We found 26 food pantries listed for Ocean County, New Jersey. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Ocean County, New Jersey.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Ocean, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Ocean County Citadel
Phone: (732) 270-8393
Address: 1738 Route 37 E, Toms River, NJ 08753. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment
- Bible Study - Correspondence
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- 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 - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (732) 270-8393 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 9 Church Food Pantry locations in Ocean, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Ocean Community Church Food Pantry
Phone: (609) 597-5151
Address: 1492 Route 72, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food & Clothing Pantry: Wed: 11 am – 1 pm; Acme Food Pickup: every Monday 9 am – 10 am
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (609) 597-5151 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Manahawkin
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 363-1599
Address: 20 Monterey Cir, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Immanuel operates the “Loaves & Fishes†food pantry, under the administration of Janice Henry, which serves over 350 people per month. The food pantry consists of 3 rooms with fully stocked shelves including 2 refrigerators and 3 freezers and is operated by more that 10 volunteers from our congregation. The panty is also under the supervision of the Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties. The pantry is open on Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 363-1599 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakewood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Faith Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 793-8138
Address: 1801 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette, NJ 08735. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Tuesday 4 to 5 PM.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 793-8138 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lavallette
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
New Beginnings Christian Church Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 451-0777
Address: 236 Brick Blvd, Brick, NJ 08723. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Since August 8, 2006, we have been operating the Community Outreach Food Pantry which currently assists over 1400+ local families each month by providing free groceries and offering prayer. The COFP is available to provide food to anyone in need regardless of race, creed, or ethnicity in such a way as to maintain a person's dignity as a respected member of society. Hours: Tue-Fri - 10am-2pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 451-0777 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Brick
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
St. Thomas Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 477-5533
Address: 135 Salmon St, Brick, NJ 08723. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Working with the FoodBank of Ocean & Monmouth Counties, our pantry provides food for the hungry in times of need and short term emergencies. The second Sunday of every month is Food Pantry Sunday. Food donations are accepted in the narthex. All canned goods and dried goods are welcome.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 477-5533 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Brick
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
St. Paul Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 349-0871
Address: 130 Cable Ave, Beachwood, NJ 08722. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 349-0871 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Beachwood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Osbornville Baptist Church Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen
Phone: (732) 477-0324
Address: 366 Drumpoint Rd, Brick, NJ 08723. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Food Pantry is a place you or someone you know can come to in need of food. We will try to help every one that comes to us in the time of need by directing them in the right direction. We will help every one regardless if thier a member of the church. Osbornville Baptist Church accepts donation from every one you do not have to be a member of the church to donate. The Soup Kitchen is not just for People to come and get some food in there belly. It is also, for people to come and find out information that is helpful with Hurricane Sandy issues.While enjoying your experiance and socializing with others go grab somthing to eat. Food Pantry: Tuesday: 9:00 am to 12:00pm, Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm; Soup Kitchen: Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Serving starts at 11:00 am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 477-0324 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Brick
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Church of Grace and Peace Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 349-1550
Address: 1563 Old Freehold Rd, Toms River, NJ 08755. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm - 7 pm; Thursday Afternoons 1:00 pm - 2 pm; Saturday Mornings 11:00am - 12 noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 349-1550 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
East Dover Baptist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 270-4888
Address: 974 Bay Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The food pantry is held on the first Saturday of every month, 9am-1pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 270-4888 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Catholic Charities Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Ocean, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton - Community Food Pantry (Ocean County)
Phone: (732) 363-5322
Address: 200 Monmouth Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Pre-packed food bags provide 3 meals per day for 3 days of each household member.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 363-5322 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakewood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 15 Food Pantry locations in Ocean, New Jersey. You can also check your eligibility.
Greater Tuckerton Food Pantry
Phone: (609) 294-4777
Address: 148 North Grn, Street Tuckerton, NJ 08087. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Mission: To distribute emergency and supplemental food to our neighbors in need in the Greater Tuckerton / Little Egg Harbor area! To provide hand-on opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors! To educate the public about the issues of hunger in our community! Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday 9 am - Noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (609) 294-4777 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Street Tuckerton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Simon's Soup Kitchen
Phone: (732) 270-5941
Address: 100 Grant Ave, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Mission is to provide nutritious meals, free of charge, to anyone who is seeking nourishment or companionship in a safe, warm, and caring environment. Anyone is welcome, regardless of age, sex, race, financial need or religious belief.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 270-5941 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Seaside Heights
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
PCTR Food Pantry at The HOPE Center
Phone: (732) 341-4447
Address: 253 Chestnut St, Toms River, NJ 08753. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
As part of our partnership with the House of Hope, PCTR runs a Food Pantry that last year provided over 3,000 bags of food to those in need in our local community. We are excited about a new partnership with The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties that has allowed us to stretch our food pantry dollars even further to better provide to the many adults and children that go hungry in our community each day. We are always looking for donations of food and money to continue this important ministry that impacts the lives of so many. In particular, our partnership with the FoodBank allows us to purchase food at a fraction of the cost that items can be purchased from a grocery store. Items that are in constant need are: Vegetables, Cereal, Milk, Soup, Chili, Stew, Canned Fruit, Hash, Luncheon Meat, Peanut Butter, and Potatoes (canned or dried); Toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, personal care products, and cleaning supplies. Food donations can be dropped off at the church or The HOPE Center. Checks can be made out to “PCTR†with “Food Pantry†in the Memo and dropped off or mailed to the church. To contact the Food Pantry call the Hope Center at 732-341-4447.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 341-4447 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
