A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Worcester, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Worcester Citadel
Services provided :
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- 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 (508) 756-7191 to book your appointment.
Address :
640 Main St,
Worcester, MA 01608.
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Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Worcester, 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 3 Church Food Pantry locations in Worcester, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Wesley United Methodist Church - Carty Cupboard Food Pantry
Carty Cupboard Food Pantry provides a three-day food supplement for hungry individuals and families who find themselves in need, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, religious affiliation or personal circumstance. Cupboard visitors are kept confidential in a computer database, and are allowed to pick up food once each month. Mondays 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesdays 1:00 – 3:00 pm, Fridays 10:00 am – noon. Open to any resident of Worcester County.
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) 799-4191 to book your appointment.
Address :
114 Main St,
Worcester, MA 01608.
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester - Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry
The mission of the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is to extend compassionate help, in the form of food and other related resources, to people in our local area. We are one of the many food pantries supplied by the Worcester County Food Bank. We also accept individual donations. Our clients come from Worcester - primarily the northern section of the city. Although they may be in difficult situations, at our Pantry all people are treated with dignity. We strive to care for each person as an individual. Food is distributed once a month; we also provide food on an emergency basis to those who contact the church directly.
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) 853-1942 to book your appointment.
Address :
90 Holden St,
Worcester, MA 01606.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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Hadwen Park Church Food Pantry
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) 752-7489 to book your appointment.
Address :
6 Clover St,
Worcester, MA 01603.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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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 Worcester, 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 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Worcester, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Catholic Charities Worcester County - Worcester
Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church and the pastoral leadership of the Bishop of Worcester, Catholic Charities is committed to meeting the needs of the poor, the homeless and the infirm and to enhancing the quality of life for all. Catholic Charities will promote the gift and sacredness of life from the first moment of conception through all stages of human growth and development. It is committed to strengthening families and to serving individuals in need, regardless of racial, ethnic, cultural or religious origins, ability to pay, or mental, physical or developmental challenges. Catholic Charities believes that every person has the right to life, housing, food, shelter, clothing, and health care, and that all should be enabled to participate in the decisions that vitally affect them. While our resources are not unlimited, Catholic Charities will strive to advocate cooperatively with parishes and civic organizations, seeking support from private and public agencies, and encouraging and availing itself of the rich human resource which its volunteers and staff provide – to create a network of care throughout Worcester County in the “…promotion of justice for the poor and of Christ’s kind of love for them.†1 Second Vatican Council
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) 798-0191 to book your appointment.
Address :
10 Hammond St,
Worcester, MA 01610.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester, 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 12 Food Pantry locations in Worcester, Massachusetts which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Bishop’s Storehouse
Bishop’s Storehouse provides food and basic household commodities to the needy. The fast offerings are collected and distributed to the needy as directed by the bishop and are used to purchase commodities not produced by the Church’s Welfare programs.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- home goods
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) 340-4945 to book your appointment.
Address :
11 Pullman St,
Worcester, MA 01606.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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AIDS Project Worcester - Food Pantry
AIDS Project Worcester consumers who are HIV positive are eligible for services provided by the Nutrition Program. APW is now offering nutritional assessments by a registered dietician once a month. The Food Bank is provided to increase nutritional intake and to supplement the diets of consumers on a limited income. Food provided is meant as a supplement to the consumers’ diet, not his or her primary source of nutrition. Food consists of canned goods, USDA products, fresh meats, baked items, fresh produce, etc. Consumers are eligible for the Food Bank three times per month. Food is distributed every Tuesday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Only one consumer in each household is eligible for the Food Bank. (APW reserves the right to ask for proof of residence). Consumers who are in a residential setting where food is provided are not eligible for the Food Bank. Emergency Food boxes are provided to consumers who: Have been released from prison within the past thirty days; Have been released from the hospital within the past two weeks; Have recently lost employment or benefits within the past thirty days; Are new consumers; Have moved into a new apartment within the past two weeks. Food Box Deliveries: Consumers are eligible for food box deliveries if they have ambulatory issues or have been discharged from the hospital within the past thirty days. The consumer’s agency contact will assess whether a client is eligible for delivery. Congregate Meals: Meals are hosted by APW regularly and provide consumers with valuable information on HIV, nutrition, medical adherence and other important topics related to HIV. Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels provide meals at home to consumers who: Have been released from the hospital within thirty days; Can’t or are unable to prepare their own meals; Have other medical conditions that prevent them from preparing meals. Clients should speak to their agency contact for more information. Food Vouchers: APW distributes food vouchers to consumers as a part of our nutrition program. Clients may be eligible if: They are on a special diet. They need to purchase personal items when they are unavailable at the Food Bank; They have an emergency, determined by an assessment with the Agency Contact; The Nutritional Staff determines it would be beneficial due to limited items available in the Food Bank. Nutritional Supplements: The Nutrition Program maintains a limited supply of nutritional supplements for consumers. Consumers must request the supplements from a lead contact who will arrange for them to be put on the supplement list. Consumers are limited to 16 cans per month. The lead contact at APW must follow up with clients to complete paperwork for Allcare within 30 days of initial service.
