We found 27 food pantries listed for Bergen County, New Jersey. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Bergen, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Englewood Corps
Phone: (201) 503-9400
Address: 380 S Van Brunt St, Englewood, NJ 07631. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Group Work Services
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Senior Citizens Residences
- 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 (201) 503-9400 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 6 Church Food Pantry locations in Bergen, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
St. Michael the Archangel RC Church Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 939-1161
Address: 624 Page Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
As a Roman Catholic Parish Family, St. Michael the Archangel Church is committed to proclaim the Way, the Truth and the Life of Jesus Christ through sacraments, prayer, worship and service in our diversified, global community. We model Jesus’ message with the joy of knowing that each of us is a child of God. Food Pantry open on Wednesdays 10AM-12 Noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 939-1161 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lyndhurst
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
St. Peter The Apostle Church Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 803-3329
Address: 445 Fifth Avenue Riv, Edge, NJ 07661. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We help in stocking the food shelves in the Food Pantry for the distribution of non-perishable foods to those in need. One Wednesday each for 1 and ½ hours each month to assist with the distribution of food from the Food Pantry to people in need. Also to assist in the stocking of the Food Pantry when needed.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 803-3329 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Edge
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Sacred Heart Church Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 438-1147
Address: 615 New Jersey Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
If someone is in need of emergency food assistance, please call the Parish office, leaving the name and contact information of the person to be contacted. Committee members will do the rest… with dignity.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 438-1147 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lyndhurst
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Ascension Church Food Pantry
Address: 256 Azalea Dr, New Milford, NJ 07646. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
Food Pantry Sunday/ Food Pantry Distribution once a month
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- New Milford
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
St. Andrew’s Church Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 666-1100
Address: 120 Washington Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Here at St. Andrew's we have our own food pantry in the basement of the church. The food pantry is open Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Food is distributed Thursday evening for those to needy families in the Pascack Valley area. Food baskets are distributed to needy families during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 666-1100 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Westwood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Wyckoff Reformed Church - Northside Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 891-1782
Address: 580 Wyckoff Ave, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Partnering with Northside Chapel we send over 70 bags of food a week to help feed the hungry in North Paterson, NJ.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 891-1782 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wyckoff
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Catholic Charities Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Bergen, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
St. Catharine Roman Catholic Church Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 445-3703
Address: 905 S Maple Avenue Gln, Rock, NJ 07452. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Since November 2011, the pantry has been helping numerous people/families in the community by providing bags of groceries to those in need, while ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 445-3703 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Rock
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Helping Hands Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Bergen, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 715-5179
Address: 185 W Englewood Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Helping Hands Food Pantry is a partnership between Elie Y. Katz former Mayor of Teaneck, current Councilmember and local businessman and Daniel Meys, Senior Pastor of Teaneck Assembly of God. Helping Hands food pantry is strictly run through donations and products are provided upon availability. Mr. Katz and Rev. Meys established this pantry in light of the current economic crises that is hitting all segments of local society. This partnership is committed to helping Teaneck residents who are in need of assistance by providing a weekly, non perishable pantry to help supplement the cost of food. The food supplies and operation of this pantry is staffed by volunteers. The pantry will be open on Tuesday’s from 12-1:30pm and Thursday’s from 12-1:30pm and 6-7:30pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 715-5179 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Teaneck
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 18 Food Pantry locations in Bergen, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Holy Rosary Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 945-6329
Address: 26 Edgewater Pl, Edgewater, NJ 07020. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Holy Rosary parishioners provide food for those in need and staff the food pantry during the hours of operation. Holy Rosary Food Pantry is open every fourth Tuesday of the month from 11 AM to 12 Noon. If there is an immediate need for food, please contact the parish staff at 201.945.6329.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 945-6329 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Edgewater
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Rutherford Community Pantry Inc.
Phone: (201) 460-3000
Address: 176 Park Ave, Rutherford, NJ 07070. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Rutherford Community (Food) Pantry, Inc. is a volunteer non-profit organization which meets emergency and ongoing needs of food and personal hygiene items for citizens of Rutherford, members of Rutherford’s Religious Institutions, and others who are referred by an approved agency. The Food Pantry is a joint effort of community faith congregations, organizations, and concerned citizens. We appreciate and need your support!
