A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Ballston Spa, New York 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 Ballston Spa, New York 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 3 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Ballston Spa, New York which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Clifton Park Store
Services provided :
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (518) 373-5880 to book your appointment.
Address :
1755 Route 9,
Clifton Park, NY 12065.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
The Salvation Army - Schenectady Corps
The Salvation Army offers a breakfast and lunch program five days a week. All are welcome. Breakfast Mon-Fri 7:30 am-8:30 am; Lunch Mon-Fri 12:00 noon-1:00 pm
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 (518) 346-0222 to book your appointment.
Address :
222 Lafayette St,
Schenectady, NY 12305.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
The Salvation Army - Saratoga Springs Corps
The food pantry provides food to people who are in emergency situations, and delivers food baskets to clients in need.
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 (518) 584-1640 to book your appointment.
Address :
27 Woodlawn Ave,
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Saratoga Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Ballston Spa, New York 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 7 Church Food Pantry locations in Ballston Spa, New York which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Christ Episcopal Church - Food Pantry
If you are in need of help with supplying food for yourself or your family, please stop by Christ Church's Food Pantry. There has been a Food Pantry in our Church for over 20 years serving people in the Ballston Spa school district. It has grown substantially in the past decade, both in numbers of people involved in the ministry, and in the number of people helped. Our Mission is to help people in need with three to four days supply of food each month, or more often when special needs exist. Food Pantry hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00 AM to noon. We are also open from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday evenings. The Food Pantry is located behind the Parish Hall, which is located to the right of our church.
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 (518) 885-1031 to book your appointment.
Address :
15 W High St,
Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ballston Spa
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Saint Paul the Apostle Church - SVDPS Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul Society assists needy families in need of help during troubled times.
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 (518) 377-8886 to book your appointment.
Address :
2777 Albany St,
Schenectady, NY 12304.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
The Bridge Christian Church - Food Pantry
THIRD TUESDAY of the month – 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm; THIRD SATURDAY of the month – 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm; ID required for every member over 18 with proof of address and for every child in household
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 (518) 864-5849 to book your appointment.
Address :
735 Crane St,
Schenectady, NY 12303.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
Trinity Baptist Church Food Pantry
Open 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Please use back entrance of building
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 (518) 393-2506 to book your appointment.
Address :
2635 Balltown Rd,
Schenectady, NY 12309.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
Pine Knolls Alliance Church Food Pantry
Hours: Sat 8:45 am-10:30 am
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 (518) 793-7101 to book your appointment.
Address :
614 Gansevoort Road South Glns,
Falls, NY 12803.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Falls
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Corinth Churches' Community Cupboard - Corinth Theatre Guild
The Corinth Food Pantry provides food for the needy. Open Tuesday 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Thursday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Friday 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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 (518) 654-9432 to book your appointment.
Address :
6 Fourth St,
Corinth, NY 12822.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Corinth
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Corinth Churches' Community Cupboard - First Presbyterian Church
Our food pantry and "Share the Warmth" emergency fuel fund is a joint ministry with the Corinth Community Churches. It is located at the Corinth Town Hall, 600 Palmer Ave. and is open Tuesday and Friday from 2:00 - 5:00 PM, Thursday from 9:00 - 12:00 PM. Closed on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.
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 (518) 654-9432 to book your appointment.
Address :
600 Palmer Ave,
Corinth, NY 12822.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Corinth
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
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 Ballston Spa, New York 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 1 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Ballston Spa, New York which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Holy Name of Jesus National Catholic Church
Holy Name of Jesus is that small church with a big and caring heart. Over the years we have accomplished much in providing for the needs of others. Free Lunch/Soup on Sunday, feeding those in need on the third Sunday of every month in our Parish Hall
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 (518) 372-1992 to book your appointment.
Address :
1040 Pearl St,
Schenectady, NY 12303.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Ballston Spa, New York 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 Ballston Spa, New York 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 Ballston Spa, New York 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 Ballston Spa, 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 Ballston Spa, New York 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 1 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Ballston Spa, New York which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Daily Bread Food Pantry (St. Luke's Food Pantry of St. Vincent De Paul Society)
The Daily Bread Food Pantry is the second largest food pantry in Schenectady County. Annually the pantry provides over 100,000 parcels of food to our most vulnerable neighbors. The pantry is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm and is staffed by volunteers from St. Luke’s and surrounding parishes as well as other community members. The Food Pantry does not discriminate on the basis of Creed, ethnic background, lifestyle or color. All who are in need are served.
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 (518) 347-1385 to book your appointment.
Address :
1243 State St,
Schenectady, NY 12304.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Ballston Spa, New York 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 16 Food Pantry locations in Ballston Spa, New York which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc.
SCEOC is a non-profit organization committed to being a leader in advocating for opportunities and developing solutions to promote healthy, thriving families and caring community partners. Emergency Food Pantry and a seven day a week Community Lunch Program providing food to those in need
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 (518) 288-3206 to book your appointment.
Address :
39 Bath St,
Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Ballston Spa
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
CAPTAIN Youth & Family Services - Karyl's Kupboard
The crisis food pantry provides families and individuals with a three day supply of food, diapers, paper and hygiene products. The pantry may be visited once a month.Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu 10:00 am-3:00 pm
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 (518) 371-1185 to book your appointment.
