We found 27 food pantries listed for Franklin, New Hampshire. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Merrimack County, New Hampshire.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Franklin, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Laconia, New Hampshire Corps Community Center
Phone: (603) 524-1834
Address: 177 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03246. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
Call (603) 524-1834 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
The Salvation Army - Concord, New Hampshire Corps Community Center
Phone: (603) 225-5586
Address: 58 Clinton St, Concord, NH 03301. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Seasonal Services
- 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 (603) 225-5586 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
The Salvation Army - Concord, New Hampshire Emergency Shelter
Phone: (603) 228-3505
Address: 100 S Fruit St, Concord, NH 03301. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Emergency Shelter
Appointments :
Call (603) 228-3505 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Laconia Salvation Army
Phone: (603) 524-1834
Address: 177 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03247. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Pantry Hours - Tuesday & Thursday: 9:30am to 12:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 524-1834 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Laconia
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 7 Church Food Pantry locations in Franklin, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
West Congregational Church Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 224-4142
Address: 499 N State St, Concord, NH 03301. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Food Pantry is open from 10AM until noon on Friday.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 224-4142 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Concord Seventh-day Adventist Church Food Pantry
Address: 310 Sheep Davis Rd, Concord, NH 03301. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Saint Paul's Church Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 224-2523
Address: 21 Centre St, Concord, NH 03301. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
St. Paul’s Food Pantry is located in the Outreach Center on the lower level of the church building, reached from the Centre Street entrance. It provides food and other basic personal care items to people in need, and is staffed by volunteers who shop for food, stock the pantry shelves, and distribute provisions to our clients. St. Paul's Food Pantry is unique in that clients are able to individually select the food and personal care items that they need during each visit. The clients recieve one-on-one assistance and each person who comes is welcomed with genuine care and respect. We understand that we are all children of God and equally precious in God’s sight. St. Paul's Food Pantry is extremely grateful to its volunteers who contribute countless hours each week. There are always new volunteer opportunities for anyone interested in joining this rewarding ministry. The Food Pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 224-2523 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
First Congregational Church Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 225-5491
Address: 177 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Pantry Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The Food Pantry at First Congregational Church is a vital ministry of our community that fills a significant need in the Concord area. Through the volunteer efforts and financial donations of our church this past year, the pantry has provided the equivalent of 32,500 meals to local families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 225-5491 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
United Baptist Church of Lakeport Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 524-8775
Address: 23 Park St, Laconia, NH 03246. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
FOOD PANTRY open Fridays from 9AM to 12 noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 524-8775 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Laconia
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
Northfield-Tilton Congregational Church Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 286-4253
Address: 283 Main St, Tilton, NH 03276. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Pantry: Tuesdays, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 286-4253 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Tilton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
Calvary Bible Church Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 279-6025
Address: 6 St James St, Meredith, NH 03253. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Food Pantry is open once each month for distribution, as well as by appointment for emergencies. Foods are donated by individuals and families in our community. Thank you to all who give to make this ministry possible. For next distribution date or more info call CBC office (603-279-6025) or contact Sharon Haire.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 279-6025 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Meredith
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 16 Food Pantry locations in Franklin, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
SVdP Laconia Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 528-5683
Address: 1269 Union Ave, Laconia, NH 03246. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The pantry provides free food (approximately 21 meals per household member) to those in need once a month. Food is acquired from local donations, food drives, contributions from the Department of Agriculture and purchased from local grocery stores. Pantry Hours: Mondays: 12pm - 2pm & Wednesday: 6pm-8pm. Any food contribution can be dropped off at the thrift store during regular business hours.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 528-5683 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Laconia
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
The Friendly Kitchen
Phone: (603) 224-7678
