We found 24 food pantries listed for Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Rockingham, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Derry, New Hampshire Corps Community Center
Phone: (603) 434-7790
Address: 18 Folsom Rd, Derry, NH 03038. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- 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) 434-7790 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
The Salvation Army - Greater Seacoast Corps Community Center
Phone: (603) 436-2606
Address: 15 Middle St, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
Call (603) 436-2606 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Church Food Pantry locations in Rockingham, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
First Baptist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 432-3482
Address: 4 Crystal Ave, Derry, NH 03038. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The First Baptist Church (FBC) Food Pantry is open Tuesdays between 3:30 - 5:00 pm; the 1st and last Thursday of the month between 3:30 - 5:00 pm, all other Thursdays between 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Anyone is welcome once per month with proof of Derry or Londonderry residency.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 432-3482 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Derry
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Helping Hands Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Rockingham, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hand Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 918-9676
Address: 49 New Zealand Rd, Seabrook, NH 03874. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Helping Hand Food Pantry joyfully provides nourishment for families each week. We celebrate and value the opportunity to encourage each individual by seeking to build a friendship and lend a helping hand. We hold ourselves accountable for the efficient and effective use of our resources, realizing that these resources have been placed in our care and are ours to administer because of the trust of others. We promise to recognize the right of all human beings to be treated with dignity and respect, and to seek the good will of the comunity of whom we serve.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 918-9676 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Seabrook
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Rockingham, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul Exeter
Phone: (603) 772-9922
Address: 53 Lincoln St, Exeter, NH 03833. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul - Exeter is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit Community Assistance Center serving residents of Exeter, Brentwood, East Kingston, Kensington, Stratham, and Newfields. We offer emergency food and supplies on a monthly basis to individuals and families who are in need and live in our service area - Exeter, Brentwood, Kensington, East Kingston, Newfields, and Stratham. Should there be a critical need, an advocate interview will be offered to the client and more frequent access to the food pantry may be arranged. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Wednesday & Friday: 1:00 - 2:00 pm; Seniors Food Pantry: The fourth Thursday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30 am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 772-9922 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Exeter
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 19 Food Pantry locations in Rockingham, New Hampshire. You can also check your eligibility.
Nottingham Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 679-5029
Address: 139 Stage Rd, Nottingham, NH 03290. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The purpose of the Nottingham Food Pantry is to assist Nottingham residents in need of supplemental food. All calls are confidential. The Food Pantry is run solely by volunteers. All donations are tax deductible. Donations are used for Nottingham residents only. Volunteers are always welcome. Distribution is by appointment on the third Thursday of each month from 6:00-7:00 PM. Everyone is welcome!
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 679-5029 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Nottingham
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Seacoast Family Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 436-6161
Address: 210 West Rd Ste 3, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Seacoast Family Food Pantry (SFFP) is one of the oldest social service agencies in New Hampshire. We began in 1816 by a small group of women whose goal was to feed the families of fishermen in Portsmouth, NH. Since these humble beginnings, we have grown to become a nearly $500,000 organization. Originally named the Ladies Humane Society, we changed our name in 2007 to better reflect the services we offer in our community. Our focus is not only to provide food and basic necessities but to inspire, encourage and teach our families how to make nutritionally sound food choices and prepare healthy meals. We continuously work with community partners including local farmers, grocers and the Portsmouth Farmers' Market to ensure we provide fresh fruits, vegetables, high quality proteins and whole grains year round. At SFFP we strive to fulfill the needs of low-income individuals and families with food, personal care products and education for healthy living. Services are provided on both an emergency and on-going basis, respecting the dignity of each individual. We continue to evolve and adjust our services and offerings to best meet the needs of our community. In 2007, we were serving 50-70 households a month. That figure has since grown to more than 350 families each month! Our overarching goal is to provide healthy food alternatives for people in financial need. In response to heightened and changing needs in our community, we are also concentrating on the specific needs of two fast-growing special populations: vulnerable elders and children. We are working to increase our services to the elderly with a goal of reducing medical issues caused by poverty or poor diet. We are also focused on providing our children with food and education about healthy eating in order to build a lifetime of healthy habits.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 436-6161 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Portsmouth
