We found 18 food pantries listed for Ankeny, Iowa. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Polk County, Iowa.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Ankeny, Iowa. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Des Moines, IA: Temple Corps Community Center
Phone: (515) 282-3227
Address: 1326 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Pathway of Hope
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
Call (515) 282-3227 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
The Salvation Army - Des Moines, IA: City Administrative Office
Phone: (515) 282-3599
Address: 520 35th St, Des Moines, IA 50312. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Disaster Services
- Food & Nutrition Programs
Appointments :
Call (515) 282-3599 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
The Salvation Army - Des Moines, IA: Citadel Corps Community Center
Phone: (515) 266-3156
Address: 1216 E 25th Ct, Des Moines, IA 50317. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Adult Rehabilitation Center
- 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 Pantry
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Pathway of Hope
- Residential Camping Activities
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Store
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (515) 266-3156 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
The Salvation Army - Bellaire Corps
Phone: ph(740) 676-6225fx(740) 676-2292
Address: 315 37th St, Des Moines, IA 50312. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
Call ph(740) 676-6225fx(740) 676-2292 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 3 Church Food Pantry locations in Ankeny, Iowa. You can also check your eligibility.
Eastside Church of the Nazarene - Mercy Ministry Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 265-6000
Address: 1451 E 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50317. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Eastside Church of the Nazarene is reaching out to those in our nearby community who are facing a food emergency. In order to effectively help many families and individuals in need of food assistance, the Church Board has adopted the following policy and procedures. 1. People who are currently living in the 50316 or 50317 zip code areas may receive assistance for emergency food. Food Pantry assistance is available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings only. 2. Assistance is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. There will be NO WALK INS. You must call the church office, 265-6000, at 9:00 AM on Food Pantry days to make an appointment. Calls received for the Food Pantry on the answering machine will not be returned. 3. We are able to assist a limited number of families each Tuesday or Thursday. If our appointments fill up, you may be asked to call back on the next Food Pantry day. All appointments are made on a first call, first served basis. 4. Some personal information will be requested during the phone call. Food boxes will be prepared according to the information given. Each box will contain a variety of food items to cover meals for approximately 3-4 days. Some non-food items may be available as we have the opportunity to purchase them. 5. Please limit your requests for assistance to once every 90 days (3 months). The congregation of this church provides the funding for the food and wants to serve those who have a need. The Food Pantry cannot be used as a regular food source. 6. When you arrive for your appointment we will require you to have with you a photo ID of yourself and a proof of residence (your recent utility bill or other business mail with your name and address). Identification of the members of your household should also be provided.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 265-6000 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
House of Faith - Church Pantry
Phone: (515) 255-9940
Address: 4435 Ne 29th St, Des Moines, IA 50317. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We offer a food pantry for those who attend House of Faith. FREE groceries, personal hygiene and various household items are offered to families after service on their designated Sunday. The church store is open on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, immediately following service. A schedule is posted in the church that lists all church families and their day to “shopâ€.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 255-9940 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Amazing Grace Ministries & Outreach Church - Emergency Food & Clothing Pantry
Phone: (515) 277-9062
Address: 1903 53rd St, Des Moines, IA 50310. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Emergency Food Pantry is available to you once every 30 days as needed. Open Saturdays from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 277-9062 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Catholic Charities Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Ankeny, Iowa. You can also check your eligibility.
Catholic Charities St. Mary Family Center
Phone: (515) 262-7290
Address: 1815 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Catholic Charities' St. Mary Family Center distributes more than 8500 food boxes each year to an average of 600 families each month. In addition to emergency food boxes, St. Mary Family Center offers perishable food items, clothing and infant items. Daily traffic at the center has grown from an average of 100-200 people to 200-400 people each day. Services include: Emergency food boxes for families in need - The emergency food box contains a four day supply of non-perishable food items. A family may receive an emergency food box one time per calendar month. Because there are several food pantry sites in and around Des Moines, St. Mary’s food boxes are limited to those who live in Des Moines. Bread is available every day for families in need. Families may take up to two loaves per day per household. Anyone, regardless of their address, is free to come any day for bread products. Diapers & Infant Formula - Diapers and infant formula is available following the same guidelines as food boxes. Free clothing closet available to anyone, regardless of their address. All clothing is donated, so available sizes vary from week to week. Ever wonder where your church/business’ food drives go or your donations to the Red Barrels in the grocery stores? St. Mary Family Center is one of the Des Moines Area Religious Council’s (DMARC) food pantry sites and receives ninety percent of its food supplies from the DMARC food pantry. We also purchase food at a discounted rate from the Food Bank of Iowa as well as receive donations from local businesses and community groups. St. Mary Family Center serves the Capitol East neighborhood, which is defined by the Child and Family Policy Center as one of the “pockets†of poverty in the Des Moines area, with a poverty rate of 46.6%. Due to the need in the near East side of Des Moines, St. Mary Family Center has 300-400 individuals walk through their door each day, seeking food and clothing.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 262-7290 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Ankeny, Iowa. You can also check your eligibility.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines, Iowa - Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 282-8328
Address: 1426 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Des Moines council’s food pantry, located on the second floor of 1426 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. It is open to anyone who needs food for themselves or family. The food pantry also strives to stock diapers, health and hygiene products for those in need, but these items are not always in stock. People seeking food pantry assistance can schedule an appointment in person at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. (Individuals are strongly encouraged to arrive by 7:50 a.m. to ensure their place in line.) Social services staff will schedule an appointment for later that same day. Those who would need to receive food during one of the two evening food pantries are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 282-8328 and asking for the Social Services Department. However, the food pantry is also available without an appointment between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to those facing an emergency. Those individuals may seek help in person by coming to 1426 Sixth Ave., and asking to speak to the Social services staff.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 282-8328 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 9 Food Pantry locations in Ankeny, Iowa. You can also check your eligibility.
