A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Ladson, South Carolina distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around Ladson, South Carolina from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Ladson, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - CHARLESTON, SC
Services provided :
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation & Education Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Day Camp Activities
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Emergency Shelter
- Latchkey Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Seasonal Services
- Store
- Transitional Care & Work Release
- Transitional Housing
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 747-5271 to book your appointment.
Address :
4248 Dorchester Rd,
North Charleston, SC 29405.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Charleston
Salvation Army Carolinas - Charleston
The Salvation Army in Charleston provides a food pantry to help combat hunger in our community. Our food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and need assistance to make ends meet.
Please be ready to fill out some paperwork when visiting our pantry.
Documents Required:
• Photo ID
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 804-9072 to book your appointment.
Address :
6209 Rivers Ave,
North Charleston, SC 29406.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Ladson, South Carolina have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 8 Church Food Pantry locations in Ladson, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Metropolitan Community Church Of Charleston
The Food Bank Ministries provides food on an emergency basis to those in need. Our team works diligently to provide resources for other services such as utility assistance and medical needs. In addition the food bank runs an annual Free Market which provides items such as clothing and housewares to the community on a completely free basis.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
- navigating the system
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 760-6114 to book your appointment.
Address :
7860 Dorchester Rd,
North Charleston, SC 29418.
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:
- Charleston
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church
The Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church food pantry ministry 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 for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Our pantry is open 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday & Friday by appointment only. Please call 843-797-2648 to be placed on the waiting list.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 797-2648 to book your appointment.
Address :
7396 Rivers Ave,
North Charleston, SC 29406.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- North Charleston
Cordesville First Baptist Church
Our 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 for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Food assistance is available once monthly with emergencies addressed as they arise. Assistance with utility bills is provided as funds are available. Monetary assistance, in general, is only provided once. Exceptions are addressed by committee as need arises. Needs will be addressed and applications taken whenever the food pantry is open for distribution.
Services provided :
- help pay for utilities
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 761-4710 to book your appointment.
Address :
1907 South Carolina State Route 402,
Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Moncks Corner
Pointe North Church
Our Food Pantry Team members get to imagine the joy of giving someone that has not eaten in days a box of food.
Pointe North Church Food Pantry provides:
-a box of food
-team members talk and pray with every person that requests assistance
Services provided :
- food pantry
- spiritual support
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 761-6196 to book your appointment.
Address :
110 Bilo Dr, SUITE C,
Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
Seacoast Church
Here at Seacoast we’re committed to helping people become fully devoted followers of Christ. We provide the opportunity to have a life-changing experience every weekend through authentic worship, a practical message, and an opportunity to respond to God.
Many families have to choose between rent and food. The Dream Center alleviates one choice through our emergency food assistance, providing groceries through a personal touch and communicating a positive message to each family. An estimated 50,000 meals have been provided through the Dream Pantry to our community.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
5505 N Rhett Ave,
North Charleston, SC 29406.
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:
- Charleston
First Baptist Church
Feeding the Hungry program provides food to families in need. Families needing assistance apply for this assistance on the first and third Wednesday of the month.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 761-8116 to book your appointment.
Address :
112 E Main St,
Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
Faith Assembly Church - Moncks Corner
Our Food Distribution provides food to feed families and individuals in need. 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 for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion.
Food Distribution occurs every 3rd Saturday of the month.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 761-6866ext to book your appointment.
Address :
1286 US-52 E,
Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Moncks Corner
First Fruits Community Church
If you live in the city of Summerville, SC and you need help with food, then simply fill out the information on our website. Please provide your first and last name as well as your zip code as proof of residence in Summerville.
We are first come first serve and you must have your request in for help no later than the 3rd Saturday of every month and confirmed with the Summerville Food Bank via email that you will be picking up groceries. Food will be distributed the 4th Saturday of every month.
You must submit your information in order to be scheduled to pick up food. We will not be prepared to give out food to people that show up without contacting us first through the website.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 970-0821 to book your appointment.
Address :
195 Farmington Rd,
Summerville, SC 29486.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Summerville
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Ladson, South Carolina are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Ladson, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Ladson, South Carolina almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Ladson, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands
Helping Hands of Goose Creek is an emergency food program serving individuals and families who are experiencing a life crisis situation. It is our mission to help these families achieve self-sufficiency regardless of the life crisis event.
Services include:
• Food Pantry Distribution
• USDA/(TEFAP) The Emergency Food Assistance Program
• Emergency Needs
• Benefit Bank Services
• Referral Services
• Crisis Intervention
• Special Projects
• Money Management Training
• Diabetic Support
• Basic Computer/Internet Training
Documents Required: Please your bring a valid photo ID and proof of residence.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- navigating the system
- one-on-one support
- computer class
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 553-7132 to book your appointment.