Address :
5 Municipal Plz Ste 3,
Clifton Park, NY 12065.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Clifton Park
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Bethesda House
Bethesda House is an interfaith ministry to the homeless, disabled and economically disadvantaged citizens of Schenectady County, building a just, hospitable and inclusive community one person at a time by affirming the dignity and addressing the needs of each guest entering this “House of Mercyâ€. Bethesda House assists many families and children through its Food Pantry, Community Meal, and Representative Payee program.
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 (518) 374-7873 to book your appointment.
Address :
834 State St,
Schenectady, NY 12307.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
City Mission of Schenectady - Dining Center
Meal Times at our Dining Center Monday to Friday 5:45pm Saturday 3:00pm
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 (518) 346-2275X334 to book your appointment.
Address :
512 Smith St,
Schenectady, NY 12305.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
City Mission of Schenectady - Men's Shelter
Bagged lunches available 24/7 at the Men's Shelter
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 (518) 346-2275X312 to book your appointment.
Address :
427 Hamilton St,
Schenectady, NY 12305.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
Harmony Fellowship
Here at Harmony, we want to demonstrate the love God has shown us by sharing with others. We open up our doors and hand out food for those who are in need. We’re excited to meet you and connect. Date: 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
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 (518) 280-5028 to book your appointment.
Address :
888 Albany St,
Schenectady, NY 12307.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
Messiah Lutheran Bread of Life Food Pantry
Bread of Life Food Pantry serve needy families with children.
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 (518) 355-2311 to book your appointment.
Address :
2850 Guilderland Ave,
Schenectady, NY 12306.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
PG Wright Satellite Food Pantry
PG Wright Satellite Food Pantry located in Yates Village and serving residents in the 12308 zip code is open every Thursday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
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 (518) 374-7873 to book your appointment.
Address :
2450 Van Vranken Ave,
Schenectady, NY 12308.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
SICM Emergency Food Pantry
The SICM Emergency Food Pantry is for any Schenectady County resident needing food. ID’s are required for every family member for each visit (limited to once per month), and proof of residency is required once a year. The Pantry is open M-W-Th-F, 9:00am to 11:30am. Mass Distribution is held the last Thursday of each month, from 8:30am to 11:30am.
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 (518) 346-4445 to book your appointment.
Address :
839 Albany St,
Schenectady, NY 12307.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
State Street Food Pantry
The Food Pantry at State Street Presbyterian Church has been in operation for over ten years. Clients of the Food Pantry must present a valid photo ID, and for anyone in their household over the age of 18. Anyone under the age of 18, may present a non-photo ID. Clients may come only once a month, as this is intended to be an emergency pantry to supplement other sources of food.Some non-food items such as soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and diapers may be available upon request.Food delivery is available on the basis of need, for those who are unable to pick up food due to illness or disability. Requests for delivery are evaluated on a case by case basis and cannot always be accommodated. The Food Pantry is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 12:30pm - 4pm.
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 (518) 374-2684 to book your appointment.
Address :
5 Catherine St,
Schenectady, NY 12307.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
The Gathered Remnant Ministry - Food Pantry
The Gathered Remnant Ministries has a food pantry that services the entire Capitol Region. We do not stop those in need based on geographic locations. We also have clothing for free. Food & Clothing pantry available the 3rd Tuesday and 4thThursday of the month from 1:00pm – 6:00pm. Hot meal available 3rd & 4th Saturday of the month, 12:30pm - 3pm.
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 (518) 374-3487 to book your appointment.
Address :
1374-1376 10th Ave,
Schenectady, NY 12303.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schenectady
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schenectady
The Moreau Community Center Mission
The Moreau Community Center's Emergency Food Pantry provides food to those living in the Town of Moreau, the Village of South Glens Falls, or within the South Glens Falls School District. Residents are eligible once a month and must provide proof of residence and a photo ID each time they request service. Individuals applying for the service will receive food enough for 4-5 days. Monday-Friday 9AM-3PM (closed 11:30AM-12:30PM).
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 (518) 792-6007 to book your appointment.
Address :
144 Main Street South Glns,
Falls, NY 12803.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Falls
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Saint Theresa Chapel Food Pantry
The St. Therese Chapel offers a food pantry twice a month. Hours: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month, 10:00 am-12:00 noon
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 (518) 792-2276 to book your appointment.
Address :
1 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd,
Gansevoort, NY 12831.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Gansevoort
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Greenfield Food Pantry
The Greenfield Food Pantry provides food to the town residents in need. It is open to Town residents every Wednesday from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM except on national holidays and school snow 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 (518) 893-7074 to book your appointment.
Address :
25 Wilton Rd,
Greenfield Center, NY 12833.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Greenfield Center
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Franklin Community Center, Inc. - Food Pantry
Our food pantry is open year-round, Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday 2 p.m. – 7 p.m., closed on holidays. During the winter season the pantry will follow the Saratoga Springs City School District weather delays and closings. If the school is delayed (Monday-Wednesday) the pantry will open at 11:00 am, if school is closed the pantry will be closed.
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 (518) 587-9826 to book your appointment.
Address :
10 Franklin St,
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Saratoga Springs
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Schuylerville Area Food and Emergency Relief (S.A.F.E.R.)
SAFER is best known for its food pantry, located in a small building behind the Town of Saratoga offices on Spring Street. Residents can visit the SAFER pantry 12 times per year, taking three days worth of food for each person in the household. The pantry is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. SAFER also provides emergency financial assistance in a case-by-case basis for such expenses as electricity, heat or phone services.
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 (518) 507-6043 to book your appointment.
Address :
12 Spring St,
Schuylerville, NY 12871.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Schuylerville
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
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 Ballston Spa, New York
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.