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Deerfield Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 463-7800
Address: 15 Church St, Deerfield, NH 03037. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our town’s Food Pantry is under the wing of Deerfield Community Church, with distributions made monthly from the walk-out basement of our Parish Hall. Today the Deerfield Food Pantry serves 60 households, and roughly 40 percent of the total individuals receiving food are children under age 18. On distribution days, clients receive enough food to last up to four days, assuming three daily meals. In order to become a regular client of the Deerfield Food Pantry, families or individuals must be participating in a state or Federal assistance program, or income must be below poverty levels as determined by the Federal government. Faith Barry, one of the Food Pantry coordinators, reviews potential clients’ documentation to determine eligibility; if possible, please call her before distribution day at 463-7800. Distribution of food is from 10 a.m. till noon on the last Friday of every month, except September (when the Deerfield Fair falls on the last weekend), November (Thanksgiving) and December (Christmas). Those months, the Friday distribution is the week prior to that event.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 463-7800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Deerfield
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Greater Salem Community Action Center - Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 893-9172
Address: 85 Stiles Rd Ste 103, Salem, NH 03079. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Households who are facing severe economic hardship, are critically low on food, and are from communities, in which other emergency food pantries are under-stocked or unavailable, are provided with goods from our food pantries located in our Community Action Centers. Non-perishable goods are provided, and frozen meats, dairy products, and perishables may be available.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 893-9172 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Salem
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
HGBC Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 942-8160
Address: 100 Old Turnpike Rd, Nottingham, NH 03290. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Higher Ground Baptist Church has a Food Pantry Ministry. If you are in need, you can visit the church on the first Saturday of the month at 9:00AM.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 942-8160 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Nottingham
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Seacoast Community Action Center - Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 474-3507
Address: 146 Lafayette Rd, Seabrook, NH 03874. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Households who are facing severe economic hardship, are critically low on food, and are from communities, in which other emergency food pantries are under-stocked or unavailable, are provided with goods from our food pantries located in our Community Action Centers. Non-perishable goods are provided, and frozen meats, dairy products, and perishables may be available.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 474-3507 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Seabrook
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Sonshine Soup Kitchen
Phone: (603) 437-2833
Address: 4 Crystal Ave Ste 4, Derry, NH 03038. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The purpose of the Sonshine Soup Kitchen is to be an interfaith community project to reach out to individuals and families who are struggling to live independently. We do this primarily by serving a free meal in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere to any person who enters our facilities and by seeking to exhibit the love and grace of Jesus Christ in our service.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 437-2833 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Derry
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Greater Raymond Community Action Center - Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 895-2303
Address: 55 Prescott Rd, Raymond, NH 03077. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Households who are facing severe economic hardship, are critically low on food, and are from communities, in which other emergency food pantries are under-stocked or unavailable, are provided with goods from our food pantries located in our Community Action Centers. Non-perishable goods are provided, and frozen meats, dairy products, and perishables may be available.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 895-2303 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Raymond
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Operation Blessing
Phone: (603) 430-8561
Address: 600 Lafayette Rd Apt A, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Operation Blessing of New Hampshire seeks to help needy and destitute families in crisis situations by providing food, furniture, clothing and household necessities in an atmosphere of love and encouragement.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 430-8561 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Portsmouth
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 893-0305
Address: 171 Zion Hill Rd, Salem, NH 03079. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Open Mondays 10:00am-12:00pm. We serve 40-80 families every week.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 893-0305 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Salem
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Shepherd's Pantry Inc.
