We found 35 food pantries listed for Jackson County, Missouri. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Jackson County, Missouri.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 8 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Jackson, Missouri. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Linwood Center Supportive Housing
Phone: (816) 756-2769
Address: 101 W Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Transitional Housing
Appointments :
Call (816) 756-2769 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
The Salvation Army - The Children's Shelter
Phone: (816) 285-2480
Address: 101 MO-W, Kansas City, MO 64114. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Group Homes
Appointments :
Call (816) 285-2480 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
The Salvation Army - Kansas and Western Missouri Service Extension
Phone: (800) 336-4547
Address: [4085 - 4111] Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64111. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Seasonal Services
Appointments :
Call (800) 336-4547 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
The Salvation Army - Kansas City, MO Westport Corps
Phone: (816) 753-6040
Address: 500 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Camping Activities
- Christian Education
- Day Camp Activities
- Day Care
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- 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 :
Call (816) 753-6040 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
The Salvation Army - Kansas City, MO Blue Valley Corps
Phone: (816) 241-6485
Address: 6618 E Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64126. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- 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 :
Call (816) 241-6485 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
The Salvation Army - Independence, MO Corps
Phone: (816) 252-3200
Address: 14700 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64050. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Latchkey Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- 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 :
Call (816) 252-3200 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
The Salvation Army - Grandview, MO Booth Manor
Phone: (816) 966-0303
Address: 6111 E 129th St, Grandview, MO 64030. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Nutrition Programs
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Senior Citizens Residences
Appointments :
Call (816) 966-0303 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
The Salvation Army Bellefontaine - Beacon of Hope
Phone: (816) 483-8484
Address: 3014-19 E Ninth St, Kansas City, MO 64124. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Beacon of Hope is a noonday soup kitchen located at the Bellefontaine Corps Community Center, 9th & Bellefontaine. As many as 250 people attend the lunch, which in many cases is all the nourishment they will receive that day. Those who came include: many homeless people, young mothers with children, senior citizens and those from the neighborhood who need help stretching their food dollars.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 483-8484 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 9 Church Food Pantry locations in Jackson, Missouri. You can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry @ Calvary Chapel Church of God in Christ
Phone: (816) 877-1992
Address: 5101 Bristol Ave, Kansas City, MO 64129. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
1st Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 877-1992 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Trinity Independent Baptist Church - Food Pantry
Address: 4501 Pittman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64133. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Community Christion Church
Phone: (816) 561-6531
Address: 4601 Main, Kansas City, MO 64112. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 561-6531 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Fort Osage Church of the Nazarene
Phone: (816) 796-5879
Address: 19333 E Us Highway 24, Independence, MO 64056. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
3rd Thursday: 4 - 5 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 796-5879 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Independence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church Pantry
Phone: (816) 924-1818
Address: 2801 Swope Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64130. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Mission Statement: We in the Grace Ministry strive to help families and individuals within the body of Christ, and anyone in the surrounding community. Our ministry mission is focused on the works and word of God, as in Matthew 25:35-36; “For I was hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.†Our Pantry Ministry provide some of the necessities for life such as, clothing, food, and personal items.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 924-1818 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Christ United Methodist Church
Phone: (816) 461-1101
Address: 14506 E 39th St, Independence, MO 64055. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
3rd Thursday: 3 - 5 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 461-1101 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Independence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Evangel Church
Phone: (816) 942-1414
Address: 1414 E 103rd St, Kansas City, MO 64131. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
2nd Saturday: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 942-1414 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Cornerstone Church of Blue Springs
Phone: (816) 228-1979
Address: 301 Se Aa Hwy, Blue Springs, MO 64086. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
1st Thursday: 3 - 6 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 228-1979 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Blue Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Trinity Temple Church of God
Phone: (816) 763-3000
Address: 11922 Food Ln, Grandview, MO 64030. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
4th Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 763-3000 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Grandview
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 18 Food Pantry locations in Jackson, Missouri. You can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry @ Belton Assembly of God
Phone: (816) 322-0700
Address: 613 E North Ave, Belton, MO 64102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
2nd Wednesday: 3 - 4 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 322-0700 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Belton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Metro Lutheran Ministry Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 931-0027
Address: 3031 Holmes, Kansas City, MO 64109. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The 2nd Saturday of every month 9 am - Noon in our warehouse at Metro Lutheran Ministry (3031 Holmes, Kansas City MO). On the second Saturday of every month starting at 7 am, there is a long line of hungry people (approaching 200) waiting for the MLM warehouse doors to open. Help MLM distribute fresh produce provided by Harvesters, and transport it to client cars or the bus stop.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 931-0027 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ New Life Assembly
Phone: (816) 690-3514
