can also check your eligibility.
New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church
Phone: (404) 508-1400
Address: 923 Valley Brook Rd, Decatur, GA 30033. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food pantry program provides food assistance to individuals and families from the New Beginning Church and the surrounding communities.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (404) 508-1400 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
DeKalb United Pentecostal Church
Phone: (770) 879-6777
Address: 1670 Juliette Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- 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
Food bank program provides food for families that are in need. Contact the church at (770) 879-6777 to schedule a pick-up.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (770) 879-6777 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
Restoration Church of Deliverance International
Phone: (678) 640-7780
Address: 4874 N Royal Atlanta Dr, Tucker, GA 30084. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- 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 for hope foodbank program provides food and clothing to families and individuals free of charge.
Contact us at 678-640-7780 for more information.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (678) 640-7780 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
Fairfield Baptist Church
Phone: (770) 482-7660
Address: 6133 Redan Rd, Lithonia, GA 30058. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Food pantry is opened each Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Administration Center, with a mission member present to distribute pre-packed boxes of non-perishable food. We also have clothing and shoes that are available on a first come basis.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (770) 482-7660 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
Lithonia First United Methodist Church
Address: [800 - 3199] Stone Mountain St, P.O BOX 6 3099, Lithonia, GA 30058. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
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 and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
The food pantry is open weekly on Monday and also opens on the second Saturday of each month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lithonia
First Metropolitan Community Church - Crossroads Community Center
Phone: (404) 325-4143
Address: 1379 Tullie Rd Ne, Atlanta, GA 30329. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Crossroads Community Center Provides: A non-religious space for meetings, events, community programs and educational opportunities for a donation.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (404) 325-4143 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Atlanta
Help Residents of Counties:
- DeKalb
Shallowford Presbyterian Church - Food Pantry
Phone: (404) 321-1844
Address: 2375 Shallowford Rd, Ne Atlanta, GA 30345. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our independent church food pantry provides groceries to local individuals and families in need, up to four times a year per family. Volunteers can help by buying groceries to stock the pantry or by organizing the stock into bags. Or, volunteers can staff the Food Pantry office at the church, open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, to meet with and provide food bags to clients. We regularly serve forty to sixty families each month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (404) 321-1844 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ne Atlanta
Help Residents of Counties:
- DeKalb
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 12 Food Pantry locations in Dekalb, Georgia. You can also check your eligibility.
Hosea Feed The Hungry
Phone: (404) 755-3353
Address: 1035 Donnelly Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- 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
The Day Center provides groceries, baby products, clothing, toiletries and case management for up to seventy five families and individuals every week throughout the year. We see between fifteen and twenty five families and individuals each day for three days a week. Our case managers assess each family's need understanding the dynamics that make each case unique and then determine which resources would best meet their need. This program accepts walk-in volunteers that have completed their in-house volunteer orientation.
For more information, call 404-755-3353.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- clothing
- personal care items
- navigating the system
- one-on-one support
Appointments :
Call (404) 755-3353 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Fulton
- Dekalb
New Life Community
Phone: (404) 381-6731
Address: 3592 Flat Shoals Rd, Decatur, GA 30034. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sun: Closed
Food For the Family is available to you and your family at our on-site food pantry. We will provide the food and all you have to do is the cooking. You can pick up food boxes on Tuesday thru Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 P.M.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (404) 381-6731 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
New Life Community Ministries
Phone: (404) 381-6731
Address: 3592 Flat Shoals Rd, Decatur, GA 30034. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sun: Closed
Food For The Family program provides food pantry for the individuals and families in need, to pick up boxes on Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 P.M. For more information call 404-381-6731.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (404) 381-6731 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
Lighthouse Food Pantry
Phone: (678) 363-7470
Address: 294 W I Pkwy, Dallas, GA 30132. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fri: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
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 that needs food.
There are no limits on food so you may visit all three days we serve but we can only help one family per address.
Documents Required:
• Proof of address
• Picture ID for all 18 and older in residence
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (678) 363-7470 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Barrow
- Bartow
- Butts
- Carroll
- Cherokee
- Clayton
- Cobb
- Coweta
- Dawson
- Dekalb
- Douglas
- Fayette
- Forsyth
- Fulton
- Gwinnett
- Haralson
- Heard
- Henry
- Jasper
- Lamar
- Meriwether
- Morgan
- Newton
- Paulding
- Pickens
- Pike
- Rockdale
- Spalding
- Walton
Overcomers House Inc.
Phone: (678) 575-6608
Address: 2100 Fountain Sq, Snellville, GA 30078. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- 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
Overcomers House equips and empowers individuals who are facing life's challenges with life-changing tools; through programs moderated by our team of skilled professionals. Overcomers House, Inc. supports individuals committed to rebuilding their lives. We provide the services necessary for our clients “conquering our struggles, one step at a time.”
Did you know that there are currently thousands of people living close by that do not have the funds to afford basic essentials such as food and clothing? We, at Overcomers House, Inc., are working hard to Stop Hunger needs for the residents of Gwinnett and DeKalb Counties. At Overcomers House, Inc Food Pantry we provide free food to feed families and individuals of Snellville. 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 the help.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (678) 575-6608 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
- Gwinnett
Net Works Cooperative Ministry Inc
Phone: (770) 939-6454ext100
Address: 2380 4th St, Tucker, GA 30084. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Sat: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Sun: Closed
Food Pantry provides food assistance for neighbors experiencing a crisis or unexpected difficult time. It is intended to provide 1-2 days worth of food. Neighbors can come up to twice a month to receive an order of groceries based upon size of the household. Though the pantry serves neighbors well in a time of short-term crisis.
