We found 30 food pantries listed for Camden, New Jersey. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Camden County, New Jersey.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Camden, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
Phone: (856) 379-6900
Address: 1865 Harrison Ave, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Latchkey Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
Call (856) 379-6900 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 16 Church Food Pantry locations in Camden, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Little Rock Baptist Church - Food Pantry and Clothes Closet
Phone: (856) 283-1229
Address: 1210 Kenwood Ave, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We thank the Lord for providing clothing and food so that the needs of the community can be met. Walking Deacon Leonard Biles is the director of our Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. Distribution Hours: 2nd and 4th Wednesday 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 283-1229 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Christian Pentecostal Church Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 963-1739
Address: 1301-05 Atlantic Ave, Camden, NJ 08104. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Thursday 5:00pm-7:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 963-1739 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Mount Hope U.A.M.E Church - Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 225-1604
Address: 1260 Princess Ave, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Tuesday 11:00am - 12:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 225-1604 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Shalom's Baptist Church - Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 541-9666
Address: 1036 S Broadway, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 4th Saturday 8:00am - 12:00noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 541-9666 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
St Paul's Episcopal Church - Food Basket and 'Soup & Song'
Phone: (856) 365-2664
Address: 422 Market St, Camden, NJ 08102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
It is painfully obvious in Camden that some people lack very simple, basic necessities like food. Since the early 1980’s St Paul’s has provided a food pantry. Each Friday morning a supplemental food bag is given to all on a “first come, first served†basis. This usually happens between 8.00 and 9.00 a.m. Approximately 120 bags are given out each week. The program is currently managed by volunteers from Grace Church, Haddonfield. They buy the food - much of it from the Food Bank of Southern New Jersey - they prepare the bags, and they distribute it. Since the late 1980’s a community breakfast has been served at St Paul’s to all who come. On any given Sunday anywhere from 80 to 140 people are seated and served a hot breakfast consisting of pancakes and eggs, often augmented by meat, muffins or other treats provided by volunteers. This work was started by the teens at St Paul’s who soon received the enthusiastic support of a host of volunteers from various parishes in the region surrounding Camden. Breakfast is served each Sunday from 9.00 am until 10.00 am regardless of weather or season. On the streets St Paul’s is affectionately known as the “Pancake Houseâ€.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 365-2664 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Faith Tabernacle Church Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
Phone: (856) 541-4500
Address: 553 Spruce St, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We are a Holy Spirit led, Christ Centered and God Focused ministry located in the heart of downtown Camden, NJ. We provide various services of benefit to the community including weekly Prayer Breakfasts on Sunday morning, Monthly outreach where we distribute food and clothes to the community and Weekly addiction counseling services. Distribution Hours: Pantry 4th Saturday 9:00am- 1:00 pm, Soup Kitchen Every Sunday 9:00-10:30, Child Daycare Monday-Friday 7:00-5:00
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 541-4500 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Pentecostal Church of Celestial Fire - Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 580-0791
Address: 1476 S 8th St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Saturday 9:00am - 12:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 580-0791 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Christian Church Getsemani Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 979-8421
Address: 3706 Westfield Ave, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Wednesday 6:00pm-8:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 979-8421 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
First Spanish Pentecostal Church - 27th Street Revival Center
Phone: (856) 963-6115
Address: 130 N 27th St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We are a ministry of food aid based on the Christian faith. This ministry was established in 2012 under this name, but for more than 30 years we have been serving our community. Every third Saturday of the month is our privilege to help with food and clothing to 500 families, including their children. It is our mission to combat both physical and spiritual hunger of our community through food, the word and love of God. Distribution Hours: 3rd Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 963-6115 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Mount Calvary Baptist Church - Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 614-1991
Address: 1198 Penn St, Camden, NJ 08102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food every Tuesday for NJ residents (proof of address) from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; every Friday for county residents (proof address and income) from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; 3rd Sat - Outreach breakfast from 8:00 am
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 614-1991 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
St. John Baptist Church - Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 963-0962
Address: 400 N 30th St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Tuesday 8:00am - 12:00noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 963-0962 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Ferry Avenue U.M. Church Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 541-0449
Address: 768 Ferry Ave, Camden, NJ 08104. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
All are welcome to receive perishable and non-perishable items as available. Please bring identification with your address. Hours: Every Tuesday 2:30pm - 3:30pm and Sunday 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 541-0449 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Victory Temple Community Church - 'The Marketplace At Victory'
Phone: (856) 365-6689
Address: 426 N 2nd St, Camden, NJ 08102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Market Place At Victory Food Bank - Open every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the Month 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM; On the last Saturday of each month "The Marketplace At Victory" will be serving a hot meal to the less fortunate.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 365-6689 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
God's Church of Refuge - Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 353-8359
Address: 739 Elm St, Camden, NJ 08102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The purpose if this congregation is to give a visible form to that faith and fellowship to which God has called us as His people. What to bring: ID/Proof of Address/Income; Distribution Hours: Every Tuesday 11:00-4:00
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 353-8359 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Evangelistic Mennonite Church Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 338-1077
Address: 1035 N 27th St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
In 2011 we widened and began with Le Pantry in the basement of the Church. We started giving assistance to 40 people, and received a maximum of 200 monthly, provided food, clothing, vegetables, desserts and bread. They are also placed in each bag treated in both languages and have been helped family with household items such as beds, dining set, etc. Distribution Hours: Last Friday 10:00am-12:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 338-1077 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Parkside United Methodist Church Food Ministry
Phone: (856) 964-2254
Address: 1418 Kaighns Ave, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Every 3rd, 4th & 5th Monday 5:00pm 8:00pm (food distribution & snacks for children) & Wednesday's 10:00am - 1:00pm (soup kitchen & for emergency food distribution)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 964-2254 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 13 Food Pantry locations in Camden, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Masjidun-Nur, Inc. Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 365-1551
Address: 1231-34 Mechanic St, Camden, NJ 08104. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Saturday 11:00am - 3:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 365-1551 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Community Kitchen at The Neighborhood Center
Phone: (856) 365-5295
Address: 278 Kaighns Ave, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Year-round that provides a hot, nutritious lunch, Monday - Friday 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., Sundays 1:00 p.m. to all who come. Our aim is to be a consistent source for nutritious, sustainable, local food and to provide the meals in a safe, clean environment to our community of working families, children and adults living in food insecurity. Through a yearly Community Kitchen survey we are kept informed as to the effect we are having on our community.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 365-5295 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Fountain of Life - Food Pantry
Phone: (856) 397-7524
Address: 403 Stevens St, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Tuesday 8:30am - 1:30pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 397-7524 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
New Wesley Community Development Corp.
