We found 24 food pantries listed for Newark, New Jersey. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Essex County, New Jersey.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 5 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Newark, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Ironbound Boys & Girls Club Corps & Community Center
Phone: (973) 344-2698
Address: 11 Providence St, Newark, NJ 07105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Adult Day Care
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Camping Activities
- Character Building Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Day Care
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Latchkey Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
Appointments :
Call (973) 344-2698 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army - Newark Ironbound Corps
Phone: (973) 589-0454
Address: 138 Clifford St, Newark, NJ 07105. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Disaster Services
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (973) 589-0454 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army - Newark West Side Corps
Phone: (973) 375-5933
Address: 699 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Character Building Programs
- Disaster Services
- Domestic Violence Services
- Group Work Services
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
Call (973) 375-5933 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army - Newark Area Services
Phone: (973) 623-5959
Address: 45 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Clinics Services
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Group Work Services
- Homemaker Services
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Visitation Services
Appointments :
Call (973) 623-5959 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Salvation Army - Newark Urban Ministries
Phone: (973) 375-2558
Address: 168 Brookdale Ave, Newark, NJ 07106. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Detoxification Services
- Disaster Services
- Domestic Violence Services
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Latchkey Programs
- Maternity Services
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Transitional Care & Work Release
- 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 (973) 375-2558 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Church Food Pantry locations in Newark, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Bethany Baptist Church Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
Phone: (973) 623-8161
Address: 275 W Market St, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Hours Of Operation: Monday & Thursday ONLY - 11AM-1PM; We require all clients to have a referral in order to receive services; and we accept referrals from all community based agencies and institutions, both public and private. Realizing that it is sometimes difficult to get and utilize a referral on the same day it was given, we will gladly honor a referral for any time during the month it was written. Clients may draw food from the Pantry only ONCE a month. Clients must have a referral and a picture ID each time they come. Food is distributed based on family size. If the client fails to produce necessary documents, it may result in the denial of services. We realize, however, that there may be extenuating circumstances, so each case will be determined on an individual basis. Bethany's Food Pantry will attempt to honor all food requests based on religious and health needs; however, given our limited supplies, we many not always be able to make substitutions. In those cases, we will simply remove those offending items from the client's bags. Clients should be aware that it is the Pantry administration's right to determine what, if any, type(s) of services shall be rendered.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 623-8161 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
First Hopewell Baptist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (973) 485-8100
Address: 525 Orange St, Newark, NJ 07107. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We are a mission based church focused on serving the community and teaching the Word of God. Food pantry hours: Every Wednesday at 8:00 am
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 485-8100 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
MEND - Roseville Presbyterian Church
Phone: (973) 483-3361
Address: 36 Roseville Ave, Newark, NJ 07107. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Meeting Emergency Needs With Dignity (MEND) is an interfaith network of 16 food pantries located throughout Essex County, NJ. Hours: 2nd & 4th Mon of every month
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 483-3361 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
MEND - Elizabeth Ave. Presbyterian Church
Phone: (973) 923-5655
Address: 761 Elizabeth Ave, Newark, NJ 07112. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Meeting Emergency Needs With Dignity (MEND) is an interfaith network of 16 food pantries located throughout Essex County, NJ. Hours: Every Thurs: 9:30-10:30am (By appointment with reference)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 923-5655 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 15 Food Pantry locations in Newark, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
MEND - Apostles House
Phone: (973) 482-6609
Address: 22 Grant St, Newark, NJ 07014. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Meeting Emergency Needs With Dignity (MEND) is an interfaith network of 16 food pantries located throughout Essex County, NJ. Hours: Families: M, W, F: 9am-12pm; 1-3pm; Seniors: Fri: 9am-12pm, 1-3pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 482-6609 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Passaic