Address: 801 Sw 1st St, Oak Grove, MO 64075. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
2nd Saturday: 10 a.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 690-3514 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Oak Grove
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Heart of God Fellowship
Phone: (816) 650-9673
Address: 3720 N Buckner Tarsney Rd, Buckner, MO 64016. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We at Heart of God get the opportunity to feed 300 to 350 families at each Harvesters Food Drop. We also have the joy of working with others in our community to serve these families. 2nd Monday: 5 - 7 p.m
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 650-9673 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Buckner
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
TGM Mobile Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 763-8105
Address: 5111 Harry S Truman Dr, Grandview, MO 64030. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
1st Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m; 3rd Saturday: 8 - 11 a.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 763-8105 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Grandview
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Colonial Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 942-3272
Address: 9500 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Colonial's Food Pantry, located at our Wornall Campus, is open to serve those in need who reside in the communities around each campus. Our food pantry community outreach is made possible through your generous donations of time and financial gifts. Food Pantry Hours: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Thursdays 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Serving zipcodes: 64114, 64131, 64132
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 942-3272 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Coronation of Our Lady Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 761-8811
Address: 13000 Bennington Ave, Grandview, MO 64030. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The food pantry is open MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY expect for holidays and Holy Days. We accept calls at 9 AM on those days for appointments for that afternoon. You may make an appointment by calling 816-761-8811. We DO NOT book appointments in advance for another day. Most days the pantry appointments are full by twenty minutes after nine.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 761-8811 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Grandview
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Boone Tabernacle
Phone: (816) 471-0955
Address: 1317 E 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64106. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
2nd Friday: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.; 4th Friday: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 471-0955 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Sheffield Family Life Center
Phone: (816) 241-4831
Address: 5700 Winner Rd, Kansas City, MO 64127. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
1st Saturday: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 241-4831 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Bishop Sullivan Center Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 231-0984
Address: 6435 Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64126. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Bishop Sullivan Center operates a food pantry at each of our two locations. Each pantry provides supplemental food for 600 to 700 families each month. Our goal is to help families get through the month and to provide needed food for households who are in need. We have the following requirements in order to get food from one of our pantries: 1. Must have valid identification including a picture ID and a social security card. 2. Must have proof of address within the last 30 days (mailed household bill, rental agreement, etc) and live in our service area. 3. Must have an ID and/or social security card for every member of the household for whom food is requested. 4. Must have proof of income within the last 30 days for every member of the household over the age of 18. We provide help up to 150% of the U.S. government poverty guidelines. 5. Cannot have been to any other food pantry in the city in the last 30 days. All food pantries in the city are connected on MAAC (a United Way internet service) and are able to keep track of any social services provided. throughout the community. Most of the food we distribute is purchased from Harvesters. We also receive fresh food and bread from several grocery stores as well as USDA commodities.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 231-0984 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Blue Ridge Baptist Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 353-8140
Address: 9320 E 35th St, Independence, MO 64052. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Open Mondays from 2PM to 5PM
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 353-8140 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Independence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Kangaroo Pantry
Phone: (816) 235-1407
Address: 4825 Troost Rm 103, Kansas City, MO 64110. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
How to use the Kangaroo Pantry for the first time. 1. Fill out a Kangaroo Pantry First Time User Information Form. This form is available online or you can fill out the form in person at the pantry. 2. After filling out your First Time User Information Form, you will receive your client card and ID number during your first visit to the pantry. During your first visit, please bring your student, staff, or faculty ID as well are your university ID number. If you are unable to make it to the pantry, please e-mail us at kangaroopantry@umkc.edu. We will make other arrangements. 3. A Food Request Form will be available once the pantry is open March 31, 2015. You will fill out this request form when you would like food. 4. You can pick up your food at 4825 Troost, Rm. 103, Kansas City, MO.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 235-1407 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Ozark Armory Food Pantry
Phone: (913) 548-1770
Address: 7600 Ozark Rd, Kansas City, MO 64129. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (913) 548-1770 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Englewood Assembly of God
Phone: (816) 254-8313
Address: 10628 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO 64052. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
1st Saturday: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 254-8313 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Independence
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Harvesters - The Community Food Network
Phone: (816) 929-3000
Address: 3801 Topping Ave, Kansas City, MO 64129. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Harvesters is a food bank, which is a centralized food collection and distribution facility that provides food and household products to agencies serving people in need. In FY 2012, Harvesters distributed more than 41 million pounds of food and household products in our 26-county service area in northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. As you can imagine, it takes an advanced warehousing operation to collect and distribute that much food every year.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 929-3000 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Bishop Sullivan Center Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 561-8515
