A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Jersey City, 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 operates free local food banks around Jersey City, New Jersey from almost all of their local social service centers. 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.
We have located 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Jersey City, New Jersey which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Jersey City Corps
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Day Care
- Disaster Services
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 435-7355 to book your appointment.
Address :
562 Bergen Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07304.
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Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Jersey City, New Jersey have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 5 Church Food Pantry locations in Jersey City, New Jersey which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Let's Celebrate - Food Pantry @ Trinity Lutheran Church
Founded as an agency in 1982, a coalition of concerned ecumenical congregations, designed Let’s Celebrate to help satisfy the overwhelming need for emergency food services in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the early 1980’s the number of homeless and hungry people far outnumbered public food pantries and soup kitchens, creating a population without access to one of their basic needs; food. We have since broadened the scope of our community services to address the root causes of hunger by combining a comprehensive framework of ancillary support services including nutrition assistance, financial education and planning, supportive housing, affordable housing and social service support. We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization so all contributions are tax deductible at limits designated by state and federal law. Located in the Lafayette section of the City, the pantry site provides bagged groceries to needy people on the third (3rd) Saturday of every month, 10 am to noon. The site serves nutritious food to over 275 families and individuals per month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 435-9807 to book your appointment.
Address :
195 Claremont Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07305.
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Sharing Place at St. Paul Lutheran Church
The Sharing Place at St. Paul Lutheran Church offers bags of groceries or ready-made meals to needy people on the last two Saturdays of every month, 8 am to noon. We serve nutritious food to over 600 families and individuals per month. This number has grown at a rate of about 15% per year for the past several years.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 963-5518 to book your appointment.
Address :
440 Hoboken Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07306.
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Let's Celebrate - Food Pantry @ Bethany Lutheran Church
Founded as an agency in 1982, a coalition of concerned ecumenical congregations, designed Let’s Celebrate to help satisfy the overwhelming need for emergency food services in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the early 1980’s the number of homeless and hungry people far outnumbered public food pantries and soup kitchens, creating a population without access to one of their basic needs; food. We have since broadened the scope of our community services to address the root causes of hunger by combining a comprehensive framework of ancillary support services including nutrition assistance, financial education and planning, supportive housing, affordable housing and social service support. We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization so all contributions are tax deductible at limits designated by state and federal law. Located in the Greenville section of the City, the pantry site provides bagged groceries to needy people on the fourth (4th) Saturday of every month, 10 am to Noon. The site serves nutritious food to over 400 families and individuals per month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 432-8773 to book your appointment.
Address :
2015 Kennedy Blvd,
Jersey City, NJ 07305.
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Let's Celebrate - Food Pantry @ St. Aloysius Church
Founded as an agency in 1982, a coalition of concerned ecumenical congregations, designed Let’s Celebrate to help satisfy the overwhelming need for emergency food services in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the early 1980’s the number of homeless and hungry people far outnumbered public food pantries and soup kitchens, creating a population without access to one of their basic needs; food. We have since broadened the scope of our community services to address the root causes of hunger by combining a comprehensive framework of ancillary support services including nutrition assistance, financial education and planning, supportive housing, affordable housing and social service support. We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization so all contributions are tax deductible at limits designated by state and federal law. Located in the Westside section of the City, the pantry site provides bagged groceries to needy people on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Saturday of every month, 9:30 am to 11:30 am. The site serves nutritious food to over 200 families and individuals per month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 433-6365 to book your appointment.
Address :
691 Westside Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07304.
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Old Bergen Church Food Pantry
The food pantry is one of the missions of Old Bergen Church, and is a major part of our stewardship to the community. The OBC Food Pantry is run by the deacons with a few very dedicated volunteers, and has faithfully operated for over 20 years. The pantry is open the last Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM until 12:00 noon, except in November and December, when distribution is one week before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Food typically consists of boxed and canned items such as pasta, rice, milk, juice, vegetables, cereal, snacks, and frozen meats. Bags of food are distributed from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. To obtain food, one must have a referral from any of the recognized agencies in Jersey City, NJ. All clients must bring proof of identification and their social security number. To receive an extra ("family") bag, parents must provide proof such as birth certificates or social security cards of their children. Some of the referral agencies in Jersey City include: Let's Celebrate, Horizon Health Center , Health and Human Services, Jersey City Episcopal Community Development, C-Line Community Outreach Center (Community Builders) , and Urban League.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 433-1815 to book your appointment.
Address :
1 Highland Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07306.
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Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Jersey City, New Jersey are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Jersey City, New Jersey which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Jersey City, New Jersey almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Jersey City, New Jersey which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Jersey City, New Jersey in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
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 2024
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 pantry scheduled to 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.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Jersey City, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Jersey City, New Jersey much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Jersey City, New Jersey which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Jersey City, New Jersey area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 5 Food Pantry locations in Jersey City, New Jersey which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Let's Celebrate - Food Pantry @ Good News Bible Mission
Founded as an agency in 1982, a coalition of concerned ecumenical congregations, designed Let’s Celebrate to help satisfy the overwhelming need for emergency food services in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the early 1980’s the number of homeless and hungry people far outnumbered public food pantries and soup kitchens, creating a population without access to one of their basic needs; food. We have since broadened the scope of our community services to address the root causes of hunger by combining a comprehensive framework of ancillary support services including nutrition assistance, financial education and planning, supportive housing, affordable housing and social service support. We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization so all contributions are tax deductible at limits designated by state and federal law. Located in the Marion section of the City, the pantry site provides bagged groceries to needy people on the fourth (4th) Friday of every month, 4 pm to 7 pm. The site serves nutritious food to over 300 families and individuals per month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 451-3012 to book your appointment.
