We found 24 food pantries listed for Queens, New York. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in New York.
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 12 Church Food Pantry locations in Queens, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
St Rafael RC Church
Phone: (516) 308-3808
Address: 3520 Greenpoint Ave, Queens, NY 11101. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Fri: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
St. Raphael Parish Social Ministry helps all parishioners recognize that their baptism calls them to be ambassadors of hope through direct service for others and advocacy for a just and peaceful world.
-Office Support. Parish volunteers assist once weekly for three hours, or on a substitute basis, in areas including phone work, assisting food pantry guests, transportation calls, and referrals for assistance in various areas
-St. Vincent de Paul Society. Members work with PSM to respond to emergency needs within the community. Meet monthly.
-Emergency Food Pantry. Donation and collection of foods, paper and cleaning products given to individuals and families in need in parish area.
-St. Anthony Ministry. Volunteers bring food donated by parishioners from Str. Anthony statue in Church to the Food Pantry in PSM office after Mass.
-Bereavement Support Group. Trained facilitators hold eight-week group sessions in the fall and spring to provide support and information to those in the initial grieving process (two months – two years).
-Cancer Support Group. Bi-weekly meetings with a nurse facilitator for people dealing with all cancer types and stages.
-Transportation Assistance. Volunteer parishioners using their own vehicles who provide rides to and from medical appointments for parishioners.
-Hopemobile Drivers & Companions. Provide scheduled rides for seniors and wheelchair-bound parishioners to Mass, food shopping and medical appointments in our parish van (initial home visit required to prospective passengers). May serve weekly, monthly, seasonally. Valid NYS state driver’s required.
-Friendly Visitors and Callers. Make periodic visits to homebound parishioners or make weekly phone calls to nurture the parish community connection.
-Caregiver Support Group. Monthly meetings are held for those caring for aging and chronically family members.
For more information please call us at 516-308-3808.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- clothing
- furniture
- transportation
- in-home support
- financial assistance
- navigating the system
- home visiting
- support groups
Appointments :
Call (516) 308-3808 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Leviticus Church of God in Christ
Phone: (718) 322-1095
Address: 11412 Van Wyck Expy, Queens, NY 11420. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Leviticus Church of God in Christ Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 322-1095 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
St Nicholas of Tolentine Church
Phone: (718) 969-3226
Address: 15075 Goethals Ave, Queens, NY 11432. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Pantry program provides groceries to families in need.
For more information, contact 718-969-3226.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 969-3226 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
First Presbyterian Church In Jamaica
Phone: (718) 526-4775
Address: 8960 164th St, Queens, NY 11432. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica Food Program offers free meals and groceries to families in need.Our Soup Kitchen Ministry, continues to demonstrate excellence in providing meals to needy persons.
For more information, please call us at 718-526-4775.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 526-4775 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens
Phone: (718) 528-7744
Address: 21602 137th Ave, Queens, NY 11413. 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
First Presbyterian Church of Springfield Gardens Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Please bring your ID. It is advised that you arrive early due to the high volume of individuals who are seeking food.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 528-7744 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
First United Methodist Church of Jamaica
Phone: (718) 739-2269
Address: 16210 Highland Ave, Queens, NY 11432. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
At First United Methodist Church of Jamaica, we help you explore your relationship with God and improve those meaningful relationships in your family life. Join us each Sunday and experience the warmth of faith and the strength of our community.
At First United Methodist Church we are committed to fighting hunger and have a team of dedicated volunteers ready to assist you each week.
We are open on Mondays and if Monday is a holiday, the pantry will be open the following Monday/
Enter through the Social Hall on the ground level, adjacent to the parking lot off 87th Road.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- spiritual support
Appointments :
Call (718) 739-2269 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Queensboro SDA Church
Phone: (718) 776-8538
Address: 9650 222nd St, Queens, NY 11429. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Program offers groceries to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 776-8538 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Hollis Ave. Congregational Church
Phone: (718) 464-0738
Address: [20601 - 20605] Hollis Ave, Queens, NY 11429. 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
Hollis Ave. Congregational Church Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Please bring with you your ID.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 464-0738 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
The Church of God in Christ Jesus of the Apostles' Faith, Inc.
Phone: (718) 291-9281
Address: Call for address
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 Pantry program provides free meals to the Jamaica Queens community through our food distribution program
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 291-9281 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Bronx
- Dutchess
- Kings
- Nassau
- Orange
- Putnam
- Queens
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Suffolk
- Westchester
St. Michael's Church
Phone: (718) 961-0295
Address: 13865 Barclay Ave, Queens, NY 11355. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
St. Michael's Church Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
St. Michael's Church Food Pantry is part of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens’ network of Food Pantries which provides food assistance to families and individuals in need throughout Brooklyn and Queens who are struggling to make ends meet.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 961-0295 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Peoples United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Phone: (718) 729-6013
Address: 1454 31st Rd, Queens, NY 11106. 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
Our Food Pantry meets the nutritional needs of individuals and families that are unable to provide adequate food for their households. Pantry services are available on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 729-6013 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Community Bible Evangelical Free Church
Phone: (718) 849-0311
Address: 10216 89th Ave, Queens, NY 11418. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
This program offers free meals and groceries to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 849-0311 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 12 Food Pantry locations in Queens, New York. You can also check your eligibility.