Address: 3936 Troost, Kansas City, MO 64110. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Bishop Sullivan Center operates a food pantry at each of our two locations. Each pantry provides supplemental food for 600 to 700 families each month. Our goal is to help families get through the month and to provide needed food for households who are in need. We have the following requirements in order to get food from one of our pantries: 1. Must have valid identification including a picture ID and a social security card. 2. Must have proof of address within the last 30 days (mailed household bill, rental agreement, etc) and live in our service area. 3. Must have an ID and/or social security card for every member of the household for whom food is requested. 4. Must have proof of income within the last 30 days for every member of the household over the age of 18. We provide help up to 150% of the U.S. government poverty guidelines. 5. Cannot have been to any other food pantry in the city in the last 30 days. All food pantries in the city are connected on MAAC (a United Way internet service) and are able to keep track of any social services provided. throughout the community. Most of the food we distribute is purchased from Harvesters. We also receive fresh food and bread from several grocery stores as well as USDA commodities.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 561-8515 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Della Lamb Food Pantry
Phone: (816) 842-8040
Address: 500 Woodland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Della Lamb Food Pantry provides emergency food and personal care necessities assistance to Kansas City families and individuals in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 842-8040 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
Mobile Food Pantry @ Kingsway Ministries
Phone: (816) 921-7016
Address: 4920 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64128. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
1st Wednesday: 9 a.m
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (816) 921-7016 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kansas City
Help Residents of Counties:
- Jackson
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Jackson, Missouri distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army offers free food help through local centers. Contact the branch nearest Jackson, Missouri to confirm hours and requirements. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Jackson, Missouri have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Church pantries often rely on food donations gathered through food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to older adults who are unable to drive to a nearby community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by Catholic Charities organizations can include help with food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charities centers for help.
Catholic Charities locations in and around Jackson, Missouri may offer groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal. Hours and walk-in rules vary, so call before you go.
Some of these food pantries work like grocery stores, letting clients choose the items they need from the groceries available on site.
First-time clients may need to fill out a short application with basic household information.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Some independent food pantries use the Helping Hands name. Any Helping Hands pantries we have listed around Jackson, Missouri appear on this page.
Food supplies, hours, and services differ from one pantry to the next, so call before you go.
These pantries often rely on donations and volunteers from their local communities.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
Mobile Food Pantry
Mobile food pantries bring free food directly to families in need in communities around Jackson, Missouri, often during large one-day distributions.
Some mobile pantries hand out pre-packed boxes, while others let you shop market-style.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2026
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantries often visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes, so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Some St. Vincent de Paul food pantries around Jackson, Missouri may operate much like a grocery store, where people in need can choose their own food.
Services vary by location, so call the pantry near you to ask what is available.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Some food banks run delivery programs that bring food and other products to partner agencies in more remote areas. Ask a food pantry around Jackson, Missouri whether delivery is available near you.
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Drive-thru food pantries are a convenient and efficient way to distribute food to neighbors in need. Many are open to anyone who needs help with food, but rules vary by location, so call ahead if you can.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are generally open to anyone who needs help getting food. Requirements vary, so check with the pantry before you go.
You may be asked to provide:
- Your zip code, and
- Number of people in your household.
You usually do not need an appointment. Drive-thru pantries are generally first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early because lines can fill quickly and popular items may run out.
How do drive-thru pantries work?
Volunteers and staff manage the distribution line. Here is how most drive-thru pantries operate:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the distribution area.
Visitors pull up in their car and are guided into a clearly marked queue. Staff move cars forward to keep the line moving quickly.
Check-in.
You may be asked about your zip code, household size or income for the pantry's records.
Food is loaded into your car.
Pre-packed bags of food — typically including shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit, and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats — are loaded by volunteers directly into your trunk.
Pet Food Pantry
Some pet owners give up their pets because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet food pantries help fill a gap left by assistance programs such as SNAP, which cannot be used to buy pet food.
Pet food pantries may provide free pet food for a limited time to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Jackson, Missouri.
Who is eligible for a pet food pantry?
Rules vary by pantry, but many help people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Some food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
This is often a photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Food pantries typically provide shelf-stable items such as:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to a food pantry?
Rules vary by food pantry. Many ask only that you say you need help, while others may ask for ID, proof of address, income information, or a referral. Call ahead to find out what to bring.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry often provides food packages meant to last a few days to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food banks acquire large donations of food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Those organizations then provide this food directly to families in need.