A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - MIDLANDS REGIONAL COORDINATE
Services provided :
- Character Building Programs
- Christian Education
- Community Recreation Programs
- Disaster Services
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Residential Camping Activities
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Children's / Teen
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
- Worship Services - Young Adult
- Worship Services - Youth Ministries
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (803) 765-0260 to book your appointment.
Address :
3024 Farrow Rd, COLUMBIA,
Columbia, SC 29203.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Richland
The Salvation Army - IRMO, SC
Services provided :
- Camping Activities
- Christian Education
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Men's Ministries
- Residential Camping Activities
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizen Clubs
- Store
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Church
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (803) 667-4075 to book your appointment.
Address :
7532 Irmo Dr, IRMO,
Columbia, SC 29212.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lexington
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Lexington, 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 10 Church Food Pantry locations in Lexington, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Sandhills Community Church
November Kindness Outreach Fill The Pantry provides families with a 3 day supply of food that is non-perishable and easily prepared. You can drop off your donations at Sandhills until Thanksgiving. For more information, call 803-699-7112.
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 (803) 699-7112 to book your appointment.
Address :
3513 Hardscrabble Rd,
Columbia, SC 29223.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lexington
- Richland
Hope Baptist Church & Academy
HOPE 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 regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
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 (803) 788-5088 to book your appointment.
Address :
2117 Clemson Rd,
Columbia, SC 29229.
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 Cities:
- Columbia
Christian Life Church inc
Emergency food pantry provides beans (canned/dried), rice (package/box), canned vegetables, canned fruit, baby food, pampers, pasta & sauces, canned meat, cereal/grits, soups and peanut butter. The emergency food pantry is open Mondays 12:30-3:30pm. For more information, call 803-798-4488.
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 (803) 798-4488 to book your appointment.
Address :
2700 Bush River Rd,
Columbia, SC 29210.
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:
- Richland
- Lexington
First Nazareth Baptist Church
First Nazareth Baptist Church Food Pantry provides food staples to persons in need living in the Greater Columbia area. The pantry, which is open on Saturdays and is operated by the Deacon Ministry and volunteers from the congregation.
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 (803) 254-6232 to book your appointment.
Address :
2351 Gervais St,
Columbia, SC 29204.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Columbia
First Calvary Baptist Church
First Calvary’s Food Pantry has served the surrounding community for the past 21 years and assists an average of 330 families monthly. Through the generous giving of the members of First Calvary, local churches and businesses, occasional gifts from individuals, local school food drives, and the dedicated volunteers of the First Calvary Food Pantry, we are able to help meet the needs of many families in our community and spread the love of Jesus Christ.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
2320 Cedar Grove Rd,
Leesville, SC 29070.
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 Cities:
- Leesville
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Food Pantry program provides donated non-perishable foodstuffs to needy persons in the community on third Sunday of each 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 (803) 787-4413 to book your appointment.
Address :
3909 Forest Dr,
Columbia, SC 29204.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- 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
Help Residents of Counties:
- Richland
Dixiana Baptist Church
Dixiana Baptist Church operates a food pantry that 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 simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
Please call our church for pantry hours and further information.
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 (803) 791-8625 to book your appointment.
Address :
3516 Charleston Hwy,
West Columbia, SC 29172.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- West Columbia
Green Hill Baptist Church
Twice a week, Green Hill offers a Food Pantry to the community. 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.
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 (803) 794-5125 to book your appointment.
Address :
1800 Augusta Rd,
West Columbia, SC 29169.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- West Columbia
Reid Chapel Ame Church
Food pantry program provides food for senior citizens and families throughout the greater Columbia Area.
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 (803) 786-0701 to book your appointment.
Address :
709 Gabriel St,
Columbia, SC 29203.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Richland
Wesley United Methodist Church
Food Pantry program provides non-perishable items consisting of canned meats, vegetables, and fruits, pastas, rice, as well as foods that individuals can eat without much cooking preparation. The Food Pantry Ministry has been in existence for several years and served numerous persons from all walks of life.. Bags of food are distributed Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by church members. For more information about this program please call (803)799-1426 or even email at wesleyunitedmcsc@gmail.com.
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 (803) 799-1426 to book your appointment.
