A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 5 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Essex, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Lawrence
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal 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 :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (978) 682-8038 to book your appointment.
Address :
250 Haverhill St,
Lawrence, MA 01840.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army - Haverhill
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- 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 (978) 374-7571 to book your appointment.
Address :
395 Main St,
Haverhill, MA 01830.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army - North Shore
Services provided :
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal 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 :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (978) 744-5181 to book your appointment.
Address :
93 North St, #95,
Salem, MA 01970.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army - Newburyport
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Latchkey Programs
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Young Adult
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (978) 465-0883 to book your appointment.
Address :
40 Water St,
Newburyport, MA 01950.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army Lawrence
Office & Social Service: Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-4:00pm | Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm
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 (978) 682-8038 to book your appointment.
Address :
250 Haverhill St,
Lawrence, MA 01842.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Essex, Massachusetts 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 6 Church Food Pantry locations in Essex, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Christ Church Cambridge
The St. James 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 that comes to the pantry for food assistance., regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Please contact us for any further information.
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 (617) 876-0200 to book your appointment.
Address :
[2 - 2] Garden St,
Cambridge, MA 02138.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Rockingham
- Strafford
- Suffolk
Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church
Project MANNA is a food distribution program located in the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church. 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 that comes to the pantry for food assistance, regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Required Documents:
- State Issued ID
The food pantry is available on the third Saturday of each month (fourth Saturday of November). Please call for summer hours. Registration takes place from 7 AM - 10 AM.
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 (617) 868-4853 to book your appointment.
Address :
146 Hampshire St,
Cambridge, MA 02139.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 07:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Rockingham
- Strafford
- Suffolk
Neighbors in Need - Food Pantry at Third Baptist Church
Our food pantries provide food for over 500 families every week- and over 300,000 meals last year. 35% of those served are children under the age of 18 and 15% are elders. ABOUT OUR PANTRIES: Neighbors in Need operates seven food pantries strategically located throughout the neighborhoods of Lawrence and Methuen. Food Pantry at Third Baptist Church: Friday 9 a.m.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
22 Warren St,
Lawrence, MA 01841.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Neighbors in Need - Food Pantry at Christ United Methodist Church
Our food pantries provide food for over 500 families every week- and over 300,000 meals last year. 35% of those served are children under the age of 18 and 15% are elders. ABOUT OUR PANTRIES: Neighbors in Need operates seven food pantries strategically located throughout the neighborhoods of Lawrence and Methuen. Food Pantry at Christ United Methodist Church: Tuesday 10 a.m.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
207 Haverhill St,
Lawrence, MA 01840.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Calvary Baptist Church - Food Pantry
The Food Pantry has been providing food for needy families and individuals since November 1993. Originally food was provided to the needy on an emergency basis. The Food Pantry clients include but are not limited to, families of local agencies such as the Salvation Army, Community Action, The Pregnancy Care Center and Project Bread in Boston. Since 1993, the Food Pantry has assisted over 1100 families. Every Friday night, the pantry serves between 30 - 80 families, consisting of 70 - 200 people. With God's help, we will continue to serve the community for years to come. We welcome donations, and most needed items include canned vegetables, Mac 'n' Cheese, and canned spaghetti sauce. The Food Pantry telephone number is 978-373-4044 or call the church at 978-373-6466.
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 (978) 373-4044 to book your appointment.
Address :
13 Ashland St,
Haverhill, MA 01830.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Haverhill
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Neighbors in Need - Food Pantry at South Congregational Church
Our food pantries provide food for over 500 families every week- and over 300,000 meals last year. 35% of those served are children under the age of 18 and 15% are elders. ABOUT OUR PANTRIES: Neighbors in Need operates seven food pantries strategically located throughout the neighborhoods of Lawrence and Methuen. Food Pantry at South Congregational Church - Tuesday 8:30a.m.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
198 S Broadway,
Lawrence, MA 01843.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 Essex, Massachusetts 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 31 Food Pantry locations in Essex, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Boston Dream Center
Outreach to our city is a an important aspect of our mission here in Boston. We are committed to reaching those most in need here in our community.
•B&B Thanksgiving-Thanksgiving morning we will be in the Boston Commons serving breakfast and giving blankets to the men and women living on the streets.
•Christmas in Charlestown-The Boston Dream Center will be celebrating Christmas in the Charleston Projects. We will be giving filled Christmas Stockings to the children living there.
