We found 27 food pantries listed for Corning, New York. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Steuben County, New York.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Corning, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Geneva Corps
Phone: (315) 789-10551775
Address: 41 Geneva St, NORTH STREET PO BOX 532<BR/>, Bath, NY 14810. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Group Homes
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Visitation 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 (315) 789-10551775 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
The Salvation Army - Corning Corps
Phone: (607) 962-4681
Address: 32 Denison Pkwy E, Corning, NY 14830. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Camping Activities
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Latchkey Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Nutrition Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Visitation 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 (607) 962-4681 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
The Salvation Army - Elmira Corps
Phone: (607) 732-0314
Address: 414 Lake St, Elmira, NY 14901. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Aid to Families
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Domestic Violence Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Group Homes
- Group Work Services
- Homemaker Services
- Men's Ministries
- Military Personnel Assistance
- Missing Persons
- Music & Arts Programs
- Rehabilitation
- Seasonal Services
- Visitation 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 (607) 732-0314 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
The Salvation Army of Hornell
Phone: (607) 324-1933
Address: 95 Seneca St, Hornell, NY 14843. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We are A Community center, food pantry. Provides food to individuals in the community in need. Also offers bread and produce distribution. On first visit, must have Identification for everyone within the household. Bread and produce distribution starts at 9:30am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 324-1933 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hornell
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 8 Church Food Pantry locations in Corning, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
Horseheads Food Pantry (First Presbyterian Church)
Phone: (607) 739-3854
Address: 2943 Westinghouse Rd, Horseheads, NY 14845. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food to individuals in the community who are in need. Accepts prepackaged food donations. Hours: Tue & Thu 12pm-2pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 739-3854 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Horseheads
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Lighthouse Food Pantry (Seventh Day Adventist Church)
Phone: (585) 736-7586
Address: 313 Third Ave, Wayland, NY 14572. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food items to individuals in the community who are in need. Accepts food donations. Must reside in Wayland-Cohocton School District. Documents Required: Proof of residency. Hours: Wed: 3:00-6:00pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (585) 736-7586 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Wayland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
New Beginnings United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 734-2293
Address: 330 W Church St, Elmira, NY 14901. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food items such as baked goods, produce and canned goods to individuals in need. Eligibility: Must reside in Chemung County. Hours: Mon 8am-noon.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 734-2293 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Buena Vista Wesleyan Church Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 698-4484
Address: 6034 County Road 69, Canisteo, NY 14823. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
In Cooperation with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Buena Vista Wesleyan Church operates a monthly Food Pantry on the 4th Thursday of every month with the exception of the months of November and December. Due to Thanksgiving and Christmas our date changes to the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 698-4484 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Canisteo
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Oakwood United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 732-6042
Address: 212 Oakwood Ave, Elmira, NY 14903. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food to individuals in the community who are in need. Hours: Fri 5:30pm-7:30pm. Documents Required: Photo ID needed for first time registration.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 732-6042 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Pantry of Angels (Presho United Methodist Church)
Phone: (607) 523-7250
Address: 1727 Indian Hills Rd, Lindley, NY 14858. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Pantry of Angels serves residents of Lindley and Caton. The Pantry is open every Thursday (except major holidays) from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., serving fresh produce and baked goods. On the 2nd and 4th weeks of each month, January through October, staple foods are also available. During November and December, the staple foods distribution occurs on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, due to holidays. Nutritional goods from all of the food groups are available to those who come or call for food assistance and, in many cases, food delivery. God has truly blessed the Pantry of Angels with all the tangible and intangible components needed to maintain and grow this mission. He continues to watch over us and hold each hand as we strive to serve Him and fulfill this need in our community.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 523-7250 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Lindley
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
North Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 734-2977