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 460-3000 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Rutherford
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Lyndhurst Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 804-2500
Address: 253 Stuyvesant Ave, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Lyndhurst Health Department’s Food Pantry is available for Lyndhurst residents who are in need. Proof of Township residency is required. Documentation of Hardship is required: for example, unemployment, welfare documentation, medical bills, food stamps. The Lyndhurst Food Pantry is replenished with the generous donations from our community. Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 804-2500 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lyndhurst
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Epiphany Community Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 943-7320
Address: 247 Knox Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Epiphany Community Food Pantry is a charitable non-profit ministry of the Roman Catholic Church of the Epiphany. We provide non-perishable food and toiletries to anyone in need, regardless of race, faith, gender, age, or background. We aim to serve the needs of all people, and we strive to be a “helping hand†to anyone who turns to us in their time of need - it is our goal to never turn anyone away. Unlike government-run food programs, we do NOT receive any funding from the government or outside sources - our food pantry is stocked solely by our parishioners and friends. We are able to continue with a steady supply of food through the generous help of our neighbors, including many of the local schools, churches, and apartment buildings that hold food drives to benefit the Epiphany Community Food Pantry. Although we are a Roman Catholic ministry, we follow a strict Non-Discrimination Policy - we serve anyone from anywhere, regardless of race, faith, gender, age, or background. We understand that hunger can affect anyone, and it is our goal to remain committed to serving all who turn to us in their time of need. Food Pantry Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 943-7320 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Cliffside Park
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Center for Food Action
Phone: (201) 945-5831
Address: 239 Anderson Ave, Fairview, NJ 07022. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Center for Food Action (CFA), founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Fairview, Hackensack, Mahwah, Ridgefield, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 945-5831 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fairview
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Center for Food Action
Phone: (201) 529-2029
Address: 90 Ridge Rd, Mahwah, NJ 07430. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Center for Food Action (CFA), founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Fairview, Hackensack, Mahwah, Ridgefield, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 529-2029 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Mahwah
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Center for Food Action at BCC
Phone: (201) 447-7191
Address: 400 Paramus Rd, Pitkin Education Center Paramus, NJ 07652. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Center for Food Action (CFA), founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Fairview, Hackensack, Mahwah, Ridgefield, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 447-7191 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Pitkin Education Center Paramus
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Fair Lawn Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 794-5333
Address: 8-01 Fair Lawn Ave, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Fair Lawn Human Services Department assists borough residents who need help getting through hard times. Funded entirely by private donations, our food pantry is utilized on a regular basis by many Fair Lawn families who receive food and personal products and when necessary. Donations of food and personal products for the pantry are accepted year round and can be delivered to Room 112. For large donations, please call (201) 794-5333 before delivery. In the Spring and Summer our food pantry supplies become critically low. Donations of Macaroni & Cheese, Chef Boyardee, Peanut Butter and Jelly, canned tuna, beverages, snacks and personal products are very necessary during this period of time. The Human Services clerk can always give you updated information on what items are most needed. Monetary donations are accepted and checks should be made payable to "Fair Lawn Human Services Trust". Families interested in receiving assistance can fill out an intake sheet and call our office for more information.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 794-5333 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fair Lawn
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Office of Concern Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 568-1465
Address: 55 W Demarest Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Office of Concern Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization sponsored by St. Cecilia’s church, but is independent functionally and financially. The Office of Concern was started in 1980 to help a few families who were displaced by a fire. From that beginning we have become the largest single location food pantry in Bergen County, NJ. Our families include the working poor, retirees, and those struggling to feed babies and small children. Once a family registers with us they can come to our location and receive food once a week. Currently over 1000 families are registered with us. In 2014 we distributed 250 tons of food … approximately 5 tons per week … making us one of the largest food pantries in northern New Jersey. We are associated with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and participate in federal and New Jersey state food programs. Eligibility: All those in need and hungry will always receive an emergency supply of food. No appointment or social service referral is necessary. To receive food on a weekly basis the family must register with us and their family income must be at or below U.S. government poverty levels.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 568-1465 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Englewood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Center for Food Action