•Christmas in the Commons-This Christmas we will be doing our annual Christmas in the Boston Commons.
•Boston CarePacks-We provide essential needs such as food, hygiene items, toys, and snacks for 200 new families each month who are homeless and transitioning to hotels and shelters.
•BDC Inside Jail Ministry-Our jail ministry has been and continues to be amazing. What began two years ago has continued to grow inside the jail. We have seen dozens of men healed and restored through this ministry and we are expanding - this year we plan to add groups and extend our reach into the jail. We are also planning to launch church in the jail with a weekend service.
We provide a variety of outreaches with a focus on helping those experiencing homelessness and the urban poor.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- toys & gifts
- support network
- spiritual support
- meals
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (617) 350-5555 to book your appointment.
Address :
58 Winter St, 6 floor,
Boston, MA 02108.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Suffolk
Jewish Family & Children's Service (JF&CS)
Family Table is the largest kosher food pantry in New England. Everyone should have enough nutritious food to feed their family. Family Table provides healthy food on a monthly and emergency basis to individuals and families in need. Our mission is to offer food in a way that meets nutritional and spiritual needs.
We do this by offering:
• Nutritious groceries, including fresh produce
• Jewish holiday and ritual items, including challah and Shabbat candles
• Personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo
• Healthy recipes and recipe tastings using pantry foods
• Connections to programs that help families move from crisis to stability
Family Table operates four distributions each month, including one Sunday in Waltham, Marblehead, and Canton and a weekday distribution in Waltham. At our Sunday distributions, volunteers pack and deliver groceries to clients who are unable to drive or lack transportation.
Our clients are individuals and families in need including people with disabilities, seniors living on fixed incomes, Holocaust survivors, survivors of domestic abuse, and people who have experienced job loss or underemployment. We know that contacting Family Table can be one of the most difficult calls to make, but we are grateful to be able to help.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- home goods
- personal care items
- navigating the system
- spiritual support
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (781) 647-5327 to book your appointment.
Address :
1430 Main St,
Waltham, MA 02451.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Rockingham
- Strafford
- Suffolk
Natick Service Council
Heart Healthy Food Pantry is a choice pantry and our clients are able to shop for foods they prefer and are provided with up to two weeks of nutritious foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products, lean meats and personal care items. We offer food to those individuals and families in Natick that need help with providing food for themselves and their family.
Our Food Pantry provides:
- 3-5 bags of non-perishable food and 1 bag of perishable food per family, per month
- Each family is required to make an appointment for a specific date and time each month. Appointments are scheduled in 15-minute blocks.
All Natick Service Council clients are eligible to use the Food Pantry once a month. Once you become a Natick Service Council client (through meeting with a Case Manager), you will be given a Food Pantry card and can make your first appointment. You are responsible for making your own monthly appointments either by phone or in-person at the Natick Service Council office. We ask that you arrive promptly for your monthly appointment and be finished shopping within the 15-minute appointment time. We provide assistance with food selection and bagging. Additionally, we will help you load your groceries into your vehicle. We will verify your income once a year.
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 (508) 655-1791 to book your appointment.
Address :
2 Webster St,
Natick, MA 01760.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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 - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Rockingham
- Strafford
- Suffolk
International Institute of New England (IINE) - Boston
The on-site food pantry at the International Institute of New England (IINE) - Boston provides immediate and easy access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food, supplementing the nutrition and food security needs of Boston area refugees and immigrants and bridging them to food stamp benefit activation.
Please contact us for more information on this program.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- understand government programs
- navigating the system
- help fill out forms
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (617) 695-9990 to book your appointment.
Address :
2 Boylston St, 3 floor,
Boston, MA 02116.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Rockingham
- Strafford
- Suffolk
Fair Foods, Inc.
Fair Foods provides large bags of mixed fresh produce for a suggested donation of two dollars. We operate Two Dollars a Bag five days a week, distributing food at sites in churches, schools, and public housing and senior centers across Boston. Check the schedule on our website to see when we are in your area.
Each bag offers about twelve pounds of mixed fresh produce, ranging from potatoes and organic bananas to fresh spinach and mangoes. Our "dignity of a dollar" philosophy makes Two Dollars a Bag unique among hunger relief programs. Rather than supplying only emergency hunger relief or imposing income requirements to provide aid, we aim only to make your hard-earned dollars go further towards providing healthy weekly groceries. We have no eligibility requirements, no registration, and no ID checks. Take as many bags as you need for yourself, friends, or family. Come even if you don't have money; we have never turned anyone away.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- 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 to book your appointment.
