DCCM Food Pantry is a coalition of 15 multi-denominational area churches and private donors that have combined resources to run a centrally located food pantry. We are located on 430 8th St., in the heart of Augusta, and conveniently located near several housing complexes and on Route 3 of the Augusta Public Transit system. Since 1978, DCCM has established itself as a consistent, reliable source of food for those in need. DCCM distributes bags of nutritious food to individuals that meet income guidelines. We strive to supply a diverse array of items that our clients would be proud to feed their family. It is our hope that everyone has access to nutritious food regardless of their ability to pay. DCCM also offers “Snack Packs†to our homeless clients. Snack packs are ready-to-eat, prepackaged foods that do not require cooking equipment. These Snack packs enable our homeless clients to eat when the soup kitchens and shelters are not open. DCCM is categorized as a “super pantry,†distributing nearly 100 tons of food to clients every year. Because of our convenient location, regular hours, and consistency, DCCM has become a pillar in the community for those needing food. Over 1200 families each month rely on DCCM for sustenance. Most area pantries operate as an “Emergency Pantry,†limiting the amount of times an individual may receive food to a few times per year. Because the majority of our clients are on a fixed income and face chronic food insecurity, we allow individuals to receive food several times each month if needed. As a result, DCCM volunteers build a genuine rapport with our clients. We pride ourselves on developing relationships with the people we serve. DCCM works in partnership with Golden Harvest Food Bank to provide food for those in need. A bag of food contains an assortment of canned goods and frozen meat or vegetables. We also provide bread, milk, fresh produce, juice, and cereal when available. We are proud that our organization is operated nearly entirely by volunteers. We have over 30 volunteers that dedicate their time to load groceries, interview clients and pack bags. Without their hard work and generosity, DCCM would not be able to feed the hungry in our community.
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 (706) 722-3530 to book your appointment.
Address :
430 8th St,
Augusta, GA 30901.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Augusta
Help Residents of Counties:
- Richmond
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (706) 722-3530 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
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.