A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in North Amherst, 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 North Amherst, 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 3 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in North Amherst, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Holyoke
Services provided :
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- 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 (413) 532-6312 to book your appointment.
Address :
271 Appleton St,
Holyoke, MA 01040.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampden
The Salvation Army - stop&shop
Services provided :
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (413) 323-6546 to book your appointment.
Address :
55 Federal St,
Belchertown, MA 01007.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
The Salvation Army - Greenfield
Services provided :
- Adult Day Care
- Aid to Families
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Clinics Services
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Detoxification Services
- Disaster Services
- Domestic Violence Services
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizens Residences
- Transitional Care & Work Release
- Transitional Housing
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Young Adult
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (413) 773-3154 to book your appointment.
Address :
72 Chapman St,
Greenfield, MA 01301.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Franklin
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around North Amherst, 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 2 Church Food Pantry locations in North Amherst, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Easthampton Congregational Church Food Cupboard & Oasis Kitchen
The Easthampton Congregational Church Food Cupboard is open on the second Wednesday of every month from 10 AM to noon. It is also open on the fourth Wednesday from June to October from 10AM to 12 noon. Any one in need of food is welcome to come. The Oasis Kitchen meals are free and are open to the public.
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 (413) 527-4790 to book your appointment.
Address :
112 Main St,
Easthampton, MA 01027.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Easthampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
First Baptist Church of Amherst - Food Pantry
Every Wednesday First Baptist is filled with people from our community receiving food, diapers, paper products, hygiene supplies, and more at the Food Pantry. Too many people in our community must decide between food, diapers, health care, medications, winter heat, etc. First Baptist offers community services so our neighbors can meet these basic needs for themselves and their families. The Food Pantry serves more than 75-90 homes a week. Last year more than $73,000 worth of goods were given by the Food Pantry. During the Christmas season we work together with the Toys-for-Tots program to offer Christmas gifts to families throughout the area. The Food Pantry has been meeting needs in our community and sharing God’s love for twenty years. Hours – Wednesday 2-4 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 (413) 549-3596 to book your appointment.
Address :
434 N Pleasant St,
Amherst, MA 01002.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Amherst
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
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 North Amherst, 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 North Amherst, 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 North Amherst, 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 2 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in North Amherst, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Cupboard Food Pantry at BUCC
The HHCF provides food for approximately 50 familes/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 (413) 323-7442 to book your appointment.
Address :
18 Park St,
Belchertown, MA 01007.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Belchertown
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Inc. - South Hadley Food Pantry
Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Inc. vision is to provide a Safety net for South Hadley residents with food insecurity. We have formed a community-wide network committed to this goal. NHN runs an emergency food pantry and a volunteer program designed to help clients' access social service programs to address the underlying causes of food insecurity. Our pantry is a "client choice" pantry. This allows clients to choose which items are most needed and wanted by their households.
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 (413) 530-8240 to book your appointment.
Address :
30 Carew St S,
Hadley, MA 01075.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hadley
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around North Amherst, 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 North Amherst, 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 North Amherst, 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 North Amherst, 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 North Amherst, 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 11 Food Pantry locations in North Amherst, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Providence Ministries - Margaret’s Pantry
A full-service food pantry that provides food to residents of the greater Holyoke area. Clients must be referred by letter and client verification form. Referral agencies include, DTA, VOC, WIC Office, Public and Private Schools, Churches, Walking with Christ Ministry, New England Farm Workers Council, shelter providers and more. For a complete list of referral sources please call (413) 538-8026 or (413) 536-9109 X 11. We are always looking for additional partners, please give us a call if your Holyoke agency wishes to be a referral source. In the heart of the Broderick House, our food pantry, known as Margaret’s Pantry, can be found. It began as a one room pantry on the first floor of the Broderick House, and in 1990 expanded to three rooms. This expansion has enabled the program to not only provide more food to the community, but also control the duplication of services. Presently the pantry provides food to upward of 150 families each month. Each person is given three balanced meals per day for a two day period. On average, approx. 5,800 individuals are provided with food on an annual basis, which calculates to 52,000 meals being distributed to the needy of the community. Individuals and families can access the food pantry once a month. Food drives are held throughout the year to supplement our supply. Major food drives include the Postal Workers Food drive, and collections from the City of Holyoke. Additional food is donated by Rachel’s Table, area restaurants, supermarkets, church groups, etc. Food is also purchased via the Western Mass Food Bank. The Pantry is named after Sr. Margaret McCleary, SP, the foundress of our ministry. Providence Ministries programs are funded in part by the Annual Catholic Appeal, Office of Community Development, FEMA, WestMass Eldercare and our generous 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 (413) 538-8026 to book your appointment.