Address :
,
Boston, MA 02120.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Suffolk
Boston Medical Center (BMC)
The Preventive Food Pantry works to address nutrition-related illness and under-nutrition for our low-income patients. It fills the therapeutic gap by linking physicians and nutritionists to patients. Individuals with special nutritional needs are referred to the Pantry by BMC primary care providers who write “prescriptions” for supplemental foods that best promote physical health, prevent future illness and facilitate recovery. The Pantry is often used by patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, food allergies and other chronic conditions.
Families can visit the Food Pantry twice per month and receive three to four days worth of food for their household each time. A key feature is the provision of perishable goods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter, and meats all year round – items that are often costly and therefore often lacking in a low-income family’s diet.
The Pantry Manager is a registered Dietetic Technician, qualified to determine what foods correspond to a patient’s dietary needs, as prescribed by a BMC physician. The Assistant Pantry Manager is fluent in four languages and has been essential in helping the Pantry assist BMC’s many refugee and immigrant patients.
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 (617) 638-8000 to book your appointment.
Address :
1 Design Center Pl,
Boston, MA 02210.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Open 24 Hours
- Tues: Open 24 Hours
- Wed: Open 24 Hours
- Thurs: Open 24 Hours
- Fri: Open 24 Hours
- Sat: Open 24 Hours
- Sun: Open 24 Hours T:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Rockingham
- Strafford
- Suffolk
Holliston Pantry Shelf
Holliston Shelf food pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. The pantry provides food to residence of Holliston. 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
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 (508) 429-5392 to book your appointment.
Address :
73 Charles St,
Holliston, MA 01746.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
- Middlesex
- Norfolk
- Plymouth
- Suffolk
Somebody Cares New England Food Pantry
The Somebody Cares New England Food Pantry is open the last Thursday of the month from 1pm-4pm. Any Haverhill resident in need is welcome to come! If it's your first time visiting the food pantry, please make sure and bring an ID or proof of address. What types of items can you expect at our food pantry? Each month the Lord provides for us in creative, amazing ways! Aside from the staple items, like cereal and canned goods, often times we are able to provide items such as fresh produce, bread, cheese, eggs and meats.
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 (978) 912-7626 to book your appointment.
Address :
358 Washington St,
Haverhill, MA 01832.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
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- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Haverhill
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Lazarus House Ministries Inc. - Good Shepherd Center & Soup Kitchen
The Good Shepherd Center houses a Community Day Center and a Soup Kitchen. The Soup Kitchen serves a continental breakfast and a hot, nutritious noon-time meal to anyone who comes through our doors. For many of our guests, the meals they eat at the Soup Kitchen may very well be their only food of the day. Meals are served by volunteers within our community who generously donate their time, compassion and a listening ear. The nutritious and comforting food and beverages that are offered at our Soup Kitchen come exclusively from donations by individuals, businesses, churches, synagogues, schools, civic organizations and many others. It is through the generosity and compassion of many that we are most gratefully able to provide these much needed goods and services. May - October Monday - Friday Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.; November - April Open 7 days a week. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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 (978) 689-8575 to book your appointment.
Address :
412 Hampshire St,
Lawrence, MA 01841.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
FCCB Food Pantry
Our First Church Food Pantry, located on our campus at 4 Georgetown Rd., Boxford, serves those in need in our church family as well as residents of the tri-town area, supplementing their food supplies, when needed. Members of our church family may act as intermediaries as well, to procure food for someone they know who is in need.
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 (978) 887-5841 to book your appointment.
Address :
4 Georgetown Rd,
Boxford, MA 01921.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Boxford
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Jewish Family & Children's Service - Family Table North Shore
Everyone should have enough nutritious food to feed their family. Family Table provides healthy food on a monthly and emergency basis to individuals and families in need. Our mission is to offer food in a way that meets nutritional and spiritual needs. We do this by offering: Nutritious groceries, including fresh produce; Jewish holiday and ritual items, including challah and Shabbat candles; Personal hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, and shampoo; Healthy recipes and recipe tastings using pantry foods; Connections to programs that help families move from crisis to stability. Family Table serves more than 100 towns across Greater Boston, the North Shore, and the South Area. Currently, Family Table is helping more than 400 families each month with groceries and connections to other services.