Address: 2 S Commercial St, Concord, NH 03301. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Friendly Kitchen is run by volunteers who plan the menus, prepare, cook and serve the food, and wash the dishes. Financial support comes from individuals, the faith and service communities, family and charitable trusts, and businesses. The Friendly Kitchen receives support from the United Way, matching gift programs, as well as remembrance and memorial gifts. Today, The Friendly Kitchen serves over 60,000 meals yearly: Dinner daily from 5 to 6 p.m. to an average of 100 guests; Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to an average of 60 guests; Weekend breakfasts from 8 to 9 a.m. to an average of 60 guests; Seasonal weekday breakfast December - March to an average of 45 guests.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 224-7678 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Bradford Community Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 938-5313
Address: 88 W Main St, Bradford, NH 03221. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Bradford Community Food Pantry open on the 3rd Wednesday every month for Bradford residents. Call Laura at 938-2086 for information.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 938-5313 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Bradford
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Pittsfield Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 435-6773
Address: 85 Main St, Pittsfield, NH 03263. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Pittsfield Food Pantry welcomes volunteers that would like to lend a hand in the food pantry or donations of any type or size including cash donations to help people right here in our community. We are a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, so all funds are tax deductible. Food donations that can be valued are also tax deductible. Even a single item donation can help a family in need. Hours: Monday: 11am – 2pm & 4pm – 6pm, Thursday: 11am – 2pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 435-6773 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Pittsfield
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Friends of Forgotten Children
Phone: (603) 753-4801
Address: 224 Bog Rd, Concord, NH 03303. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Friends of Forgotten Children, a 100% volunteer-run provider of food, clothing and holiday gifts for low income and at-risk individuals and families, has been serving the greater Concord area since 1972. Operating one of the largest food pantries in the greater Concord area, the Friends of Forgotten Children food assistance program is made possible by generous businesses, individual donations and food drives conducted by local organizations. Food donations come from the US Department of Agriculture and the Capital Region Food Program. FOFC purchases food from the New Hampshire Food Bank when needed. All items are for distribution to families and individuals in need. FOFC stocks a variety of shelf-stable food items, as well as refrigerated and frozen meats and produce upon availability. FOFC provides enough food to feed clients for seven days. Recipes and tips on how to make food supplies go further are provided upon request. FOFC carries non-food items that cannot be purchased through the food stamp program and items that other pantries do not stock. These items include: soaps and shampoos, laundry detergent, toothbrushes and toothpaste, baby care items and household paper products.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 753-4801 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Epsom Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 736-4024
Address: 1598 Dover Rd, Epsom, NH 03234. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our idea of helping our town began in the fall of 2013 with our doors opening in February of 2014. We have had an extraordinary out pouring of volunteers and support to get our goal achieved, which is helping the community of Epsom.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 736-4024 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Epsom
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Bread and Roses Kitchen
Address: 206 Central St, Franklin, NH 03235. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Franklin
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Christ Life Center Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen
Phone: (603) 524-5895
Address: 175 Mechanic St, Laconia, NH 03246. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Pantry - Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Soup Kitchen - Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 524-5895 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Laconia
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
Hands Across the Table
Phone: (603) 524-5800
Address: 31 Gilford Ave, Laconia, NH 03246. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Hands Across the Table offers a free hot meal every Wednesday evening for those seeking food and/or friendship and support. Our Mission: To feed all who are hungry in body and spirit. We do so willingly and with compassion and understanding. This community meal program began when several local women came together with the common goal of providing a free, weekly hot supper to those in need in the Greater Laconia area. Their goal was to create a warm, friendly atmosphere of giving and receiving, similar to that of a big family meal. They designed the program for those in need of food and/or friendship and support. The ambia...nce, organization and service of Hands Across the Table are structured to support these principals. The first meal was served in June 2011. A free sit-down dinner is served each WEDNESDAY from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the St. Andre Bessette Parish Hall on Gilford Ave. in Laconia (behind Sacred Heart Church). Doors open at 4:00 PM. Guests include those in financial need, in poor health, or in need of fellowship and support, as well as the homeless and the elderly. Many families with children attend regularly.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 524-5800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Laconia