Address :
36-38 Dales Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07306.
Get Directions
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- Jersey City
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- Hudson
Let's Celebrate - Food Pantry @ Parish Of The Resurrection
Founded as an agency in 1982, a coalition of concerned ecumenical congregations, designed Let’s Celebrate to help satisfy the overwhelming need for emergency food services in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the early 1980’s the number of homeless and hungry people far outnumbered public food pantries and soup kitchens, creating a population without access to one of their basic needs; food. We have since broadened the scope of our community services to address the root causes of hunger by combining a comprehensive framework of ancillary support services including nutrition assistance, financial education and planning, supportive housing, affordable housing and social service support. We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization so all contributions are tax deductible at limits designated by state and federal law. Located in the Downtown section of the City, the pantry site provides bagged groceries to needy people on the 2nd Saturday of the month 9 am to Noon. The site serves nutritious food to over 700 families and individuals per month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 434-8500 to book your appointment.
Address :
372 Montgomery St,
Jersey City, NJ 07302.
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Let's Celebrate - Food Pantry and The Square Meal (TSM) Community Kitchen
Founded as an agency in 1982, a coalition of concerned ecumenical congregations, designed Let’s Celebrate to help satisfy the overwhelming need for emergency food services in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the early 1980’s the number of homeless and hungry people far outnumbered public food pantries and soup kitchens, creating a population without access to one of their basic needs; food. We have since broadened the scope of our community services to address the root causes of hunger by combining a comprehensive framework of ancillary support services including nutrition assistance, financial education and planning, supportive housing, affordable housing and social service support. We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization so all contributions are tax deductible at limits designated by state and federal law. Located in the Lafayette section of the City, the pantry site provides a consumer choice food pantry. Consumer choice pantries operate like supermarkets where customers choose their own food based on the size and needs of their family. Groceries are provided, by appointment, on Wednesday and Thursdays. The TSM Community Kitchen serves nutritious hot breakfast (8:00 am – 9:00 am) and lunch (11:30 am – 1:30 pm) each weekday. Breakfast consists of an entrée, fruit, coffee / tea and juice; lunch consists of an entree, vegetables, salad, bread, fruit, dessert and juice. We serve a healthy portion with the option for seconds once all other guests are served. For many of our consumers, the meals they have with us may be their only meals of the day. The TSM opens on holidays, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas when many other agencies and groups provide special dinners. The TSM Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration luncheons are generally held a day or so before the holiday. The TSM hosts barbeques on Memorial, Independence and Labor Days.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 433-5438 to book your appointment.
Address :
46 Fairview Ave,
Jersey City, NJ 07304.
Get Directions
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- Hudson
Let's Celebrate Community Kitchens - Calvary Kitchen
Founded as an agency in 1982, a coalition of concerned ecumenical congregations, designed Let’s Celebrate to help satisfy the overwhelming need for emergency food services in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the early 1980’s the number of homeless and hungry people far outnumbered public food pantries and soup kitchens, creating a population without access to one of their basic needs; food. We have since broadened the scope of our community services to address the root causes of hunger by combining a comprehensive framework of ancillary support services including nutrition assistance, financial education and planning, supportive housing, affordable housing and social service support. We are a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization so all contributions are tax deductible at limits designated by state and federal law. Located in the Lafayette section of the City, Calvary’s Kitchen serves lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm. to an average 85 individuals each Wednesday. Meals are served in the hall of the church. Consumers sign-in as they enter the building. They are then seated and served by volunteers.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 434-6070 to book your appointment.
Address :
25 Oak St,
Jersey City, NJ 07304.
Get Directions
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- Jersey City
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Mary House Emergency Food Pantry of OLS
The Mary House Emergency Food Pantry of Our Lady of Sorrows Church exists to help families and individuals who are experiencing an emergency need for food. Such emergencies can be due to loss of jobs, bills that exhaust existing resources, robbery, illness or some other similar reason. It is our purpose to be a "life raft" until the emergency is past. The food Panty depends entirely on the generosity of our parishioners and our other supporters. Parish Volunteers staff the pantry. The Emergency Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Those serviced by this food pantry need to be registered and must bring identification including proof of address, family size, and income.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (201) 433-0626 to book your appointment.
Address :
93-95 Clerk St,
Jersey City, NJ 07305.
Get Directions
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Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Jersey City, New Jersey
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps 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.
Many 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.
It's just your 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 and Infant 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?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages 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 edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.