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) 755-3773 to book your appointment.
Address :
85 Green St,
Worcester, MA 01604.
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Friendly House Inc.
Friendly House was funded “for the educational, social and family betterment of residents of the City of Worcester.†Friendly House/Settlement House (multi-service center) works with entire families both nuclear and extended, as an integrating force for the families and the Neighborhood(s) it serves. Friendly House provides a continuum of comprehensive coordinated neighborhood basic services to inner-city families. Food Pantry - Food Distribution is Monday and Wednesday 12:00pm to 4:30pm and Friday from 9:30am to 3:00pm. Gluten Free Food is available with one week advance notice and referral from Doctor or Nutritionist. Free Pastry and Bread as available. Thanksgiving Sign up for food basket -October
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) 755-4362 to book your appointment.
Address :
36 Wall St,
Worcester, MA 01604.
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Pernet Family Health Services - Food and Infant Supplies Pantry
Pernet runs an emergency food and infant supply pantry. Residents of Worcester’s 01610 zip code can receive food from the food pantry once a month by showing identification. To obtain baby and infant supplies such as formula, baby food, cereal and diapers, clients must show proof of child (such as a birth certificate or WIC card). Supplies are given out in quantities to last approximately three days. Clients are also encouraged to talk to trained staff and volunteers about long-term hunger solutions such as Food Stamps, WIC, and Serve New England food co-op The Emergency Assistance Program is possible through grants from Project Bread, the United Way of Central Massachusetts, Rachel’s Table and the generous contributions of local groups, individuals, churches and the Worcester County Food Bank. Pantry hours are: Mondays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11 AM - 3 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 (508) 755-1228 to book your appointment.
Address :
237 Millbury St,
Worcester, MA 01610.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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St. Paul Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is Open: Tuesdays 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursdays 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Food Pantry is located on the back of our 19 Chatham Street building (Parish Center) the entrance is facing our Parking Lot. Please bring a photo ID and a piece of mail to verify your address.
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) 799-4193 to book your appointment.
Address :
19 Chatham St,
Worcester, MA 01609.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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Jeremiah's Inn Food Pantry
Jeremiah's food pantry provides emergency assistance to individuals and families in need. Each household may come once a month according to United States Department of Agriculture guidelines for emergency food assistance. Emergency Food Pantry Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am – 2pm, Wednesday - closed. Jeremiah's Inn Emergency Food Pantry provides an emergency supply of food once per month to eligible households that fall within our service area of zip codes 01602, 01603, 01610. To receive food please be sure to bring the following 3 items each and every visit: 1. Identification (ie. Drivers license, MA Health Card, EBT Card, School ID, MA State ID) 2. Proof of residency in our service area (i.e. current utility bill, current rent receipt, current piece of mail, etc.) 3. Jeremiah's Inn Card (please note - new clients will receive this card upon their first visit). Jeremiah's Inn uses the TEFAP income guidelines to determine income eligibility. Clients who are in the low-moderate income level or who receive Medicaid (MA Health), SNAP (formerly food stamps), EAEDC, WIC, Free or reduced School Meals, Summer Feeding Program automatically qualify as TEFAP eligible. Please refer to the USDA.gov for specific and up to date income levels. We ask that pantry clients bring their own bags. We are always in need of bags and accept donations of recycled plastic grocery bags.