Address :
56 Cabot St,
Holyoke, MA 01040.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Holyoke
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampden
MANNA Soup Kitchen - Main Street
For almost thirty years, MANNA soup kitchen has been widely known for providing free meals, three days a week, 52 weeks a year, for anyone who wants or needs one. We serve our meals restaurant style, which makes the atmosphere less like a soup kitchen and encourages fellowship. Meals are served Wednesday nights and Saturday noons in Edwards Church and Monday noons in St. John’s Episcopal Church. Both churches generously support the program and absorb the extra wear and tear on their kitchens and fellowship halls. Jim Munroe, the Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church, started MANNA in 1986. There were 12 guests at the first meal. The Sunday meal grew steadily. Over time, additional weekly meals were added, and a non-profit was formed to help purchase food and organize volunteers. Now all three meals are prepared on site by our staff. We rely on the support of generous individuals to continue our mission to help feed the poor of the Pioneer Valley.
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 (413) 584-5500 to book your appointment.
Address :
297 Main St,
Northampton, MA 01060.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Northampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish - Soup Kitchen
Our Soup Kitchen, located at our Parish Hall on 10 Hawley Street, provides lunches for the needy on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Led by Joan Gruszkowski, our faithful team of volunteers provides nutritious meals, including fresh fruits and vegetables, to those most 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 (413) 584-7310 to book your appointment.
Address :
10 Hawley St,
Northampton, MA 01060.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Northampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Northampton Survival Center - Hilltown Food Pantry
The Northampton Survival Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income individuals and families throughout Hampshire County by providing nutritious food and other resources in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Food Pantry Hours: Every Wednesday from 1-3pm, and the third Wednesdays of every month from 1-6pm.
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 (413) 268-7578 to book your appointment.
Address :
40 Main St,
Goshen, MA 01032.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Goshen
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Community Action Center for Self-Reliance Food Pantry - Greenfield
Community Action's Center for Self-Reliance Food Pantries exists to forward the universal belief that no one should go to bed hungry. Its storefront pantry not only offers food to families, but also offers information and referrals to other services and programs. The Center for Self-Reliance treats people with dignity and respect, bringing hope to those who are hungry. Each person who visits our pantry is given time to choose from a variety of non-perishable foods and fresh fruits and vegetables as available. Enrolled individuals and families are able to receive food once per month, lessening the potential effects of hunger and poor nutrition. The Center also hosts fresh food and cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops so that participants can learn new ways to combine healthy and nutritious food on a limited budget. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11:00am - 6:00pm. Closed Wednesday & Friday.
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 (413) 773-5029 to book your appointment.
Address :
1 1/2 Osgood St,
Greenfield, MA 01301.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Greenfield
Help Residents of Counties:
- Franklin
CHD Not Bread Alone
Not Bread Alone welcomes everyone to help prepare and enjoy fresh, nutritious, and family-style meals using local ingredients whenever possible. Our free meals program fosters a caring environment that relies on strong volunteer and community involvement. All who come are welcomed, accepted and appreciated for what they can offer. We provide FREE homemade, hot meals at noon every Saturday and Sunday and at 4 pm on every Wednesday. Donated groceries are distributed every Saturday at 12:45. We also have counselors on site to help guests resolve issues such as housing, food stamp applications, health insurance, and employment.