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
Kearsarge Lake Sunapee Community Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 526-6511
Address: 461 Main St, New London, NH 03257. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Kearsarge Lake Sunapee Community Food Pantry was established in 2007 to help meet the emergency and everyday food and household needs of people in the Kearsarge/Lake Sunapee region who are experiencing financial hardship. The towns for this outreach include: Andover, Bradford, Danbury, New London, Newbury, Salisbury, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton, Warner and Wilmot. While KLSCFP began as a mission of the First Baptist Church, it was embraced, adopted and supported by all of the churches in New London as their mission to help their neighbors in need. The KLS Community Food Pantry is now a recognized 501(c)3 public charity and is supported by local businesses, civic groups and individuals. Almost 100 volunteers contribute their time and energy to the food pantry. Client families leave the food pantry not only with bags of nutritious and useful items but also with their spirits lifted because they were treated with dignity and a welcoming manner. In addition to the usual canned and boxed staples (such as canned fruit and vegetables, soup, pasta and pasta sauce, juice, tuna, and cereal) the food pantry also shares fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, milk, yogurt and cheese, bread, butter/margarine, “Snack Packs for Kidsâ€, and paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, dish and laundry detergent, and diapers. Suggested frequency of visits to the pantry: No more often than once every two weeks. Hours of operation: Wed. evening 5:30-7:00 pm, and Sat. morning 10:00-11:30 am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 526-6511 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- New London
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Twin Rivers Interfaith Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 934-2662
Address: 2 Central St Unit C, Franklin, NH 03235. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 934-2662 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Franklin
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Hooksett Community Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 485-7222
Address: 35 Main St, Hooksett, NH 03106. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
It is the mission of the Food Pantry to help those in the local community who are hungry by providing non-perishable food items, thereby enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 485-7222 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hooksett
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
First Fruits Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 524-5996
Address: 322 Upper Bay Rd, Sanbornton, NH 03269. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 524-5996 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Sanbornton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Belknap
Loudon Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 724-9731
Address: 30 Chichester Rd Unit D, Loudon, NH 03307. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Loudon Food Pantry is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which provides food to households who are struggling to feed themselves. We support Belmont, Canterbury, Chichester, and Loudon NH. We opened our doors in July 2008.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 724-9731 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Loudon
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Hopkinton Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 746-5729
Address: 41 Houston Dr, Contoocook, NH 03229. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The mission of the Hopkinton Food Pantry is to provide nutritious food on a weekly basis to eligible households in the town of Hopkinton. Distribution will be made in a charitable and non judgmental manner. The Hopkinton Food Pantry also provides connections and/or referrals to additional or alternative services when necessary. The Food Pantry is supported by the Capital Food Program, Government Surplus Foods, NH Food Bank and many local contributors including schools, churches, organizations, business and individuals. The Food Pantry is located on the lower level of the Slusser Senior Center, 41 Houston Drive, Contoocook, NH. Hours of operation: Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 746-5729 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Contoocook
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
Henniker Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 428-7554
Address: 21 Western Ave, Henniker, NH 03242. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Henniker Food Pantry distributes food to those in need living in Henniker, NH. The food pantry is located at 21 Western Ave. in the back of the Grange building, which is to the left of the Tucker Free Library. There is plenty of parking in the back. The Pantry is run by volunteers from Henniker. Food Pantry Hours: Monday 11 to 12 PM or Wednesday 5:30 to 7 PM. Each person is allowed to come once a week, either Monday or Wednesday. No appointment is necessary. If you are new to the pantry please bring proof of residency with you.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 428-7554 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Henniker
Help Residents of Counties:
- Merrimack
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Franklin, New Hampshire 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 Franklin, New Hampshire 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 Franklin, New Hampshire 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 Franklin, New Hampshire 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 Franklin, New Hampshire 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 Franklin, New Hampshire, 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 Franklin, New Hampshire 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 Franklin, New Hampshire 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 Franklin, New Hampshire.
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.