Food Pantry in Forney, Texas

A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Forney, Texas 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 Forney, Texas 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 Forney, Texas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center

Services provided :

  • Drop Box
  • Salvation Army Family Store

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (972) 487-0271 to book your appointment.

Address :

[690 - 698] Buckingham Rd,
Garland, TX 75081.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Dallas

The Salvation Army - DFW Metroplex - Garland Corps

Services provided :

  • Worship Services - Church

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (972) 272-4531 to book your appointment.

Address :

451 W Avenue D,
Garland, TX 75040.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
  • Sat:
  • Sun:

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Dallas

Church Food Pantry

A number of churches around Forney, Texas 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 4 Church Food Pantry locations in Forney, Texas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

Mesquite Church of Christ

The Yellow House at the Mesquite Church of Christ is a ministry dedicated to feeding those in our community in need of food.

We provide food to families living in the following zip codes:
75040 75087 75114 75150 75180
75041 75088 75126 75159 75181
75042 75089 75142 75160 75182
75043 75098 75149 75161

Each time you visit, you are required to bring:
• Proof of Address (such as a water or utility bill
• Photo ID

You will be issued a Yellow Card after your first visit that you must also bring with you on each subsequent visit.

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 (972) 329-6866 to book your appointment.

Address :

217 S Locust St,
Mesquite, TX 75149.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tues: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Wed: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Thurs: 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Fri: Closed
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

First Christian Church Rowlett

The Food Pantry has been providing food to needy families since 2001. This is an ongoing ministry based solely on donations of food and time from the congregation, the community, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and area churches.

Our food pantry is open on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Tuesday evenings. Serving Rowlett, Rockwall, Sachse, Wylie and Garland.

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 (972) 475-3559 to book your appointment.

Address :

7301 Miller Rd,
Rowlett, TX 75088.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Tues: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Wed: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Thurs: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Fri: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Garland
  • Rockwall
  • Rowlett
  • Sachse
  • Wylie

Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church

Revive Community Care is an outreach ministry of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church to serve its community of believers and community at large with needs such as food, clothing and Christmas gifts for children, therefore, providing opportunity for members to serve.

-Food Pantry-Provides food free of charge to members of our church, as well as families and individuals in our community who are facing financial struggles. It is open on Wednesdays, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. If you would like to support the Revive Food Pantry but you're unable to contribute financially, you can simply use your Kroger Card to earn dollars for Revive.
-Unity Park is to afford a variety of opportunities for our church members and friends to prepare and serve meals, and provide hydration and treats for the city’s homeless. Our ministry leader works closely with park directors to coordinate events at Unity Park which are typically scheduled on the 4th Sabbath of each month.
-Children's Program-Working with local non-profit family and child services, Revive provides the opportunity for children to experience the joy of Christmas with Build A Bear and Christmas gifts through our Christmas Wish Tree.
-Arlington Church Emergency Response Team is to deploy trained teams to provide support to local professional responders in the event of a disaster. The ACERT teams will provide first aid, spiritual and emotional support, debris removal, chainsaw crews, and food for victims affected by the disaster. CERT training is required to participate.

Services provided :

  • disaster response
  • food pantry
  • toys & gifts
  • support network

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (817) 483-4837 to book your appointment.

Address :

4409 Pleasantview Dr,
Arlington, TX 76017.
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:

  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Hood
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Somervell
  • Tarrant
  • Wise

Episcopal Church of the Ascension

The Food Pantry provides bagged goods to needy families. Approximately 100 bags are distributed every month and each bag costs approximately $10.00.

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 (214) 340-4196 to book your appointment.

Address :

8787 Greenville Ave,
Dallas, TX 75243.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM EST
  • Tues: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM EST
  • Wed: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM EST
  • Thurs: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM EST
  • Fri: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM EST
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Hood
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Somervell
  • Tarrant
  • Wise

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 Forney, Texas 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 Forney, Texas 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 Forney, Texas 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 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Forney, Texas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

Mobile Food Pantry

The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Forney, Texas 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 Forney, 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 Forney, Texas 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 Forney, Texas 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 Forney, Texas 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 9 Food Pantry locations in Forney, Texas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.

The Family Center

Housing Program provides case management, life skills groups, food and diaper pantry assistance. Individuals must be considered homeless (homeless verification letter required) must be alcohol and drug free, must be working full time or part time and going to school.

For more information about our Housing Program, call 972-276-0423 ext. 229 or 241.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • diapers & formula
  • daily life skills
  • navigating the system
  • one-on-one 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 (972) 276-0423 to book your appointment.

Address :

218 N 10th St,
Garland, TX 75040.
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:

  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Rockwall

Metropolitan Dream Center Inc

The Metropolitan Dream Center,Inc. (MDC) is a non-profit organization that distributes food to the homeless. It is a group of volunteers that reach out to the less fortunate of our communities around the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. We also hold social events in order to come in contact with and help a lot of people all at once. Check our Calendar for the next MDC Event and plan to attend. You will be glad you did and we would love to meet you.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we distribute free food and clothing and on Wednesday, we provide free hot meals from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.

The required documents are:

Picture ID
Social Security Card
Proof of Income
Proof of Residency

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • clothing
  • 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 to book your appointment.

Address :

6525 S R.L. Thornton Fwy,
Dallas, TX 75232.
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:

  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Hood
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Somervell
  • Tarrant
  • Wise
  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Hood
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Somervell
  • Tarrant
  • Wise

Bare Bottom Ministry, Inc.

It is the mission of Bare Bottom Ministry Inc. (BBM) to support and strengthen the community by providing food, toiletries and supportive services to people who are homeless, or at risk, and to advocate for collaborative, locally driven solutions to end homelessness.

