We found 28 food pantries listed for Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 3 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Bernalillo, New Mexico. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Corps Community Center
Phone: (505) 881-4292
Address: 4301 Bryn Mawr Dr NE, ALBUQUERQUE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Young Adult
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
Call (505) 881-4292 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
The Salvation Army - ALBUQUERQUE (Temple), NM: Corps Community Center
Phone: (505) 247-2462
Address: 501 Broadway Blvd SE, ALBUQUERQUE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Day Camp Activities
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- 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 (505) 247-2462 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
The Salvation Army Albuquerque Family Services​
Phone: (505) 881-4292
Address: 411 Broadway Blvd Sw, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 881-4292 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Church Food Pantry locations in Bernalillo, New Mexico. You can also check your eligibility.
First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 884-1801
Address: 3701 Carlisle Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Shopping, packing, and distributing food to those in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 884-1801 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Montgomery Church of Christ Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 884-7926
Address: 7201 Montgomery Blvd, Ne Albuquerque, NM 87109. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food pantry hours: 9:00-11:30AM Wednesdays and Thursdays
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 884-7926 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ne Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Mountain Christian Church Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 281-3313
Address: 40 Highway 14, Cedar Crest, NM 87008. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our food pantry is open to anyone who has an immediate need for groceries. You might need some just once or for a short period of time. We always welcome a new face.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 281-3313 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Cedar Crest
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Shadow of the Church (SOC) Grace Meal
Phone: (505) 243-5646
Address: 314 Lead Ave Sw, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
For over 30 years, the Shadow of the Church (SOC) Grace Meal Ministry has opened its doors to those in need. Every Monday at noon, a group of dedicated volunteers gathers to provide a hot meal for as many as 250 people, including families with young children. Some of the volunteers prepare and serve the meal, while others greet the guests and tend to their needs.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 243-5646 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 21 Food Pantry locations in Bernalillo, New Mexico. You can also check your eligibility.
Noon Day Ministries
Phone: (505) 246-8001
Address: 2400 Second St Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
As we read in Proverbs, “Better to eat a dry crust of bread with peace of mind, than have a banquet in a house full of trouble.†Our whole reason for being is to offer a small corner of peace, a place of brotherhood, a promise to fill a void with nutrition and a heaping portion of help and love. Last year we served over 113,000 meals to the homeless and working poor, and now dish up more than 370 meals every day. We sincerely hope that one day, no person will be hungry, lacking shelter, or without basic provisions. But, until that day comes, we will help God’s homeless children through nourishing meals, spiritual guidance and other essential services that help promote self-sufficiency, dignity and independence.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 246-8001 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Project Share
Phone: (505) 242-4399
Address: 1201 3rd St Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Project Share is the evening meal program of St. Martin’s Hospitality Center’s Shelter. Project Share is open for dinner six nights a week, Monday through Saturday from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Our guest chefs come from faith based organizations, businesses, civic groups and individual families.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 242-4399 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Good Shepherd Center
Phone: (505) 243-2527
Address: 218 Iron Sw, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Good Shepherd Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Services Provided: Daily meals for men, women, and children; community meals served at 3pm daily except for Thursdays and Sundays. Saturdays at 11am. Overnight Shelter for men, admittance begins at 6pm. Medical respite beds for men recovering from illness or injury. Men's clothing is distributed Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Mail service for homeless people. A comprehensive substance abuse recovery program, 6 months duration, apply in person on Wednesday mornings. Referrals for other community services.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 243-2527 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Rio Grande Food Project (RGFP)
Phone: (505) 831-3778
Address: 600 Coors Blvd Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87193. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon. When the Albuquerque Public Schools are closed due to inclement or bad weather, RGFP will be closed.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 831-3778 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Steelbridge (Albuquerque Rescue Mission)
Phone: (505) 554-2780
Address: 2021 Second St Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
If you are hungry, we want to help provide delicious and nutritious meals for you and your family. Call us Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm to schedule your appointment to meet with a Guest Services Coordinator and get your name on the list for our weekly food box distribution. Food boxes are available for pickup at our Resource Center every Friday from 2:30-4:00pm after you have met with our Coordinators. Food boxes are reserved, no walk-ups. Food boxes are designed to feed any size family, three meals a day, for one week.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 554-2780 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
The Storehouse
Phone: (505) 842-6491
Address: 106 Broadway Se, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We provide FREE food to people who are struggling. Our customers select their own food once a calendar month. The Storehouse food pantry gives out 60 meals per family through a retail, grocery shopping experience. We are a private pantry, not a government agency. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00pm Caseworkers Only Wed. - Fri., 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 842-6491 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
St. John's Episcopal Cathedral Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 247-1581
Address: 318 Silver Ave Sw, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Food Pantry is operating at maximum capacity, feeding an average 80-plus families a month (that’s around 300 individuals). The Food Pantry provides staple foods once a month for eligible families who live in the 87102 Zip code near the Cathedral. The Food Pantry is open Tuesdays from 9:00-10:00 AM.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 247-1581 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Isabella’s Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 344-5329
Address: 320 Montano Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
This is a local food service looking to glorify God in the church. Ministering to its members in need first, then to the world. This is also an opportunity for church members and others that would feel drawn to be part of Gods work. Open Fridays 11:0 am - 1:0 pm; Must bring ID, one utility bill. Pick up once a month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 344-5329 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
La Mesa Presbyterian Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 255-8095
Address: 7401 Copper Ave Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
This food distribution site is one of the few daily food pantries in the city. Food is available Monday though Friday from 9-11 AM. We are affiliated with the Roadrunnner Food Bank and other efforts that glean food from local grocery stores. We are now offering produce twice a month to add more variety and nutrition.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 255-8095 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Bernadette's Pantry
Phone: (505) 298-7557
Address: 11509 Indian School Rd, Albuquerque, NM 87112. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Bernadette's Pantry is a food pantry open to those who meet income qualifications. Generous donations by our parishioners and the Shrine of St. Bernadette stock the pantry with non-parishable and parishable food items. If you are in need of assistance, we are here to help you. Bernadette's Pantry Hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 298-7557 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Albuquerque Indian Center
Phone: (505) 268-1751
Address: 105 Texas St Se, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The mission of the Albuquerque Indian Center (AIC) is to, "Empower the Albuquerque Urban Native American Community and others through provisions of wrap-around services designed to promote wellness, education, self-sufficiency and tradition."