NJCRI Food Pantry
Phone: (973) 483-3444
Address: 393 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The NJCRI food pantry adds to our clients' quality of life. Much of the food distributed through our food pantry is donated by caring individuals, businesses, houses of worship, and other organizations. A large percentage of the food we distribute comes from the New Jersey Food Bank. On occasion, we purchase fresh produce from a local wholesaler and make it available to our clients.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 483-3444 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Clear View Food Pantry
Phone: (973) 926-0471
Address: 357 Chancellor Ave, Newark, NJ 07112. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Located in the old church facility Garage area. Hours: Mondays 11am - 2pm; 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 3pm - 6pm The Clear View food pantry is a partner agency with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 926-0471 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
House Of Mercy Mission
Phone: (973) 642-6226
Address: 573 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Food Pantry usually distributes food packages on the third and forth Saturday of every month, whereas on these days we sign up around 10am till 11:45am and ask for a picture ID: the distribution of the food packages begins around 1pm after our church service. Emergency food packages are available with preferably a food referral and an appointment. The Soup Kitchen offers great meals and fellowship on Thanksgiving and Christmas, usually on the Saturday prior to these Holidays.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 642-6226 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
St. Rocco’s Food Pantry
Address: 212 Hunterdon St, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
St. Rocco’s Food Pantry provides groceries to families in need the last two Saturdays of every month. The grocery bags are packed with ingredients to help assist with balanced meal planning. 9:00am to 1:30pm, every 3rd, 4th, and 5th Friday of each month
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Blessed Sacrament St. Charles Borromeo - Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
Phone: (973) 824-6548
Address: 19 Van Ness Pl, Newark, NJ 07108. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Food Pantry provides food to families in our community monthly, every 3rd and 4th Tuesday and Saturday. Mrs. Blanche Macklin is the Coordinator. The Hot Meals Ministry provides home cooked meals and spiritual empowerment to the poor in our community monthly every 4th Sunday. Mrs. Stephanie Williams is the coordinator.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 824-6548 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
St. John’s Soup Kitchen
Phone: (973) 623-0822
Address: 22 Mulberry St, Newark, NJ 07102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Because the love of God demands a love of neighbor, and because the faith which underlies true prayer demands good works, St. John’s from its earliest days has sought to meet the physical as well as the spiritual needs of the people in the area. Today, St. John’s is famous not so much as an historic site as it is for its good works: over 6,000,000 breakfasts and dinners have been served to hungry people, free exhibits are held for struggling artists and the city’s school children, and thousands of toys and books are distributed to other churches and charitable institutions at Christmas. In the past three years, we have opened a Medical Services Unit staffed by a full-time nurse and two volunteer doctors, and a separate Women and Children’s Center where they can eat in peace and safety. In addition, we run a weekly food pantry handing out over 100 bags of food to assist those in need. From its earliest days, St. John’s has been a beacon to the marginal people. From harboring frightened immigrants to feeding the hungry, St. John’s has never turned its back on anyone’s physical needs while always taking care of their spiritual needs. Everything we do has its roots in the gospel; to share what we have, and to reach out and help those who cannot help themselves; to show respect for everyone as if they were “another selfâ€; to reach out and touch people with the love of God through the love of neighbor. St. John’s is supported by free-will donations. We do not receive government funds of any kind.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 623-0822 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
House of Love Soup Kitchen
Address: 589-95 Central Ave, Newark, NJ 07107. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
The House of Love Soup Kitchen is a faith based organization that helps individuals who are experiencing hardship due to life circumstances. "This soup kitchen serves as a place of renewed strength and warm love in a world in which people may be overlooked and made to feel worthless on a daily basis." (Mark Harris). The House of Love Soup Kitchen was founded on July 15, 2008 by Church of God and Saints of Christ members Director Brother Toih Moncur and Rev. Michael Harris. The House of Love Soup Kitchen is staffed with four chefs, seven servers, two dish washers and eight members of the “clean-up†crew weekly. All members of the staff are volunteers from the community from local schools, community centers, and churches. The House of Love Soup Kitchen serves hot delicious meals to approximately 75-100 men, women, and children for two hours every Tuesday. New and used clothing is given out for all that are in need as well as other household items. The House of Love Soup Kitchen provides the following services to their clients: Hot, wholesome, and nutritious meals, served on site; New/Used season appropriate clothing; Prayer & Spiritual Guidance; Individualized Counseling; Referrals to various non-profit/for profit social service agencies; “Care Packages†consisting of perishable and non-perishable foods.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
