We found 27 food pantries listed for Glens Falls, New York. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Warren County, New York.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Glens Falls, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Glens Falls Corps
Phone: (518) 792-1960
Address: 37 Broad Street Glns, Falls, NY 12801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Glens Falls Salvation Army has a food pantry to assist people in need. Identification required. Food Pantry hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12:00 noon, 1:00 pm-3:30 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 792-1960 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Falls
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 6 Church Food Pantry locations in Glens Falls, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
Queensbury United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 793-9728
Address: 460 Aviation Rd, Queensbury, NY 12801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Our Food Pantry serves residents of the Queensbury-Lake George-Glens Falls area on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11 AM. We are also open the last Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 AM. Please note that when there is a Saturday pantry, there will not be one the day before.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 793-9728 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Queensbury
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Lake George Caldwell Presbyterian Church Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 668-2613
Address: 71 Montcalm Street Lk, George, NY 12845. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Lake George Caldwell Presbyterian Church Food Pantry provides food for the needy in the community. Food pantry is open to the public the second and fourth Friday of every month from 9:30am-12pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 668-2613 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- George
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Corinth Churches' Community Cupboard - Corinth Theatre Guild
Phone: (518) 654-9432
Address: 6 Fourth St, Corinth, NY 12822. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
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 :
Call (518) 654-9432 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Corinth
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Corinth Churches' Community Cupboard - First Presbyterian Church
Phone: (518) 654-9432
Address: 600 Palmer Ave, Corinth, NY 12822. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
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 :
Call (518) 654-9432 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Corinth
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
First Presbyterian Church - Warrensburg Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 623-2723
Address: 2 Stewart Farrar Ave, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Hours: Monday: 9am – Noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 623-2723 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Warrensburg
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
The Church of the Messiah - Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 792-1560
Address: 296 Glen Street Glns, Falls, NY 12801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We currently have 8 teams serving dinner each Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. All food that we use is either donated or purchased through contributions from the congregation or from our account that is in the budget. Our mission is to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the people or our community by meeting both their spiritual needs through transforming worship and their physical needs with the provision of a meal, extra food and clothing. Messiah has tried to reach out in obedience to Christ's call to care for the needy. One way we do this is by providing food. Donations to the food pantry may be brought to church or to the parish house any time. Look for the basket in the Narthex or leave items in the office. Best donations are canned or boxed items requiring almost no additional ingredients or preparation.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 792-1560 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Falls
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 20 Food Pantry locations in Glens Falls, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
Christina Home Care Food Pantry
Phone: (718) 843-8449
Address: 12013 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Christina Home Care Food Pantry program provides free grocery to anyone in need, every Friday from 2PM to 5PM. No ID necessary.
Call 718-843-8449 or my cell: 917-592-8686 to get more information.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 843-8449 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
- Bronx
- Dutchess
- Essex
- Kings
- Nassau
- New York
- Orange
- Putnam
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Suffolk
- Warren
- Westchester
- Fairfield
- Litchfield
- Middlesex
- New Haven
- Bergen
- Hunterdon
- Morris
- Passaic
- Somerset
- Union
- Warren
Center of Hope International
Phone: (718) 729-1288
Address: 1211 40th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Wed: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Emergency Assistance Program ministry consists of The Bread of Life Food Pantry which provides food, clothing and shelter referrals for those in need.
Services provided :
- temporary shelter
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (718) 729-1288 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
- Bronx
- Dutchess
- Essex
- Kings
- Suffolk
- Westchester
- Warren
- Richmond
- Rockland
- New York
- Nassau
La Jornada
Phone: (917) 880-5693
Address: 6240 Woodhaven Blvd, SUITE P68, Rego Park, NY 11374. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Program offers free meals and groceries to families in need. On Wednesdays we distribute fruits and vegetables at 1:00 PM and Fourth Saturday we distribute Sandwich distribution and every Saturday at 1.00 PM we distribute bags of food.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (917) 880-5693 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
- Bronx
- Dutchess
- Essex
- Kings
- Nassau
- New York
- Orange
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Suffolk
- Westchester
- Warren
New Life Community Development Corporation
Phone: (718) 424-0122
Address: 8210 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Food and Clothing Pantry serves the Elmhurst community's homeless and low-income residents with nutritious hot meals, non-perishable food, fresh produce, personal care items and gently-used clothing. Services offered on Tuesdays 6 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 12 noon.
Pantry guests can receive food and clothing ONCE a week.
The homeless meal service is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Showers are available in the Health Center (Tues and Sat) and a hot meal is available in the Blue room. Tuesdays, Thursdays 6 pm – 8 pm & Saturdays 10 am – 12:30 pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- personal care items
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 424-0122 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
- Bronx
- Dutchess
- Essex
- Kings
- Suffolk
- Westchester
- Nassau
- New York
- Orange
- Warren
- Richmond
- Rockland
ICNA Relief
Phone: (888) 616-6865
Address: 8791 144th St, Jamaica, NY 11435. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Hunger Prevention Program provides nutritious and fresh food to low-income, families and individuals struggling to buy food.