Phone: (856) 365-7443
Address: 701 Spruce St, Camden, NJ 08104. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 3rd Wednesday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 365-7443 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
New Visions Homeless Day Shelter
Phone: (856) 379-6032
Address: 555 Atlantic Ave Apt B, Camden, NJ 08104. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
New Visions is a day service center that provides shelter and warmth to Camden's homeless community. The shelter provides breakfast, lunch, shower facilities, laundry facilities, a food pantry, a clothing closet, mail services, and assistance to guests in their employment search. Distribution Hours: Pantry Monday through Friday 8:00-4:00. Kitchen Monday through Friday 9:30-10:15 breakfast & 12:30-1:15 lunch.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 379-6032 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
V.O.T.M, Inc. - New Hope Temple
Phone: (856) 966-0343
Address: 448 Jackson St, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: 4th Saturday 11:00am - 1:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 966-0343 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Your Food Shelf
Phone: (856) 365-6475
Address: 1500 Federal St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Since 1980, Your Food Shelf has been helping residents of Camden and the surrounding area avoid hunger. Each year, Your Food Shelf provides emergency food, clothing & household items to 1,500 seniors, families and children in need. Each food bag distributed provides a typical family of four with three meals a day for three days. In the summer months, our Farmer’s Market offers free, fresh produce to the seniors and families we serve to ensure they have access to healthy foods. Our program is located at 1500 Federal Street in Camden and is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 am – 3:00 pm. If you would like to donate food, gently used clothing & household items, or are in need of assistance, please contact us at (856) 365-6475.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 365-6475 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Cathedral Kitchen
Phone: (856) 964-6771
Address: 1514 Federal St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Cathedral Kitchen’s core program for the past four decades has been the meal program in our dining room, which is open Monday to Friday from 4:00-5:00 PM and Saturday from 12:00-1:00 PM. Our guests are served a nutritious meal that consists of a protein, vegetable and/or salad, side dish, a beverage and a dessert. During each meal service, we provide a “take home†bag that contains additional food. CK offers donated produce, bread and packaged goods at a “market stand†in the dining room each day.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 964-6771 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Hope Community Outreach Services, Inc.
Phone: (609) 932-4600
Address: 1299 Morton St, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Hope Community Outreach Center was officially incorporated in 2007. The food pantry serving 150 area residents. Hours: 2nd Saturday 12:00noon - 3:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (609) 932-4600 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
The Parish of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception - The Cathedral Pantry
Phone: (856) 964-1580
Address: 642 Market St, Camden, NJ 08102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Cathedral Pantry Serves a take out lunch to about 400 from 10am to noon. It is a brown lunch bag (sandwich and a snack take out only. Donations are always welcome, since we are also an emergency food pantry.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 964-1580 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Cooper Plaza Hope Mobile
Phone: (856) 662-4884
Address: 580 Benson, Camden, NJ 08103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Hope Mobile, a mobile pantry, carries truckloads of food to 'food deserts' - those areas that lack access to a viable network of food sources as well as to foods that comprise a well balanced, nutrient rich diet. This aptly named 18 wheel tractor trailer holds 45,000 lbs. of food. This year the Hope Mobile will carry more than 2.6 million pounds of food that will reach over 48,000 households of families and individuals living at or below the poverty level. The Hope Mobile provides an immediate solution to those communities that have great need - but short supply - of nutritious food. In addition to food, the Hope Mobile provides a wider range of services such as cooking demos, seasonal recipes, SNAP outreach and other services that increase health, well being, and self-reliance.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 662-4884 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Urban Promise Ministries
Phone: (856) 382-1862
Address: 27 N 36th St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Distribution Hours: Every Saturday 9am - 12noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 382-1862 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
Mission Hope Ministries
Phone: (856) 964-2960
Address: 803 N 33rd St, Camden, NJ 08105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We are a Church based food pantry: here to empower people, one city at a time. Our Mission: To Be The Voice of Hope to all those who walk through our door. Distribution Hours: 2nd & 4th Wednesday 7:00pm-9:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (856) 964-2960 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Camden
Help Residents of Counties:
- Camden
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Camden, 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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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 Camden, 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.