Phone: (603) 432-2150
Address: 1 Church Rd, Windham, NH 03087. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Shepherd's Pantry serves about 100 families every week, providing each with one or two bags of groceries plus meat, bread, eggs, some personal/health items, and seasonal vegetables. The Pantry operates from the Windham Presbyterian Church Hall at 1 Church Road every Monday morning between 9:30 am and 11:00 am. It is run entirely by volunteers; there is no paid staff. Shepherd's Pantry was founded in 1992 by the Windham Presbyterian Church and St. Matthew's Church and has been serving the greater Windham area continuously since then. We are thankful for the generous support we have received from all aspects of the greater Windham Community. Shepherd's Pantry is open to anyone who resides in New Hampshire and needs assistance.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 432-2150 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Windham
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Food for the Hungry Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 898-2501
Address: 8 Pleasant St, Salem, NH 03079. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 898-2501 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Salem
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Derry Community Action Center - Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 965-3029
Address: 9 Crystal Ave, Derry, NH 03053. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Households who are facing severe economic hardship, are critically low on food, and are from communities, in which other emergency food pantries are under-stocked or unavailable, are provided with goods from our food pantries located in our Community Action Centers. Non-perishable goods are provided, and frozen meats, dairy products, and perishables may be available.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 965-3029 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Derry
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
St. Jude Food Pantry
Address: 435 Mammoth Rd, Londonderry, NH 03053. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
The St. Jude’s Food Pantry services all residents of Londonderry by appointment. The pantry has been in service for over 33 years. The pantry is supported by donations of food and money. It is operated by volunteers year round.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Londonderry
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Portsmouth Community Action Center - Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 431-2911
Address: 4 Cutts St, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Households who are facing severe economic hardship, are critically low on food, and are from communities, in which other emergency food pantries are under-stocked or unavailable, are provided with goods from our food pantries located in our Community Action Centers. Non-perishable goods are provided, and frozen meats, dairy products, and perishables may be available.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 431-2911 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Portsmouth
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Saint Anne Ecumenical Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 329-5886
Address: 26 Emerson Ave, Hampstead, NH 03841. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Saint Anne Ecumenical Food Pantry is part of the Saint Anne Parish Charitable Outreach ministry whose overall aim is to provide assistance to those in need within our parish vicinity. The purpose of the food pantry is to serve the community in the Name of God with understanding and compassion and to help people retain their dignity during stressful economic times. As of September 1, 2006 those persons residing in the towns of Atkinson, Danville, East Hampstead, Hampstead and Sandown NH as well as those registered as parishioners with Saint Anne Parish, participating sponsoring parishes or specifically referred to the Saint Anne Ecumenical Food Pantry by the pastoral leadership of the faith communities or social service agencies of the above-mentioned towns will be eligible to participate in the Food Pantry. Guests need not have to have any particular religious affiliation. Every effort will be made to direct families from ineligible communities to pantries in their immediate area. Guests are expected to complete an application and meet specified government income guidelines. Once registered at St. Anne’s, guests may not attend other local pantries. Dual registration may jeopardize use of either pantry. Guests may visit the pantry every other week. The pantry is open on Thursdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Guests needing delivery or alternative arrangements should call Jim Carey at 603-969-8000. On Thursday from 9:00 until 11:00 fellowship and coffee is available in the pantry waiting room. Guests are not to arrive before 9:00 since volunteers are busy preparing for the day’s events. Clothing needs may be met by shopping at the Elaine David Thrift Shop located downstairs in the Hampstead Library. The shop is open on Tuesdays from 9:00 to 1:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 to 1:00. Clothes are available at a very reasonable price for all ages. Additional savings may be realized by speaking with pantry volunteers.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 329-5886 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hampstead
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
SVDP Hampton - Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
Phone: (603) 929-4427
Address: 289 Lafayette Rd, Hampton, NH 03842. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Pantry is open from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday except on holidays. A Member interviews applicants in person or by telephone. If the applicants are eligible for assistance, they are given an evening appointment between 7:00 and 8:00 PM. and Fridays between 11:00 AM to Noon. Later, volunteer members fill the orders to be picked up at the appointed times. Each order contains enough food to provide the family with meals for one week. Upon arrival, client information is reviewed and confirmed before receiving their prepared food order. On the days that the Pantry is open, we operate a clothes store on the second floor. Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes are available to our clients. Donations are always welcome, especially children’s clothes.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 929-4427 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hampton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Northwood Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 942-5586
Address: 818 1st new hampshire Tpke, Northwood, NH 03261. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Town of Northwood has a Food Pantry located here at the Town Hall. They are open: The First Saturday of the month from 9:30 -11:00AM, the Second Monday of the month from 2:00 - 3:30 PM and the last Wednesday of the month from 9:00 - 10:30. In an Emergency Situation you can call the Human Services Office at 942-5586 ext. 208 and set up an appointment.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 942-5586 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Northwood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
Holy Angels Food Pantry
Phone: (603) 819-4949
Address: 8 Atkinson Depot Rd, Plaistow, NH 03865. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Wednesday & Friday 10:00 a.m. - noon; Thursday 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (603) 819-4949 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Plaistow
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rockingham
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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 Rockingham, 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.