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 (978) 741-7878 to book your appointment.
Address :
1 Community Rd,
Marblehead, MA 01945.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Marblehead
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Bread & Roses
Bread & Roses's primary purpose is to ease the hunger of those in need in the greater Lawrence area. We serve a full-course, nutritious dinner five nights per week. Anyone who is hungry or in need is welcome. There are no questions asked, no forms to fill out and no charge for the meal. An average of 200 meals are served to homeless or needy families and individuals each evening. Bread and Roses is primarily a soup kitchen but we do provide emergency food on a case-by-case basis from our Emergency Food Pantry. If a guest requests emergency services, a referral is required from a local social services organization. As with the food pantry items, Bread and Roses distributes protective clothing and other basic needs. If available, infant formula and diapers are also supplied to people who are referred by outside human service organizations. Dinner is served from 5pm to 7pm: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday. We are closed on Fridays and Sundays.
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 (978) 681-8768 to book your appointment.
Address :
58 Newbury St,
Lawrence, MA 01840.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Cor Unum Meal Center
We serve nutritious food seven days a week. Breakfast is from 6:00 to 8:00 am, and dinner is from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Come enjoy a delicious meal with us!
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 (978) 688-8900 to book your appointment.
Address :
191 Salem St,
Lawrence, MA 01843.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Neighbors in Need - Food Pantry at Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc
Our food pantries provide food for over 500 families every week- and over 300,000 meals last year. 35% of those served are children under the age of 18 and 15% are elders. ABOUT OUR PANTRIES: Neighbors in Need operates seven food pantries strategically located throughout the neighborhoods of Lawrence and Methuen. Food Pantry at Methuen Arlington Neighborhood, Inc: Wednesday 10 a.m.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
141 Tenney St,
Methuen, MA 01844.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Methuen
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
My Brother’s Table
Founded in 1982 My Brother’s Table, the largest soup kitchen on the North Shore, has provided over 2.9 million hot, free meals and outreach to men, women and children in need. Last year alone MBT served over 126,000 meals. Since the second year of operation MBT has been open 365 days a year, through snow and ice storms, power outages and other difficult events. My Brother’s Table has been open over 10,000 consecutive days, offering free meals to everyone who comes to our door, regardless of race, color, creed or sex. My Brother’s Table has been able to provide meals and a wide range of other services to those in need in our community through the support of donors and over 2,500 volunteers each year. In addition to serving meals 7 days a week MBT provides meals to homebound individuals, participates in a family dinner program, provides meals to at risk-seniors, and hosts a free weekly medical clinic. Today the problems of hunger and poverty continue to exist in Lynn and across the country. We Serve Free Meals To Our Friends and Neighbors: Monday Through Friday 11:45 - 12:30 PM and 5:30 - 7:15 PM. We Also Serve On Saturday and Sunday 2:30 - 4:15 PM
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 (781) 595-3224 to book your appointment.
Address :
98 Willow St,
Lynn, MA 01901.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lynn
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
St. Stephen's Food Pantry
Open Fridays 3:00-4:00 pm (closed first Friday of each month). Thanks to our partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank, our food pantry continues to serve clients from 18-year-old teens to seniors in their late 80s and sometimes persons approaching homelessness.
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 (781) 599-4220 to book your appointment.
Address :
74 South Cmn,
St Lynn, MA 01902.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- St Lynn
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Middleton Food Pantry
The Middleton Food Pantry is a self-sustaining, non-profit organization sustained by private food donations. We raise funds solely for the continuance of our mission to feed needy families in our local community. All of our staff including the directors are unpaid. For food assistance please visit the Middleton Food Pantry on Fridays 1-3pm. Please bring proof of Middleton residency.
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 (978) 766-1402 to book your appointment.
Address :
38 Maple St,
Middleton, MA 01949.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Middleton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Pettengill House Food Pantry
The Pettengill House Food Pantry provides staple foods and personal items to individuals, children and families in need. Resources are received through private and community organized donations including Project Bread and its affiliations, Greater Boston Foodbank, the faith community, schools, service organizations, business communities and area residents. Pantry hours: Tuesdays 9 – 2 and 4 – 6
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 (978) 463-8801 to book your appointment.