Shekinah Glory Community Outreach Services
Phone: (718) 398-8391
Address: 11762 127th St, Queens, NY 11420. 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
Shekinah Glory Community Outreach Services Food Pantry program provides groceries to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 398-8391 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Goodwill Tenant Association Inc.
Phone: (718) 932-4200
Address: 421 27th Ave, Queens, NY 11102. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Pantry provides groceries to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 932-4200 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
African Womens Dream Inc.
Phone: (347) 806-4154
Address: 11117 Sutphin Blvd, Queens, NY 11435. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
African Womens Dream Inc. Food Pantry program distribute food packages to whoever is hungry as we are an organization combating hunger affecting the children and our community families. Over the years our clients have increased, many people who are under-employed, unemployed, or run into financial problems. Children are the most at risk and the number of families continues to increase each year.
Hours Of Operations
Tuesday-4pm-5pm
Saturday-10am-11am
To get services please visit us at
111-17 Sutphin Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11432
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (347) 806-4154 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Aids Center of Queens County Food Pantry (ACQC Food Pantry)
Phone: (718) 896-2500
Address: [9205 - 9209] 162nd St, 6 floor, Queens, NY 11433. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM EST
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM EST
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Pantry program provides groceries to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 896-2500 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
St. Teresa of Avila & St. Anthony of Padua Parish
Phone: (718) 322-5547
Address: 10926 130th St, Queens, NY 11420. 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 Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn serves the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. Parishes are where the Church lives; the home of the Christian community. Parishes are communities of faith, of action and of hope, where the gospel is proclaimed and celebrated.
Our food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need in our community. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 322-5547 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Flushing Jewish Community Council
Phone: (718) 463-0434
Address: 4343 Bowne St, Queens, NY 11355. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Flushing Jewish Community Council improves intra-Jewish communal affairs and relations with other ethnic groups while building bridges to promote harmony among the various communities of Queens.
Our services include:
-Advocacy/Counseling Services
-Ben Kuyler Education Program
-English (ESOL) & Citizenship Classes
-Food Pantry
-Healthy Lives, Healthy Relationships
-Jewish Holiday/Community Events
-Multicultural Programs.
Call (718) 463-0434 for more information.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- health education
- counseling
- more education
- english as a second language (esl)
Appointments :
Call (718) 463-0434 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Central Queens YM & YWHA
Phone: (718) 793-0515
Address: 6709 108th St, Queens, NY 11375. 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 Pantry provides groceries to people in need. Please remember that anyone who is in need of groceries can call us any time to arrange an emergency pick-up.
Contact Mindy at 718.268.5011 ext 633 or by email, mnisanov@cqy.org for additional information about becoming a client.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 793-0515 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Holy Ghost Revival
Phone: (718) 529-8736
Address: 12915 Liberty Ave, Queens, NY 11419. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
This program offers free meals and groceries to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 529-8736 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
The River Fund New York
Phone: (718) 441-1125
Address: 8911 Lefferts Blvd, Queens, NY 11418. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
The River Fund Food Pantry provides groceries to families in need.
The pantry is located in the Richmond Hill neighborhood.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 441-1125 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
National Sorority Phi Delta Kappa
Phone: (718) 723-1119
Address: 11708 Merrick Blvd, Queens, NY 11434. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM EST
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM EST
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Food Pantry program provides groceries to families in need.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 723-1119 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
Beth Gavriel Bukharian Jewish Center
Phone: (718) 268-3447
Address: 6635 108th St, Queens, NY 11375. 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 Pantry Program offers free meals and groceries to families in need.
To get services please visit us at
6635 108th St, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Services provided :
- food pantry
- meals
Appointments :
Call (718) 268-3447 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
St. Benedict the Moor
Phone: (718) 526-4018
Address: 17117 Brinkerhoff Ave, Queens, NY 11433. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Church of St. Bonaventure- St. Benedict the Moor is here for you and we strive to be a Church that displays the love of Christ and connects with people of all walks of life through creative programs, discipleship, outreach, and a family friendly environment.
St. Bonaventure – St. Benedict the Moor Parish is part of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens’ network of Food Pantries that provides food assistance to families and individuals in need throughout Brooklyn and Queens who are struggling to make ends meet.
Our program is designed to assist clients with supplemental food items and provides a temporary solution to hunger and food insecurity. The amount of food varies by family size and is based on the number of people living in the home. We offer our services on the first and fourth Tuesday of each month in St. Benedict the Moor Church Hall.
The food pantry is closed during the months of July and August.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (718) 526-4018 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Queens
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, 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 Queens, 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.