Address: 921 College Ave, Elmira, NY 14901. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Motivated by Christ’s love, the NPC Food Pantry continues Christ’s work by feeding the unemployed, the working poor, the elderly, and the physically and mentally challenged in the Elmira area. We strive to foster a caring atmosphere and treat each person with dignity and care about each one as an individual. We are dedicated to maintaining a continuous growth in services to assist our clients to improve their quality of life. Requirements to Receive Food: Valid I.D. Proof of Address ID for every member in the household receiving food. We are a “Client Choice†Food Pantry. This means, we do not pack bags of food ahead of time for the clients. The client chooses the food their individual household needs. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am – 12 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 734-2977 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
United Church of Painted Post Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 962-1455
Address: 201 N Hamilton St, Painted Post, NY 14870. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides mostly non-perishable food items to individuals in the community who are in need. Intake Process: Client calls to see if it has been a month since his/her last visit. If it has, client comes in. If not, client must wait until a month has passed. Client must complete short intake form. If new client, come in and fill out the form. Get the food and wait a month before you can return. Can only receive assistance once per month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 962-1455 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Painted Post
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Catholic Charities Food Pantry Locations
We have located 4 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Corning, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (St. Gabriel's Catholic Church)
Phone: (607) 569-2812
Address: 78 Shether St, Hammondsport, NY 14840. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food and staples to individuals in need. Accepts prepackaged food and fresh food donations. Documents Required: Proof of residency required annually. Acceptable documents include electric or phone bill, rent receipt, or bank statements. Hours: Tue: 3:00-4:00pm; Sat: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 569-2812 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hammondsport
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Catholic Charities Turning Point Hornell
Phone: (607) 324-3457
Address: 20 Elm St Ste 2, Hornell, NY 14843. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Turning Point service priority for Catholic Charities of Steuben stabilizes families in economic crisis and supports them as they strive for self-sufficiency. As a convener of the local poverty coalition, Turning Point works to connect people living in poverty with resources of opportunity that can help them turn a corner in their lives. Hours: Appointments available during regular working hours M – F, 9 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 4:30 p.m. Evening appointments available upon request.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 324-3457 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hornell
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Catholic Charities Turning Point Bath
Phone: (607) 776-4575
Address: 23 Liberty St, Bath, NY 14810. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides low income individuals who are having difficulty obtaining adequate food to meet the dietary needs of their family. Hours: Appointments available during regular work hours M – F, 9 a.m. – Noon and 1 – 4:30 p.m. Evening appointments available upon request.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 776-4575 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Bath
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Catholic Charities' Emergency Services Center
Phone: (607) 734-4898
Address: 380 S Main St, Elmira, NY 14904. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
To access the Food Pantry, individuals must be clients of The Samaritan Center. Enrollment is simple and can be done on your first visit. Income eligibility is required. Please bring social security cards for all members of the family. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 10am – 3:30pm; Tuesday: 10am – 4:30pm (closed for lunch from noon – 1pm)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 734-4898 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 11 Food Pantry locations in Corning, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
In His Presence Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 529-6387
Address: 1155 Richard St, Elmira, NY 14904. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food to individuals in the community who are in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 529-6387 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Corning Community Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 962-6750
Address: 39 W William St, Corning, NY 14830. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We provide supplemental food assistance to people in need. Clients visit once a month to receive enough groceries for approximately five to seven days. Nutritious items may include: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meats and non-meat proteins, as well as butter, oils and sweets (all subject to availability). We are a client choice agency, so individuals are able to select their foods from available items. The amount received depends on the number of people in the household. If an emergency situation develops, clients may return a second time in the same month. Our executive director can make exceptions as needs arise. Hours: Mon. 9 AM – 12 PM; Tues. 9 AM – 12 PM; Wed. 10 AM – 2 PM; Thurs. 12 PM – 3 PM; Fri. 12 PM – 3 PM; Sat. (2nd & 4th) 10 AM –12 PM
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 962-6750 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Corning
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Grace Lee Wesleyan Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 962-3225
Address: 2075 Chambers Rd, Beaver Dams, NY 14812. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Food Pantry is open on the first Wednesday of the month from 12-2pm and on the third Wednesday of the month from 4-6pm. You may utilize the GLMWC Food Pantry once a month. Additionally, the Mobile Food Pantry comes on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 10am. We also have a free food giveaway on the second Saturday of every month at 1pm. The Grace Lee Food Pantry is open and available to anyone in the community. There are no income requirements to use the food pantry, or the mobile food pantry, or the free food giveaway. If possible, please bring a container to carry your food items (laundry baskets work well), as we do not always have extra boxes available