St. James Social Service Corporation - Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
Phone: (973) 624-4007
Address: 604 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Emergency Food Pantry, which supports the weekday-feeding program, operates daily and is staffed by volunteers. Those in need are eligible to receive groceries for 6 meals per family size once a month. The package generally includes freshly frozen meat; canned goods; dry staple items, baby food and milk when needed. Annually, more than 8,000 families receive emergency packages. The food pantry is one of the largest providers of food in Essex County by distributing more than 100,000 meals annually. The Christian Cafe Daily Feeding Program operates Monday through Friday and serves an average of 100 people per day. Run solely by dedicated volunteers, the meals are nutritious, and well balanced. The soup kitchen was featured on the Food Network's Restaurant Impossible where celebrity Chef Robert Irvin and his team renovated the kitchen and dining room.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 624-4007 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
The Willing Heart Community Care Center
Phone: (973) 622-2100
Address: 555 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Willing Heart Community Care Center is a non-profit organization supported by caring volunteers, working to provide a healthy environment. The Willing Heart Community Care Center’s mission is to deliver services that support the individual’s quest for a Healthy Environment. Hours: Agape Meal- Dinner: Tuesday 4:30 - 6:30pm; Breakfast: 3rd Saturday 8:30 - 10am; Agape Food Pantry - Tuesday 10 - 12 noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 622-2100 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Bessie Green Community "The Red Door"
Phone: (973) 648-6800
Address: 510 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Located in the North Reformed Church, Bessie Green serves breakfast and lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Its clothing barn is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. No referrals are needed for the soup kitchen or clothing barn. It's food pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Clients must have an initial referral and are allowed ONE bag of food per month. There is also a mobile market on Fridays from 1pm to 2:30 pm. No referral is needed.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 648-6800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Clear View Soup Kitchen
Phone: (973) 926-0471
Address: 314 Hobson St, Newark, NJ 07112. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Every Fourth Saturday of the Month come out and join us
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 926-0471 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry
Phone: (973) 792-5790
Address: 520 Martin Luther King Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Pierre Toussaint Food Panty has been serving the needy of Newark for the past 23 years. As an emergency food assistance program we offer food assistance at the end of each month to registered clients and of course we respond to emergency situations whenever we are able. As a member of the Catholic Charities MEND Food Network we endeavor to Meet Emergency Needs with Dignity. Each month we serve over 300 households - totaling over 700 men, women and children. We have seen an increase of those looking for assistance including the working poor, senior citizens and newly unemployed. We also have seen a decrease in our monthly government food commodities and private donations as well as an increase in the cost of food. Pantry Schedule: 3rd and 4th Fridays for Singles 10:00AM - Noon; 3rd and 4th Fridays for Families 10:00AM - Noon; Registration: 1st and 2nd Saturdays 11:30AM - 12:30 PM. Required for Registration: Referral Letter, Current ID, Proof of Income or Assistance, Verification of Children/dependants.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 792-5790 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
UCC Food Pantry
Phone: (973) 642-0181
Address: 332 S 8th St, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our food pantry opens on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM during the last half of the month, when customers may have already exhausted their supply of food stamps. Each food package includes a three-day supply of non-perishables. UCC receives donations of food and makes its purchases through the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and other community partners. All clients must register prior to receiving food supplies and packages.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (973) 642-0181 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen
Address: 355 S 6th St, Newark, NJ 07103. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen is open 5 days per week and offers hot, home-cooked, nutritious meals prepared by a professional chef. Food preparation and service are aided by our volunteers, many of whom have built relationships with our clients over the years. The soup kitchen has become a hub for Franciscan Charities and its ministries with over a thousand people passing through its doors each week. 10:30am to 2:00pm, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Newark
Help Residents of Counties:
- Essex
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, 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 Newark, 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.