Phone: (201) 956-7630
Address: 1061 Slocum Ave Apt A, Ridgefield, NJ 07657. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Center for Food Action (CFA), founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Fairview, Hackensack, Mahwah, Ridgefield, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 956-7630 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ridgefield
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 641-6464
Address: 114 Mount Vernon St, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry is a ministry of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey founded in 1890. We take great pride in running the Food Pantry and invite all to join in our "Fight Against Hunger". All are invited to share in our parish faith. The St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry’s mission is to win the fight against hunger within our parish community by providing much needed non-perishable food items to those in need. We are committed to serving the needs of all members of our parish community regardless of race, color, religion, or age with dignity and respect. We are simply a parish family helping families who are struggling through these hard economic times by providing them with much needed food items.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 641-6464 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ridgefield Park
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity
Phone: (201) 444-2980
Address: 6 Station Plz, Ridgewood, NJ 07450. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Since 1903, the volunteers of the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity have been dedicated to helping our local communities. Social Service Association's mission is to provide food, emergency rent, utility assistance and support services to our neighbors in need. SSA's pantry is stocked with basic food essentials which help supplement the nutritional needs of our clients. We are one of the only self-service food pantries in the area. Supplies of canned goods, boxed cereals, pasta, paper products and other staples are the main focus of the pantry but we have refrigerator and freezer space so fresh food donations are also welcome. Hours: Tues - Thrus: 9AM - 3PM
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 444-2980 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ridgewood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Buddies of New Jersey Inc. - Franklin A. Smith Resource Center
Phone: (201) 489-2900
Address: 149 Hudson St, Hackensack, NJ 07601. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Bank – supplementing and/or meeting client nutritional needs as well as basic hygiene and household necessities. The food bank provides non-perishable canned or dry goods.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 489-2900 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hackensack
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
St. Joseph’s Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 342-6300
Address: 115 East Ft, Lee Road Bogota, NJ 07603. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
St. Joseph’s food pantry has existed for over 30 years to help people in need of food as a result of unemployment, disabilities, illness, and other unfortunate situations. The Food Pantry shelves are stocked from the generous donations of our parishioners. Each month we help feed between 60 & 70 families. Hours: Wed. 5:30 – 7:00 PM and Thursday 12:30 – 2:00 PM.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 342-6300 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lee Road Bogota
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Center for Food Action
Phone: (201) 703-9857
Address: 224 Midland Ave, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Center for Food Action (CFA), founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Fairview, Hackensack, Mahwah, Ridgefield, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 703-9857 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Saddle Brook
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Center for Food Action
Phone: (201) 883-9375
Address: 316 First St, Hackensack, NJ 07601. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Center for Food Action (CFA), founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Fairview, Hackensack, Mahwah, Ridgefield, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 883-9375 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hackensack
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Center for Food Action
Phone: (201) 569-1804
Address: 192 W Demarest Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Center for Food Action (CFA), founded in 1976, is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that provides emergency services to northern New Jersey’s poorest and most vulnerable residents. CFA provides food, housing, utility and heating assistance and offers counseling and advocacy services to low-income individuals and families. CFA is headquartered in Englewood and has sites in Fairview, Hackensack, Mahwah, Ridgefield, Ringwood, and Saddle Brook. In 2014, at the request of Bergen Community College, CFA opened a site on BCC’s Paramus campus in order to serve low-income students and their families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 569-1804 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Englewood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
Faith, Hope and Love Food Pantry
Phone: (201) 833-4502
Address: 480 Warwick Ave, Teaneck, NJ 07666. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Open every Saturday 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (201) 833-4502 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Teaneck
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bergen
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Bergen, New Jersey 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 Bergen, New Jersey 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 Bergen, New Jersey 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 Bergen, New Jersey 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 Bergen, New Jersey 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 Bergen, New Jersey, 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 Bergen, New Jersey 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 Bergen, New Jersey 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 Bergen, New Jersey.
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.