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 962-3225 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Beaver Dams
Help Residents of Counties:
- Schuyler
New Life Assembly of God - Elmira Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 735-0461
Address: 325 Lake St, Elmira, NY 14901. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Food Pantry serves the east side of Elmira, surrounding communities, and those individuals and families that are going through difficult times. The pantry is open on the 2nd and the 4th Tuesdays of every month from 6:00pm until there are no more people. We open our doors at about 5:00pm so that the people can come into the building, where we enjoy serving them while they wait to get groceries. On the 4th Tuesday we give away Birthday give cakes to those having a birthday, we give away some practical gifts, we share the Word of God and offer prayer all while we get to know them. As we build relationships, doors open for opportunities to minister to their needs. We serve anyone in need regardless of their income level. We desire to extend mercy as God has shown mercy and grace to us. We believe it is our honor, privilege, and responsibility to serve God by helping meet the nutritional and spiritual needs of others through Christ's love. The New Life Food Pantry Team, motivated by Christ's love, is not only committed to serving natural bread, but also the Bread of Life.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 735-0461 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Jasper-Troupsburg Community Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 542-6243
Address: 913 County Route 82, Troupsburg, NY 14885. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food to individuals in the community who are in need. Accepts prepackaged food donations. Located in basement of Troupsburg United Methodist Church. Food pantry open to Jasper-Troupsburg Central School District residents on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2-3:30 & 6-7 PM
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 542-6243 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Troupsburg
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Feed Elmira Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 767-1132
Address: 500 Walnut St, Elmira, NY 14901. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The mission of the Let Elmira Live Foundation is to endeavor to improve the quality of life for low-income, at risk families residing in the inner city and surrounding areas of Elmira in Chemung County. Goal: To establish and operate Feed Elmira ‘Feeding Centers’ in strategic areas of high poverty. Hours: 2nd and 4th Thursdays
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 767-1132 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Mustard Seed Ministries - Bradford Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 583-2012
Address: 7646 Whitehead Hill Rd, Bradford, NY 14815. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Bradford Pantry is adjacent to St. Stanislaus Church and is open on the third Wed of each month from 9-11am; and open 4th Wed 5-7 PM
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 583-2012 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Bradford
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Steuben County Rural Ministry
Phone: (607) 698-4725
Address: 34 W Main St, Canisteo, NY 14823. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides low income individuals who are having difficulty obtaining adequate food to meet the dietary needs of their family. Documents Required: Must provide contact information, number of household members, date of birth, Social Security cards, and proof of income and expenses.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 698-4725 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Canisteo
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Addison Community Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 359-2555
Address: 13 Community Dr Ste 103, Addison, NY 14801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food and staples to those in the community who are in need. Accepts non-perishable food items. No fee. Must provide proof of residency.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 359-2555 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Addison
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 732-1995
Address: 161 High St, Elmira, NY 14901. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry is committed to helping those with food insecurities in Chemung County. Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry offers: Canned fruits and vegetables, Cereal, Meat, Dairy items. Our Regular hours are Tuesday from 11am to 2pm. Clients are able to come to the pantry once per month. Please provide ID for all those in your household whom you will be receiving food for.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 732-1995 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Elmira
Help Residents of Counties:
- Chemung
Christian Hope Center Food Pantry
Phone: (607) 936-4656
Address: 22 John St, Painted Post, NY 14870. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides food items to individuals in the community who are in need. Documents Required: Picture identification and phone number.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (607) 936-4656 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Painted Post
Help Residents of Counties:
- Steuben
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Corning, 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 offers free food help through local centers. Contact the branch nearest Corning, New York 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 Corning, New York 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 Corning, New York 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 Corning, New York 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 Corning, New York, 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 Corning, New York 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 Corning, New York 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 Corning, New York.
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.