Address :
104 Commerce Pl,
Goose Creek, SC 29445.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Ladson, South Carolina in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2024
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Ladson, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Ladson, South Carolina much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Ladson, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Ladson, South Carolina area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 7 Food Pantry locations in Ladson, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mercy Matters
Mercy Matters works to provide the mercy of fresh water, basic food, clothing, beds, and other necessities in North Carolina, South Carolina and abroad. Our goals are pretty simple. We try to go where God leads us and provide basic necessities. Our focus is on children and families. We work primarily around Charlotte, NC, Charleston, SC and Nicaragua.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- baby clothes
- clothing
- furniture
- supplies for school
- toys & gifts
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (704) 756-9539 to book your appointment.
Address :
300 Eagle Bend Dr,
Waxhaw, NC 28173.
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:
- Cabarrus
- Chester
- Gaston
- Iredell
- Lancaster
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- Rowan
- Union
- York
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Community Impact For Christ
The Community Impact for Christ outreach seeks to serve the needs of the uninsured and underserved in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties of South Carolina while demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ. These needs may include physical health, physical needs (clothing, food), emotional health and spiritual guidance.
Through the Food Pantry Program, Community Impact For Christ supplies groceries to needy families once a month.
CIfC offers services every Monday evening from 5:00 to 8:30PM at Old Fort Baptist Church, 10505 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC except for the holidays. Call 843-697-9504 for more information about the availability of the services.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 697-9504 to book your appointment.
Address :
10505 Dorchester Rd,
Summerville, SC 29485.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Community Impact for Christ, Inc.
We are proud to offer a food pantry to those who are enduring a difficult time during their lives and need extra groceries for themselves or their family. Groceries are available one time per month to each family unit. Services are offered at Old Fort Baptist Church.
Current information on all persons residing in each particular household is required before any services will be provided. Until this information is completed and eligibility is approved only limited services may be provided.
The following documents are required during your first visit to our location:
• Current Photo ID
• Copy of current utility bill or document in the name of the head of household indicating the residence address
• Social Security card, birth certificate or passport of children
• Proof of income
• Proof of assistance recieved
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 697-9504 to book your appointment.
Address :
10505 Dorchester Rd,
Summerville, SC 29485.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Midland Park Community Ministries
Midland Park Community Ministries provides the most immediate need which is food assistance. Many of our clients live within walking distance but for those who don't, our food packers do their best to ensure that groceries will survive any trip. In addition to food, we also provide clothing and clients can receive financial assistance once a year. Financial literacy classes are offered quarterly and employment preparation and assistance are also available.
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
- clothing
- financial assistance
- financial education
- help find work
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 553-2012 to book your appointment.
Address :
2427 Midland Park Rd,
Charleston, SC 29406.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 02:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- North Charleston
Cathedral Of Praise Ministries
The Bread Basket Cathedral provides bread and other grocery items to folks who are struggling financially and to other organizations that aid the needy. They serve approximately 200 families a week and distribute food to several local ministries and service organizations.
For more details call (843) 760-2626 or email cathedral@cathedralemail.com
Services provided :
- food delivery
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (184) 376-0262ext6 to book your appointment.
Address :
3790 Ashley Phosphate Rd,
North Charleston, SC 29418.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
St. Paul's Summerville
HELP of Summerville provides emergency services to Lower Dorchester County residents after they have been pre-screened and referred from other community agencies such as United Way, DSS, schools, and churches. We are located on our church grounds.
HELP of Summerville may provide temporary financial assistance for rent and utilities, and vouchers for clothing and food, or provide food items from their in-house food pantry.
Services provided :
- help pay for food
- help pay for housing
- help pay for utilities
- emergency food
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 871-0182 to book your appointment.
Address :
316 W Carolina Ave,
Summerville, SC 29483.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Fri: 09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Dorchester
Lowcountry C.A.R.E.S.
Lowcountry C.A.R.E.S. provides emergency assistance for the following basic needs:
•Food
•Clothing
•Limited financial assistance
•Small household items (when available)
•Job Information
•Referrals to other community services
Through our Hispanic Ministry, the pantry will be open to assist those with limited english, every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
Documentation needed for service:
•Photo ID (everyone in the household over 18)
•Proof of date of birth
•Proof of residency
•Proof of income ( all income in household)
Clients may use the pantry once per month and by appointment only.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
- financial assistance
- navigating the system
- help find work
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (843) 553-2012 to book your appointment.
Address :
2427 Midland Park Rd,
Charleston, SC 29406.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: 10:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Ladson, South Carolina
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.