Address :
13 Lafayette Rd,
Salisbury, MA 01952.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Salisbury
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Joseph's Storehouse
Our mission is to alleviate hunger with supplemental food and emergency food assistance in the greater Salem area; to provide children with life-changing opportunities; to deliver groceries to the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged; to offer programs to all ages that promote growth and self-confidence and to serve the community with grace, dignity and non-discrimination.
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 (978) 594-4423 to book your appointment.
Address :
207 Highland Ave,
Salem, MA 01970.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Salem
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Acord Food Pantry
Founded in 1991, Acord Food Pantry provides food assistance to the residents of Hamilton, Wenham, Ipswich, Topsfield, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Acord Food Pantry operating hours Wednesday: 9:30 am – 11:00 am, Thursday: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Effective February 1, 2015 we will require proof of residency at each Pantry visit.
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 (978) 468-7424 to book your appointment.
Address :
69 Willow St S,
Hamilton, MA 01982.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Hamilton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Neighbors in Need - Food Pantry at Family and Youth Initiative
Our food pantries provide food for over 500 families every week- and over 300,000 meals last year. 35% of those served are children under the age of 18 and 15% are elders. ABOUT OUR PANTRIES: Neighbors in Need operates seven food pantries strategically located throughout the neighborhoods of Lawrence and Methuen. Food Pantry at Family and Youth Initiative: Wednesday 8:30 a.m.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
112 E Haverhill St,
Lawrence, MA 01841.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Neighbors in Need - Food Pantry at Inglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia
Our food pantries provide food for over 500 families every week- and over 300,000 meals last year. 35% of those served are children under the age of 18 and 15% are elders. ABOUT OUR PANTRIES: Neighbors in Need operates seven food pantries strategically located throughout the neighborhoods of Lawrence and Methuen. Food Pantry at Inglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia: Thursday 8:30 a.m.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
297 S Un,
St Lawrence, MA 01843.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- St Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry
In response to the needs of our community, the Beverly Bootstraps Food Pantry was started in 1992 by the parishioners at the First Baptist Church. Since then our services have grown tremendously to meet the ongoing needs of the community. In addition to providing food to those in need, we strive to educate our food pantry visitors about the benefits of healthy eating on a budget. We do this by providing cooking and shopping classes that show our clients how to shop and prepare healthy meals for their families. All visitors to the food pantry receive three bags of groceries, including fresh produce and up to two toiletry items. Food Pantry Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 11:00am–12:30pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 5:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday, 10:00am-11:00am First and Third of the Month.
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 (978) 927-1561 to book your appointment.
Address :
371 Cabot St,
Beverly, MA 01915.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Beverly
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Danvers People to People Food Pantry
In response to community need, the Danvers People to People Food Pantry was created by the Danvers Community Council to help Danvers families needing assistance. The pantry is operated by a team of volunteers who are dedicated to community service. These volunteers collect food, stock shelves, interview clients as well as shop, distribute and deliver food. Eligible clients may visit the pantry twice a month. Since 2004, the food pantry has been located in the town's former Senior Center at 12 Sylvan Street. Families in need register at the pantry. Proper identification and proof of residency are required at each visit when signing in. A piece of mail such as an electric bill is necessary. A driver's license is not acceptable as proof of residency. The pantry supplies families with the basic food groups as well as many extras. During the holiday seasons a complete food package is given to all families. Turkeys or hams are provided along with all the fixings. Pies, candy, nuts and other items help to make the holidays special. Hours of Operation: MONDAY 8 am - 12 Noon (except holidays), THURSDAY 8 am - 12 Noon (except holidays), 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS 4:30 pm - 6:30pm For working families. The food pantry is CLOSED on Danvers public school snow days and holidays.
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 (978) 739-4188 to book your appointment.
Address :
12 Sylvan St,
Danvers, MA 01923.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Danvers
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Open Door
The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security. Our Food Pantry provides a free, three to five day supply of emergency groceries once every seven days for income-qualified residents of our service area. Our service area includes Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Manchester and Essex. Clients from outside this service area should look for a food pantry that serves their own city or town. Clients are asked to fill out a confidential form that helps the Food Pantry track its resources. They should be prepared to provide a name and birth date for each person receiving food in their household. The food pantry is designed to provide one food order per household or shared kitchen. Persons residing in the same household and sharing a kitchen will receive food as ONE household. Community Meals: The Open Door serves free dinners in a clean, pleasant, and friendly atmosphere. These meals are sponsored by church, civic, and school groups from Cape Ann, with the help of other volunteers. Anyone who is hungry or lonely is welcome. There are no eligibility requirements. Meals are served at every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Sunday meal is served from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Doors open one hour before meal service, so feel free to arrive early and enjoy our company! If you live in Gloucester and need a ride to a Community Meal, we would be happy to pick you up in our van. Call 978-283-6776 ext. 204 to schedule a pick-up.