Address :
1725 Gervais St,
Columbia, SC 29201.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Richland
- Lexington
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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
God's Helping Hands
God's Helping Hands gives food assistance for those who are in crisis. We help to pay for or otherwise provide and groceries for those who cannot afford to buy them. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
Clients must sign in by 11:00 a.m. to request assistance.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- help pay for food
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (803) 791-4167 to book your appointment.
Address :
917 Holland Ave, #919,
Cayce, SC 29033.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 Lexington, 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 6 Food Pantry locations in Lexington, South Carolina which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Community Housing Administration
Community Housing Administration provides affordable housing, shelter, food baskets, clothes, fans and heaters to low to moderately low income persons and families, elderly and persons with disabilities in hopes of introducing them to a brighter future.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- residential housing
- clothing
- blankets & fans
- temporary shelter
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (803) 463-8267 to book your appointment.
Address :
,
San Diego, CA 92109.
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 Cities:
- Columbia
God's Storehouse
You may be experiencing a difficult season of life right now. Through the generosity of your neighbors, local churches and area businesses, God's Storehouse is able to assist you through this time with food, clothing and household items. Please stop by to learn more and to take advantage of this ministry to our neighbors in need in the Midlands.
What is Available:
- Food for each member of household for 3 to 5 days
- Men, Woman and children's clothing
- Household items/small appliances
- Baby needs
- Furniture (as available)
Required Documents:
- Once per year, any household members actively receiving a Tanif check, Medicaid, or Food Stamps must bring a yearly printout.
- All other times, bring a picture ID and proof of address for all persons age 19 and above.
- For all other children, bring a birth certificate, social security card, or Medicaid card.
- One month's proof of income for all household members. This can be a payroll check, unemployment check or letters, social security letters, retirement or other income.
You can receive food and clothing/household items from God's Storehouse as often as every 30 days.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- clothing
- home goods
- furniture
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (803) 691-1622 to book your appointment.
Address :
,
Columbia, SC 29260.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Columbia
Christian Ministry Center of Batesburg-Leesville
The Food Pantry of Christian Ministry Center of Batesburg-Leesville supplies food, clothing, and financial support to residents of the Batesburg-Leesville area. Our pantry helps alleviate hunger in the community, as well as, provides basic necessities for those in need.
Individuals must first apply for our services before they can access them.
Documentation Required:
• Photo ID
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- financial assistance
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (803) 532-0033 to book your appointment.
Address :
1408 Summerland Ave,
Leesville, SC 29070.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lexington
Sharing God's Love
Sharing God's Love helps families facing emergencies related to their basic living needs. Services offered include; food, clothing, financial assistance and spiritual support.
To be eligible for assistance, one must reside in one of the following zip codes 29063, 29210, 29212 or 29002 and be interviewed by a staff member. They must also provide a current picture ID showing that they reside in the service area and have proof of current address, as well as Social Security Card for themselves and anyone living in their household.
Those needing assistance must sign in between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Services provided :
- help pay for utilities
- food pantry
- clothing
- prescription assistance
- financial assistance
- 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 (803) 732-3188 to book your appointment.
Address :
147 Friarsgate Blvd,
Irmo, SC 29063.
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
Christ Central Ministries
Columbia Mission Station program provides food Wednesdays 9 to 11, clothing, diapers, assistance with benefit bank applications, assistance with birth certificate and ID fees and referrals for men, women and children. For more information call 803-765-1998.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- diapers & formula
- clothing
- navigating the system
- help fill out forms
- identification recovery
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (803) 765-1998 to book your appointment.
Address :
2401 Main St,
Columbia, SC 29201.
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:
- Lexington
- Richland
Chapin We Care Center
Chapin We Care Center serves as an outreach ministry for churches in the Chapin, Little Mountain, White Rock, Peak, Pomaria, and Prosperity communities to serve the poor and needy, with the support of our affiliated churches, local businesses, civic organizations, and individuals. Our center coordinates resources to act as a single point of service for our clients. We work with families and individuals in the Chapin community facing emergencies in their basic living needs.
Food assistance is available every 30 days to qualifying candidates living in our service area. There is no charge to clients for services received.
We Care Center is here to provide assistance to our neighbors who have fallen on hard times in Chapin or the surrounding areas. If you need a hand to get back on your feet, contact us at 803-345-3244 for more information.
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 to book your appointment.
Address :
1800 Chapin Rd,
Chapin, SC 29036.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Aiken
- Calhoun
- Lexington
- Newberry
- Orangeburg
- Richland
- Saluda
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 Lexington, 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.