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) 755-6403 to book your appointment.
Address :
1059 Main St,
Worcester, MA 01603.
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Rachel's Table
Rachel's Table, a recipient of the National Presidential Point of Light Award, the Congressional Victory Against Hunger Award, and a Project Bread Agency Award, is a food rescue program for the hungry of Worcester. Rachel's Table is a volunteer-based group that transports unserved and unsold prepared and perishable foods that otherwise would be wasted. This "excess" food is distributed to 35 shelters, soup kitchens and neighborhood pantries that serve our needy neighbors. Rachel's Table picks up food donations generated by restaurants, markets, bakeries, hotels, hospitals, caterers, and other food institutions. Presently, over 70 volunteers of Rachel's Table are united in a desire to help feed hungry people, and at the same time prevent waste of valuable and nourishing food. Rachel's Table volunteers transport food in their own vehicles. Rachel's Table volunteers will pick up good, unused, nutritious food from businesses and food institutions in Greater Worcester and deliver it to agencies that have feeding programs for hungry people. No money is charged for the food.
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) 799-7699 to book your appointment.
Address :
633 Salisbury St,
Worcester, MA 01609.
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Sacred Heart - St. Catherine of Sweden Parish - Food Pantry
The parish food pantry, located in the rectory, is open on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to1:00 p.m., and by appointment on other days by calling 508-753-2555. In addition to non-perishable foods there is an on-going need for soap, toilet paper, shampoo, dish soap, laundry soap, etc.
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) 753-2555 to book your appointment.
Address :
596 Cambridge St,
Worcester, MA 01610.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral - Orthodox Food Bank
Established by the CEOC. Located at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Established for emergency food assistance, the Food Pantry has distributed food for 150-200 families a week. Food Bank Hours are: Every Saturday 10:00am-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 (508) 791-7326 to book your appointment.
Address :
102 Russell St,
Worcester, MA 01609.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Counties:
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Veterans Inc. Food Pantry
The Veterans Inc. Food Pantry is open the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 10:00am to 2:00pm, located at 69 Grove St, Worcester, MA. New participants to the Veterans Inc. Outreach program should bring a copy of your DD-214 and a picture ID.
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) 791-1213 to book your appointment.
Address :
69 Grove St,
Worcester, MA 01605.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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Centro Las Americas Food Pantry
This program provides area residents with emergency food provisions. The goal of this program is to reduce hunger among Worcester families and increase their chances of self-reliance by distributing quality food provisions and making appropriate referrals to other services and programs. Centro Las Americas (CLA) operates the second largest food pantry in Worcester. During the 2009 program year our food pantry served over 17,000 individuals. This represents a 5% increase over the previous year. In addition, there was a 7% increase in the number of families receiving some type of federal assistance. The reality is that the number of families who experience food insecurity is increasing dramatically. CLA's food pantry works in collaboration with the Worcester County Food Bank and other area food pantries to serve this growing need. And while 83% of those served are Latino, we are here to serve all area residents in need. Our professional staff and volunteers will see to it that everyone who comes is served with respect and dignity.
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) 798-1900 to book your appointment.
Address :
11 Sycamore St,
Worcester, MA 01608.
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Help Residents of Counties:
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Quinsigamond Village Community Center Food Pantry
We’re open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:30 am – 2:00 pm, Wednesdays - 10:00am – 2:00pm, Friday 9:30 – 12:00 pm, By appointment – call Joe at (508) 755-7481. Bread and Pastry is available on a daily basis and Emergency Food is available upon request. Come in and visit the QVCC’s Food Pantry and choose from a wide variety of health foods, beans, meats, grains, sweets, and fresh vegetables in season, and more. Most of the food comes from The Government Food Bank in Shrewsbury, MA. Rachel’s Table donates food frequently every month too. Area business’s, schools, churches and the Local 179 have collections for QVCC. Private Donations are always made and are always welcomed.
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) 755-7481 to book your appointment.
Address :
16 Greenwood St,
Worcester, MA 01607.
Get Directions
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Help Residents of Counties:
- Worcester
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 Worcester, 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.