Some of our current programs include;
-Mercy on Wheels
-Soup Kitchens
-Food Pantries
-Ramadan Food Baskets
-Skip Lunch, Feed a Hungry Child
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- help hotlines
- meals
Appointments :
Call (888) 616-6865 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
- Bronx
- Dutchess
- Essex
- Jefferson
- Kings
- Nassau
- New York
- Orange
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Suffolk
- Warren
- Westchester
Thurman Town Hall - Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 623-9649
Address: 311 Athol Rd, Athol, NY 12810. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Town of Thurman offers a food pantry to those in need in the community. The Food Pantry will be open 11am - 1pm each Tuesday.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 623-9649 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Athol
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Warrensburg Town Hall - Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 623-4561
Address: 3797 Main St, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides emergency food to families in Warrensburg. Eligibility: Residents of Warrensburg, emergency food limited to receiving food once every 2 months. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12:00 noon and 2:00 pm-4:30 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 623-4561 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Warrensburg
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Chestertown Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 494-2433
Address: 6309 Main St, Chestertown, NY 12817. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Chestertown Food provides food to needy families in Chestertown and Pottersville. Food Pantry Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 494-2433 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Chestertown
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Saint Theresa Chapel Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 792-2276
Address: 1 Wilton-Gansevoort Rd, Gansevoort, NY 12831. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
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 :
Call (518) 792-2276 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Gansevoort
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Town of Lake George Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 668-5722
Address: 20 Old Post Road Lk, George, NY 12845. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
A food pantry is available in the Town Center across from the Town Clerk’s Office. Food, when available, is for the residents with a need. To make use of the pantry, residents must sign in with the Town Clerk and abide by the guidelines of the pantry. The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 668-5722 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- George
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Family Service Association of Glens Falls
Phone: (518) 793-0797
Address: 144 Ridge Street Glns, Falls, NY 12801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Food Pantry is available to help those who need emergency food to get them through an immediate crisis. Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 793-0797 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Falls
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Horicon Community Center - Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 494-3647
Address: 6604 State Route 8, Brant Lake, NY 12815. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Monthly Food Distribution: Commodities will be distributed on the Tuesday following the first Monday of each month. This day will change if it falls on a holiday or election day. Please be sure to provide a phone number so we can contact you if there is a change in the schedule. If you would like to receive Commodities you must be a resident of the Town of Horicon and meet the eligibility requirements. Please complete the eligibility application and bring it to the Community Center with proof of residency (i.e. a utility bill, rent receipt, phone bill, something showing your physical address).
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 494-3647 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Brant Lake
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
The Warren Hamilton Community Action Agency
Phone: (518) 793-0636
Address: 190 Maple Street Glns, Falls, NY 12801. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Warren-Hamilton Counties Community Action Agency is a private, non-profit corporation, incorporated in 1966 under IRS/501C(3). Governed by a 15 member voluntary Board of Directors, CAA currently operates from two sites and has a staff of 19. CAA administers programs for income eligible, senior, disabled and in need residents of Warren and Hamilton Counties. Several food programs are available to residents regardless of residency. Services are confidential and without charge to eligible participants. Provides emergency food, clothing, household items, information and referrals. Helps with program applications, advocates for client’s rights, provides counseling on energy conservation, good nutrition, budgeting and consumer purchases.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 793-0636 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Falls
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Hague's Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 543-6161
Address: 9793 Graphite Mountain Rd, Hague, NY 12836. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Hague's Food Pantry is located in the Community Center. Its mission is to offer food to Hague residents in need, provide nutritional information, and when possible refer residents to other available resources. Opening Times: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 1pm to 2pm, or by appointment. Qualifications: Based on Federal Poverty Guidelines
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 543-6161 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Hague
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Comfort Food Community - Cossayuna Satellite Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 538-3522
Address: 21 Bunker Hill Rd, Cossayuna, NY 12823. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Greenwich Food Pantry has been in existence since 1986. Until March 2014, it was operated by the Emergency Relief Committee, an informal group of volunteers in Greenwich, NY. Starting in January 2014, a number of Greenwich residents met to plan the formation of a non-profit organization which would take over responsibility for running the Greenwich Food Pantry as well as develop other food-related programs intended to reduce food insecurity in the community. Hours: Tuesdays: 3:30 – 5:30
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 538-3522 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Cossayuna
Help Residents of Counties:
- Washington
The Sacred Heart Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 668-2046
Address: 50 Mohican Street Lk, George, NY 12845. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
A Wednesday tradition during the winter months. Rotating teams of volunteers provide home cooked meals, free to those in our community, 5-6:30pm. Food stuffs are provided by Sacred Heart. Volunteers donate desserts and services. Begins the first week after Columbus Day (October) until the 2nd Wednesday of May. The Pantry provides food to those families in need (average 60 families a month) in the Lake George area. The Pantry is open on the 2nd and/or 4thFriday each month, from 1 until 3 pm. We request that our families use one of those two days. Families must reside in Warren County to be eligible.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 668-2046 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- George
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
North Country Ministries - Warrensburg Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 251-4460
Address: 3933 Main St, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Provides emergency food to families in Warrensburg. The Food Pantry is open each Wednesday from 1-4 pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 251-4460 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Warrensburg
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Greenfield Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 893-7074
Address: 25 Wilton Rd, Greenfield Center, NY 12833. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
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 :
Call (518) 893-7074 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Greenfield Center
Help Residents of Counties:
- Saratoga
Maxsfield Community Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 696-4979
Address: 89 Bay Road Lk, Luzerne, NY 12846. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Your Community Food Pantry is open six days a week! You’ll find members of all the churches in our community staffing this ministry to the residents of the Hadley-Luzerne School District. We’re open on: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1-4 p.m. Tuesday 6-8 p.m. Thursday 9-noon Saturday 10-1 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 696-4979 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Luzerne
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
Stony Creek Town Hall Food Pantry
Phone: (518) 696-3575
Address: 52 Hadley Rd, Stony Creek, NY 12878. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Stony Creek Town Hall Food Pantry provides food for the needy in the community. Income Eligible. Stop at town hall to fill out form.Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (518) 696-3575 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Stony Creek
Help Residents of Counties:
- Warren
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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 Glens Falls, 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.