Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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(610) 275-4183

The Salvation Army is uniquely equipped to respond to both acute disasters such as fires and floods as well as the daily, ongoing struggles of the less fortunate individuals and families and has a record of success stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs are the most fundamental social service program offered at nearly every Salvation Army location. These programs provide nutritious, warm meals to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. Many Salvation Army locations increase these programs during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season which are both financially and emotionally straining on many households.

Trained and experienced Salvation Army officers and social workers provide counseling services for a wide array of needs ranging from household budgeting and finance to family matters such as parenting and more. The Salvation Army not only provides spiritual guidance, but will also refer clients to other agencies that may offer additional resources for the individual or family.

Numerous career development programs provide a myriad of support for local job seekers. In addition to resume building, interview techniques, and job search skills, these programs provide assistance with online tools and resources assisting candidates in finding meaningful employment opportunities.

Each holiday season, thousands of people donate gifts and clothing items that we are able to share with children and families in need. The Salvation Army also reaches out to those who may be feeling alone during the holidays. Through all of our efforts, The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas and throughout the year.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • clothing
  • toys & gifts
  • parenting education
  • counseling
  • financial education
  • navigating the system
  • help find work
  • support network
  • spiritual support
  • skills & training
  • interview training
  • resume development
  • meals

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (610) 275-4183 to book your appointment.

Address :

3225 Reed St,
Philadelphia, PA 19146.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • 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

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Philadelphia
  • New Castle
  • Adams
  • Berks
  • Bucks
  • Carbon
  • Chester
  • Cumberland
  • Dauphin
  • Delaware
  • Juniata
  • Lackawanna
  • Lancaster
  • Lehigh
  • Luzerne
  • Lycoming
  • Mifflin
  • Monroe
  • Montgomery
  • Montour
  • Northampton
  • Northumberland
  • Perry
  • Pike
  • Schuylkill
  • Sullivan
  • Susquehanna
  • Union
  • Wayne
  • York

Appointments

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.

For the full set of services, you can call (610) 275-4183 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.

Food Pantry in Near By City

Food Pantry in Near By County

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.