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 (413) 256-0128 to book your appointment.
Address :
165 Main St,
Amherst, MA 01002.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Amherst
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Easthampton Community Center, Inc.
EASTHAMPTON COMMUNITY CENTER has proudly served the needs of families in the greater Easthampton area for over 40 years! the Center is a partner agency of the United Way of Hampshire County and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. It is the mission of the Easthampton Community Center, Inc. to provide services and assistance to residents of the greater Easthampton area. The Center provides a Food Pantry, Community Care Kitchen, a Clothing Closet, along with meeting space for community groups, and holiday or celebratory gatherings. The building is open seven days each week with many classes and meetings on going.
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 (413) 527-5240 to book your appointment.
Address :
12 Clark St,
Easthampton, MA 01027.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Easthampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Providence Ministries - Kate’s Kitchen
Kate’s Kitchen served a noontime meal to anyone no questions asked 365 days a year. Kate’s also offers a brown bag supper on Wednesdays from 5-6 pm. Kate’s Kitchen served its first lunchtime meal in 1980. Since that day, one noon-time meal daily has been served to anyone in need with a “no-questions asked†policy. The Kitchen is opened 365 days/yr. and provides approx. 150 meals per day. Since its inception, Kate’s Kitchen has provided to its neighbors over one million meals. The Kitchen depends heavily on volunteers to assure the smooth running of the kitchen. We are grateful to the many church groups, farmers, supermarkets, restaurants, civic organizations, and the general public for continually volunteering or donating food to this program. If you are interested in sponsoring a meal at Kate’s please contact us for further information. Providence Ministries programs are funded in part by the Annual Catholic Appeal, Office of Community Development, FEMA, WestMass Eldercare and our generous community. OPEN Monday – Sunday, 365 days/year, Serving Hours: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Brown Bag Dinner – Wednesdays 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Bread Program – Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (when available)
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 (413) 532-0233 to book your appointment.
Address :
51 Hamilton St,
Holyoke, MA 01040.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Holyoke
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampden
MANNA Soup Kitchen - Elm Street
For almost thirty years, MANNA soup kitchen has been widely known for providing free meals, three days a week, 52 weeks a year, for anyone who wants or needs one. We serve our meals restaurant style, which makes the atmosphere less like a soup kitchen and encourages fellowship. Meals are served Wednesday nights and Saturday noons in Edwards Church and Monday noons in St. John’s Episcopal Church. Both churches generously support the program and absorb the extra wear and tear on their kitchens and fellowship halls. Jim Munroe, the Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church, started MANNA in 1986. There were 12 guests at the first meal. The Sunday meal grew steadily. Over time, additional weekly meals were added, and a non-profit was formed to help purchase food and organize volunteers. Now all three meals are prepared on site by our staff. We rely on the support of generous individuals to continue our mission to help feed the poor of the Pioneer Valley.
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 (413) 584-1757 to book your appointment.
Address :
48 Elm St,
Northampton, MA 01060.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Northampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Northampton Survival Center - Northampton Pantry
The Northampton Survival Center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income individuals and families throughout Hampshire County by providing nutritious food and other resources in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Food Pantry and Clothing Distribution hours: Mondays 11 – 2, Tuesdays 4 – 7, Wednesdays 11 – 2, Thursday 4 – 7, Fridays 11 – 2, Closed Weekends.
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 (413) 586-6564 to book your appointment.
Address :
265 Prospect St,
Northampton, MA 01060.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Northampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hampshire
Franklin Area Survival Center
The purpose of the center is to provide free food to needy individuals and families in the Franklin County Area. There is also a thrift shop where clothing, household items, furniture and other necessities are for sale at an extremely reasonable cost. Food Pantry: 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday - Friday; Thrift Store: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday - Saturday
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 (413) 863-9549 to book your appointment.
Address :
96 4th St,
Turners Falls, MA 01376.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Turners Falls
Help Residents of Counties:
- Franklin
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 North Amherst, 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.