We assist our neighbors in the Northlake-Embry Hills-Tucker community who are within the following area are eligible for assistance:
-Zip code 30084 (Dekalb county only)
-Area within I-85 - North
-Gwinnett County line - East
-Hwy 78 - South
-N.Druid Hills/Clairmont Rd - West
The following documentation is required:
-Two forms of ID are required for applicant (ID includes drivers license, social security card, birth certificate, healthcare benefits card, etc.)
-One form of ID for each member of the household
You do not have to make an appointment is for food pantry assistance. We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (770) 939-6454ext100 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
Fountain of Hope
Phone: (678) 456-4673
Address: 829 Hollywood Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
We respect the inherent worth and dignity of every person and treat all with justice, equity and compassion. We honor the lives, concerns and stories of people in need and expect our partners to do the same. We accept one another and encourage diversity of thoughts and ideas. Because of this we are proud to supply Boxes of Hope.
A “Box Of Hope” is an assortment of Nutritious Foods donated by local companies from all over Georgia. The box is valued at $35 and includes Whole Grains & Breads, Fresh & Canned Fruits/Vegetables, Assorted Proteins, Beverages and Snacks.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (678) 456-4673 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Barrow
- Bartow
- Butts
- Carroll
- Cherokee
- Clayton
- Cobb
- Coweta
- Dawson
- Dekalb
- Douglas
- Fayette
- Forsyth
- Fulton
- Gwinnett
- Haralson
- Heard
- Henry
- Jasper
- Lamar
- Meriwether
- Morgan
- Newton
- Paulding
- Pickens
- Pike
- Rockdale
- Spalding
- Walton
I Care Atlanta Inc
Phone: (678) 615-3341
Address: 5879 New Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30340. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- 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
I Care Atlanta Inc prevents homelessness by feeding the food insecure through the provision of groceries, cooked foods and linking clients to resources and emergency assistance. ICA provides these services through our mobile pantry services, direct services (in-house distribution) and emergency/crisis prevention services. We focus on providing services that lead to self-sufficiency. For more information, call 678-615-3341.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- navigating the system
- meals
Appointments :
Call (678) 615-3341 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dekalb
Community Assistance Center
Phone: (678) 691-4466
Address: 8607 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30350. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
- Fri: 09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
- Sat: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Sun: Closed
Community Assistance Center provides food to individuals and families in need who live in Sandy Springs or Dunwoody. Food is given on a per family basis. CAC gives non-perishable groceries, produce and fresh food when available, and holiday baskets. CAC offers a Client Choice Market, allowing clients to “shop” for their own groceries with vouchers.
Required Documents:
• Social Security card or picture ID
• Copy of current apartment lease or mortgage (Adults not named on the lease must provide proof of address)
• Documentation for all Residents Living at a Given Address (Social Security cards or picture IDs or for children, proof of school enrollment or birth certificate)
• Proof of Income (May be provided by a pay stub, IRS tax documentation, or AFDC/Food stamp letter)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (678) 691-4466 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Fulton
Caring 4 Clarkston Food Pantry
Phone: (404) 508-1050
Address: 3919 Church St, Clarkston, GA 30021. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Since its inception in 2011, we have served over 500 families. If you are in need of food assistance, you can come to pantry on the dates and times listed below. Please come by 10:00 am to ensure you can be served. Bring a photo ID. (However, you will not be turned away if you do not have one.) Also, to increase the amount of families that are able to receive food assistance, each household will only be able to receive food assistance one time per month. The Cares 4 Clarkston Food Panty is open two Saturdays each month from 9:30 – 11:30 am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (404) 508-1050 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clarkston
Help Residents of Counties:
- DeKalb
Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM)
Phone: (404) 373-2300
Address: 515 E Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Decatur-area Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides emergency help for local residents to prevent homelessness and hunger. Supported by more than 20 Decatur and Avondale area churches of many denominations, DEAM provides emergency food, financial aid for utilities and prescriptions, clothing and volunteer support to qualifying residents in the Decatur and Avondale area.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (404) 373-2300 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Decatur
Help Residents of Counties:
- DeKalb
SVdP Family Support Center - The Client Choice Food Pantry
Phone: (678) 892-6165
Address: 2050 Chamblee Tucker Rd Apt -C, Atlanta, GA 30341. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Client Choice Food Pantry operates as a customer-choice model, operating more like a grocery store, allowing clients to ‘shop’ with a trained volunteer. Clients have a broader choice among the food items provided This honors and enhances the dignity and ethnic diversity of the people served, promotes more efficient distribution of our donated resources and minimizes waste. Visitors or those referred to the Family Support Center are interviewed to assess the situation to determine how the Support Center can best respond. The FSC’s goal is to provide long-lasting solutions that will help guests move beyond the crisis or cycle in which they feel entrapped. A primary focus of the Support Center is to provide food. After the initial interview, clients are invited to shop in the Client-Choice Food Pantry with a volunteer’s help and obtain food that is determined by a “point system.†In order to help client retain as much of the monthly funds as possible, clients are screened for benefits. Once qualified the benefit frees up money that can be transferred to other budgetary needs. The FSC is able to screen individuals for government or community benefits, determine eligibility and advance the application more quickly through the process.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (678) 892-6165 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Atlanta
Help Residents of Counties:
- DeKalb
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Dekalb, Georgia 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 Dekalb, Georgia 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 Dekalb, Georgia 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 Dekalb, Georgia 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 Dekalb, Georgia 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 Dekalb, Georgia, 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 Dekalb, Georgia 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 Dekalb, Georgia 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 Dekalb, Georgia.
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.