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 268-1751 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Triumph Center Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 822-8553
Address: 7800 Holbrook Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
11am-1pm, 3th Sat of the month
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 822-8553 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
“SPARE NOT†Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 323-3900
Address: 4830 Pan American Fwy, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
New Life City is an authorized Roadrunner Mobile Food Pantry distribution site. We operate our food pantry on the second Tuesday of each month. Qualified participants in need of groceries can register with the church on distribution days and receive food starting at 11:30am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 323-3900 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Los Griegos Health and Social Services Center
Phone: (505) 761-4050
Address: 1231 Candelaria Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The City of Albuquerque's Los Griegos Center staff provides emergency food, utility and rental assistance, as well as community meeting rooms and seasonal services and activities to residents of the Northeast Heights, Northwest Valley, and the North Westside areas of Albuquerque.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 761-4050 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
East Central Health and Social Service Center
Phone: (505) 767-5700
Address: 7525 Zuni Se, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The City of Albuquerque's East Central Center staff helps provide emergency food, utility assistance and rental assistance. Food Pantry Hours: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 10 a.m. - Noon, Tuesday & Thursday: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 767-5700 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
First Nations Community Health Source
Phone: (505) 262-2481
Address: 5608 Zuni Rd Se, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Homeless Outreach Program assists homeless and/or at-risk of being homeless individuals and families with healthcare and social support assistance by providing walk-in case management, and outreach services.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 262-2481 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Riversof Living Water
Phone: (505) 710-9492
Address: 3815 Academy Pkwy S, Ne Albuquerque, NM 87109. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 710-9492 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ne Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Casa San Miguel Food Pantry
Phone: (505) 345-8147
Address: 601 Montaão Rd Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
​The mission statement for St Michael and All Angels Church calls for its members to “…be transformed by the love of God in our midst and sent out to serve others.†In response, the Casa San Miguel Food Pantry, located at St. Michael's, exists to reach out to serve our neighbors who are in need of assistance.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 345-8147 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Alamosa Health and Social Services Center
Phone: (505) 836-8800
Address: 6900 Gonzales Sw, Albuquerque, NM 87121. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Health and Social Service Centers also provide family necessities such as; emergency food boxes, notary services, emergency clothing assistance, limited diaper assistance, seasonal Coats for Kids, seasonal Toys for tots, Commodity supplemental food programs, coordinate community special events, VITA income tax services, utility assistance referral, employment referral, and refuse recycle bag distribution. Also operates a lost cost carseat program. Food Pantry Hours: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 10 a.m. - Noon, Tuesday & Thursday: - 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 836-8800 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Silver Horizons New Mexico, Inc.
Phone: (505) 884-3881
Address: 3540 Pan American Fwy Ne Ste B, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
New Mexico is the second highest ranked state in the nation for senior hunger. And, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, one out of every seven Bernalillo Country seniors live below the poverty level. Silver Horizons’ Food Pantry, also known as our Food Distribution program, feeds almost 2,000 seniors each month and distributes more than 384,000 pounds of food providing nearly 320,000 meals. Our Food Distribution program helps keep nutritious foods available to low-income seniors who must make the choice between buying groceries, paying their utility bills, paying for necessary medications, or covering other life expenses. At Silver Horizons, we believe our aging and elderly citizens in New Mexico shouldn’t have to make that choice, which is why there are multiple ways to receive Food Pantry assistance. On the second Saturday of every month from 9-11 a.m., Silver Horizons opens its doors at 3540 Pan American Fwy. NE Suite B in Albuquerque, during which time seniors receive meat, dairy, hygiene products, and pet food, in addition to a large box of nonperishable food items. Almost 200 seniors receive enough food to make two-week’s worth of nutritious meals at the Farmer’s Market Food Pantry.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 884-3881 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
Casa De Las Comunidades
Phone: (505) 265-2371
Address: 444 Chama St Apt D, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Casa de las Comunidades is a Catholic Worker Community offering hospitality and accompaniment to families and individuals who are often find themselves alienated and oppressed by dehumanizing systems and institutions. The primary ministry is among the poor, latinos, immigrants, women and youth. Our Free Food Distribution days are Thursdays at 11am and Saturdays at 10:30am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (505) 265-2371 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Albuquerque
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bernalillo
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Bernalillo, New Mexico 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico, 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico 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 Bernalillo, New Mexico.
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.