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 (978) 283-6776 to book your appointment.
Address :
28 Rear Emerson Ave,
Gloucester, MA 01930.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Gloucester
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Salem Pantry
The Salem Pantry was formed in 1991 in order to provide Salem residents with emergency food at the end of the each month. The Salem Pantry is primarily funded by the generous donations of the Salem community and various state and federal grants. The Salem Pantry is a proud affiliate of the Great Boston Food Bank and Project Bread. The mission of The Salem Pantry is to provide Salem residents with nutritious food and groceries in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. The Salem Pantry offers residents emergency food at the end of each month when bills are due, but before salary and support checks arrive to ensure that local residents have healthy perishable food and groceries during times of need.
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 (978) 744-3224 to book your appointment.
Address :
211 Bridge St,
Salem, MA 01970.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Salem
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
FCC Food Pantry
First Congregational Church’s The Pantry on Andover Street is open Monday and Thrusday from 9:30am to 12:00 noon. First Congregational Church's pantry are currently provides services to individuals and families. The church leaders and their minister have built many community connections to assist those in need. Their pantry has confidentially served individuals and families for many years, we are glad to be able to provide this service in the community. The families in need have come from Georgetown and surrounding areas, including Boxford. We must all realize that, given the current economic meltdown, there are now many hardworking individuals and families who now find they need some level of temporary assistance.
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 (978) 352-8443 to book your appointment.
Address :
7 Andover St,
Georgetown, MA 01833.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Georgetown
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Lazarus House Emergency Shelter Bagged Meal Distribution
During the week, bagged meals are given out at the Lazarus House Emergency Shelter in the evening for those who may have to work during the pantry hours, but still do not have enough money to buy meals. Daily, 7 days a week 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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 (978) 794-8447 to book your appointment.
Address :
48 Holly St,
Lawrence, MA 01841.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Lazarus House Ministries Inc. - St. Martha's Food Pantry
The St. Martha's Food pantry supplies emergency food to as many as 812 families each week. What makes this facility so special is that people are able to make their own selections of food choices, just like in the grocery store. When available, guests are given a choice of canned vegetables and can choose their favorite kind, or perhaps beef stew instead of spaghetti and meatballs. Choice is significant -- it raises the level of respect and dignity for an individual receiving food. The pantry is open on Wednesdays starting at 9:30 a.m. There is an indoor waiting area and guests are called by number to shop in the new facility.
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 (978) 332-5013 to book your appointment.
Address :
242 Hampshire St,
Lawrence, MA 01841.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Neighbors in Need - Food Pantry at Boys and Girls Club
Our food pantries provide food for over 500 families every week- and over 300,000 meals last year. 35% of those served are children under the age of 18 and 15% are elders. ABOUT OUR PANTRIES: Neighbors in Need operates seven food pantries strategically located throughout the neighborhoods of Lawrence and Methuen. Food Pantry at Boys and Girls Club: Thursday 10 a.m.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
136 Water St,
Lawrence, MA 01841.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lawrence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Haven from Hunger, Inc.
Haven from Hunger distributes emergency food to families throughout Peabody, Salem and Lynnfield. Haven from Hunger has been a symbol of hope and compassion in Peabody, Salem, and Lynnfield since 1982. Housed in the basement of the Masonic Temple, our food pantry and community meals program feed over 100 people everyday. Anyone who comes to our door for dinner is welcome – without question or qualification. Haven from Hunger recognizes the importance of providing basic nourishment to those who are hungry. Together with the solidarity and commitment of our staff and volunteers, Haven from Hunger is a gateway to positive change in the lives of the people it serves. We help our guests increase their capacity for self-reliance and help reconnect them to the broader community. We provide the support and respect guests need to become self-sufficient and regain hope for the future. Haven from Hunger is a place of humanity, compassion, and dignity. Food Pantry - Monday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday: Closed, Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Community Meals: Monday: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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 (978) 531-1530 to book your appointment.
Address :
71 Wallis St,
Peabody, MA 01960.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Peabody
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
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 Essex, Massachusetts
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.