St. Theresa Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 279-4654
Address: 1230 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50311. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
St. Theresa Parish has an emergency food pantry that is open to the public. PANTRY HOURS: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday: 10am - 2pm. St. Theresa Food Pantry is a Food Bank of Iowa member agency.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 279-4654 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Urbandale Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 251-6688
Address: 34/3 5, Urbandale, IA 50322. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Urbandale Food Pantry is a collaborative community effort to reach out to our neighbors to provide food assistance with dignity and compassion. Since the Pantry opened in 2008, the average number of families served per month has steadily grown. Hours of Operation: Monday: 10am–6:30pm, Wednesday & Thursday: 10am–2pm. What You Need to Bring: a picture I.D. for the head of household; I.D.s for each member of the family requiring assistance; a current piece of mail (utility or telephone bill) that includes the name and current address of the resident.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 251-6688 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Urbandale
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Creative Visions - The Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 244-4003
Address: 1343 13th St, Des Moines, IA 50314. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Creative Visions Human Development Institute, Inc has partnered with the Iowa Food Bank, a member of the nation’s food bank network. Our Tuesday and Thursday Food Pantry donates a box (about 40 lbs) of various healthful food items to approximately 25 qualifying families weekly. The need is growing as many call each week who have never found themselves in need of a pantry before.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 244-4003 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Huxley Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 597-2831
Address: 209 N 2nd Ave, Huxley, IA 50124. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Open Wednesday evenings 6:00 -7:00 pm. Located in the Ark (the brick house directly south of the church building.)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 597-2831 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Huxley
Help Residents of Counties:
- Story
Central Iowa Shelter & Services - Clothing Closet and Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 284-5719
Address: 1420 Mulberry St, Des Moines, IA 50309. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Central Iowa Shelter & Services clothing closet and food pantry hours: Monday 10am-2pm, Tuesday 10am-2pm and 5:30pm-7:30pm, Wednesday 10am-2pm and 5:30pm-7:30pm, Thursday 9am-2pm and 5:30pm- 7:30pm, Friday 10am-2pm. The closet has clothes for adult men and women of all sizes as well as shoes, coats, hats, gloves and other warm clothes. The clothing closet is one of the newest additions to Central Iowa Shelter & Services additional supportive services to the community. The clothing closet is open to anyone in the community in need of clothes. The food pantry is supported by DMARC. Individuals can access the food pantry once every thirty days for each member of their family.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 284-5719 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Caring Hands Outreach Center Inc.
Phone: (515) 967-4533
Address: 201 9th St Ne, Altoona, IA 50009. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The mission of Caring Hands Outreach Center is to provide a helping hand, within a caring Christian environment, to people in need in our communities. Caring Hands began in 2003 as a unique collaboration of church and community leaders seeking to respond to the needs of people in the Southeast Polk area. We provide people with the material and spiritual resources that give them the strength to keep trying. The Food Pantry assists Southeast Polk residents with food and limited help with utilities or rent. The Food Pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 967-4533 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Altoona
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
CROSS Ministries - Cottage Grove Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 279-8877
Address: 1050 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
CROSS is an alternative hours food pantry for those who are unable to access other food pantries, therefore, there are no geographical boundaries for the CROSS pantry. Hours of Operation: Wednesdays 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM; Saturdays 9:00 AM to Noon.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 279-8877 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Des Moines
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Grimes Community Food Pantry
Phone: (515) 986-4036
Address: 801 W 1st St, Grimes, IA 50111. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Grimes Community Food Pantry provides for 40 to 50 families (140 - 175 individuals) once a month. Not all items listed are available to be purchased from the Iowa Food Bank and we depend on the communities donations to supplement these items. The Food Pantry is open for appointments from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Tuesday and Thursday. Please call the church office at 515-986-4036 in order to schedule an appointment. In order to receive help from the food pantry you must be a current resident of Grimes and proof of address is required.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 986-4036 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Grimes
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
Johnston Partnership - DMARC Food Pantry (Johnston Food Pantry)
Phone: (515) 868-1357
Address: 5870 Merle Hay Rd Ste D, Johnston, IA 50131. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
A DMARC Food Pantry is open to eligible families and community members in Johnston and the Johnston School District Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-12pm and Saturdays from 10am-2pm at Partnership Place 5870 Merle Hay Road, Suite D, Johnston. The Johnston Food Pantry offers to residents of the Johnston School District: Pre-sorted, nutritionally-balanced, 4-day supply of food based on family size, once per calendar month; Personal care products such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, diapers and laundry soap, once per calendar month; Bread items (when available), daily; Fresh produce - weekly during the growing season and monthly with food boxes during the non-growing season.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (515) 868-1357 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Johnston
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Ankeny, Iowa 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 Ankeny, Iowa 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 Ankeny, Iowa 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 Ankeny, Iowa 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 Ankeny, Iowa 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 Ankeny, Iowa, 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 Ankeny, Iowa 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 Ankeny, Iowa 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 Ankeny, Iowa.
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.