DeBows UMC Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 928-4475
Address: 509 Monmouth Rd, Jackson, NJ 08527. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The DeBows Food Pantry is open the second and forth Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. An average of 38 families are helped each month through this outreach program. They have time to fellowship with each other in Fellowship Hall while they wait their turn to visit the food pantry. The food pantry is staffed by members of the congregation and food is donated from several sources, including the church, Saint Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, Boy Scouts, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, local food banks and other individuals. The food pantry is stocked mainly with non-perishable food, but in season fresh eggs and produce are sometimes available.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 928-4475 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Jackson
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Ocean Christian Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 240-5998
Address: 405 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08754. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
OCC Church distributes food to the needy residents of Ocean County. Christ set the example of feeding the multitudes so that we could share in His Ministry of helping others. Food Pantry & Clothing for the Community hours: Last Saturday of every Month 8:30am -12pm Coffee and fellowship provided. All welcome including families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 240-5998 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Jackson Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 833-6800
Address: 10 Don Connor Blvd, Jackson, NJ 08527. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Jackson Food Pantry is operated by the Jackson Women of Today and is a 501(C)(3) charitable organization. Our mission is to provide members opportunities in the areas of leadership training, personal growth, community service, and work in partnership with our community. Our location is 10 Don Connor Boulevard, in Department of Public Works' building. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Jackson Township for allowing us to use this space. The Jackson Food Pantry distributes food from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and privately donated food to low income and unemployed households to relieve food insecurity and emergency distress situations. We maintain scheduled days and hours of distribution during the month: The fourth Thursday of each month from 5pm to 7pm for all clients and the Wednesday before from 5pm to 6:30 pm for seniors and disabled clients. Private food donations are received from community and individual food donations as well as from food drives such as Stamp Out Hunger and Scouting for Food.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 833-6800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Jackson
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
LUMC Hope Chest Emergency Food Pantry
Phone: (609) 693-5222
Address: 203 W Lacey Rd, Forked River, NJ 08731. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Call ahead 609-693-5222 for the services of the Hope Chest Emergency Food Pantry. Pantry is open for Walk-in's on Thursday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Donations of Non-Perishable Food Items always appreciated.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (609) 693-5222 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Forked River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
St. Pius Pantry
Phone: (609) 693-5107
Address: 300 Lacey Rd, Forked River, NJ 08731. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (609) 693-5107 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Forked River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Abundant Grace Food Pantry
Phone: (732) 914-2058
Address: 108 Indian Head Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Pantry is available to get food to those in need. Anyone can take advantage of the pantry, it is not limited to church members. Every Wed. 5:30 - 6:30 pm, 3rd Tues. 11 am - 1 am; 1st Sat. 1-3 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 914-2058 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Calvary Lighthouse House of Blessing
Phone: (732) 942-1541
Address: 1133 E County Line Rd, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The HOB provides food and clothing to those people who find themselves in need. Days of operation are: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11am – 1pm; 2nd and 4th Wed. evenings each month from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 942-1541 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakewood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Upper Room Soup Kitchen
Phone: (732) 929-8107
Address: 155-157 E Fourth St, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Upper room Soup Kitchen was a vision and a dream of pastor Hector Salguero Senior pastor at Missionary Pentecostal Church of God for many years. In 1996 he was introduced to Vincent Zenna who God used to bring pastors vision to a reality. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and $285.000 in donated funds , materials and equipment from local business and friends the dream became a reality. On February 26th 2002, the first meals were served to the people in need in our community. with the blessings of God and the help of 30 volunteers a week to serve, clean and minister to the people we are celebrating our 11th year anniversary. Without the volunteers and the financial support from friends, Lakewood township and the Monmouth and Ocean County Food Bank none of this would be possible. To date, we have served over 45,000 meals from soup, salad, entrée to dessert. Plus a goody bag of baked goods to go. Our doors open at 4pm and dinner is served around 5:30 pm with praise and worship and a short bible study. With the donations that we have received over the past 11 years we have been able to “sew†into other ministries in Santo Domingo, Guatemala, and into M.P.C. With God’s blessing we want to do more in the future.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 929-8107 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakewood
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Abraham's Tent Soup Kitchen
Phone: (732) 270-8393
Address: 405 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08753. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Abraham's Tens is a free meal program serving meals to anyone who is hungry. Our meals are served at our Parish House next to the church. These are wonderful home cooked tasty meals! Abraham's Tent Free Family Dinner: Second Sunday of every Month 3pm Parish House. Doors open at 2pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 270-8393 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
St. Stephen’s Food Pantry
Phone: (609) 698-8561
Address: 367 Route 9, Waretown, NJ 08005. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food pantry hours: Mon - Fri: 9 am – 12 pm; Thrift Shop open Mon - Fri: 10 am – 2 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (609) 698-8561 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Waretown
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
Jesus is Lord Pantry
Phone: (732) 901-7733
Address: 2236 Massachusetts Ave, Toms River, NJ 08755. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Pantry hours: Every Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 901-7733 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
The Peoples Pantry
Phone: (732) 731-1417
Address: 1769 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08735. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Peoples Pantry is a choice model food Pantry that originated in the immediate aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. This severe storm unearthed Ocean County's previously hidden struggle with food insecurity. Food insecurity, or lack of a consistent and stable source of food, effects over 79,000 residents of our county...but you probably wouldn't be able to tell. They're the single parents of four who can't afford to feed their children on a single income. They're your coworkers who are forced to live paycheck to paycheck. They're even your friends and family who are struggling in silence because they don't qualify for government assistance. One of our main goals is to break the stigma surrounding food insecurity and educate others about the true prevalence of the problem.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (732) 731-1417 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Toms River
Help Residents of Counties:
- Ocean
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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 Ocean, 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.