Currently, BBM provides food and toiletries each month to the homeless men, women and children in the Dallas Ft.Worth area.

Please visit 179 S. Watson Road, Suite 401 in Arlington Texas to receive services.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • personal care items

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 :

179 S Watson Rd, SUITE 401,
Arlington, TX 76010.
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:

  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Hood
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Somervell
  • Tarrant
  • Wise

Lake Area Shared Ministries

Lake Area Shared Ministries provides supplemental food to assist your family to put the next meal on the table. We are open to try to serve all and help those that we can.

Hours of Operation: 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Bi-lingual assistance (Spanish/English) is available on Tuesdays.

When you arrive please have the following available:

• Photo ID
• Electric Bill, Gas Bill or Phone Bill (proof of residency)
• Social Security Numbers for ALL FAMILY Members
• Proof if Income (Check Stub, Social Security Letter, Food Stamp Award Letter or Tax Returns

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 (903) 356-6744 to book your appointment.

Address :

[100 - 11699] TX-34, PO BOX 492 8493,
Quinlan, TX 75474.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
  • Tues: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
  • Wed: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
  • Thurs: Closed
  • Fri: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Tarrant
  • Wise
  • Collin
  • Somervell

Arlington Urban Ministries (AUM)

Emergency food pantry program offers a limited pantry of our clients needing food, personal hygiene items and things like diapers, detergent, shoes, socks and blankets. We provide 1-2 days of food for each family, as well as sack lunches for the homeless.

Visit us to receive our services or call us at 817-861-8585 for more information about our program.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • diapers & formula
  • home goods
  • blankets & fans
  • personal care items
  • 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 (817) 861-8585ext to book your appointment.

Address :

701 Dugan St,
Arlington, TX 76010.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tues: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wed: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thurs: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Tarrant
  • Dallas
  • Collin
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Henderson
  • Hood
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall

Roanoke Food Pantry

Roanoke Food Pantry provides staple food supplies to families in need year round. In addition, the pantry can also help with clothing, health/hygiene supplies, medical/dental care, utility payments and furniture/appliances.

Roanoke Food Pantry also provides each family with a full Christmas dinner through The Christmas Basket program to ensure that each child has a special Christmas, we have our annual Adopt-A-Child program too.

Services provided :

  • food pantry
  • help pay for utilities
  • dental care
  • medical care

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (817) 491-4451 to book your appointment.

Address :

108 Pecan St,
Roanoke, TX 76262.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM EST
  • Tues: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM EST
  • Wed: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM EST
  • Thurs: Closed
  • Fri: Closed
  • Sat: Closed
  • Sun: Closed

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Collin
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Hood
  • Hunt
  • Johnson
  • Kaufman
  • Parker
  • Rockwall
  • Somervell
  • Tarrant
  • Wise

Resource Center

Since 1983, Resource Center has provided programs of interest to LGBT individuals and critical assistance to people affected by HIV/AIDS. HIV services are provided in accordance with the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act to people with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS who have income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level and reside in the agency’s service area.

Services are provided regardless of age, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or inability to pay.

HIV services provided by Resource Center include:

case management
medical case management
food pantry
hot meals
health insurance premium and medication co-pay assistance
oral health care
empowerment and support groups

In order to establish eligibility for Resource Center HIV services, all potential clients must complete an intake session.

All clients wishing to access Resource Center's HIV services for the first time must establish eligibility at the Client Services office. Client eligibility must be renewed semi-annually (every six months.) Client Intake, schedule an appointment by calling 214-528-0144.

You may download the Statement of No Income Form and Supporter's Statement. You may print the forms, fill them out before your intake, and bring them with you, if you choose.

Call 866-657-2437 for more information.

Services provided :

  • help pay for healthcare
  • food pantry
  • dental care
  • medical care
  • hiv treatment
  • navigating the system
  • support network
  • one-on-one support
  • 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 (214) 760-9718 to book your appointment.

Address :

3116 Commerce St, SUITE C,
Dallas, TX 75226.
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:

  • Collin
  • Cooke
  • Dallas
  • Denton
  • Ellis
  • Fannin
  • Grayson
  • Henderson
  • Hunt
  • Kaufman
  • Navarro
  • Rockwall

Metro Family Ministries, Inc

Food pantry program provides supplemental groceries to Garland families in need and to families monthly on 1st Thursday 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and 3rd Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

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 (972) 272-1002 to book your appointment.

Address :

3375 Edgewood Dr,
Garland, TX 75042.
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:

  • Garland

Sharing Life Community Outreach

Sharing Life Community Outreach offer a food pantry, a clothes closet, a holiday program, and utility assistance for those who are subject to disconnection of water, gas, or electrical services, assistance in getting gasoline to search for a job or get to work. In addition to this tangible help, SLCO also offers educational programs to enrich the lives and future of our clients. We offer jobs skills training that include basic computing skills and standard business applications, job interview skills classes which include resume writing and dressing for success, parenting classes, a twelve step class for those struggling with addiction and a mentoring program for young, single mothers.

Documents Required:

• You must provide proof of residency: A utility bill from the last 30 days showing applicant name and address or a letter on company letterhead from landlord indicating proof of residency in the last 30 days.
• You must provide proof of identity: a state driver’s license, state identification, military identification, foreign consulate—issued identification (Matricula Consular)

Services provided :

  • help pay for gas
  • help pay for utilities
  • food pantry
  • clothing
  • toys & gifts
  • 12-step
  • daily life skills
  • parenting education
  • help pay for work expenses
  • navigating the system
  • mentoring
  • skills & training
  • computer class
  • interview training
  • resume development

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (972) 285-5819 to book your appointment.

Address :

3544 E Emporium Cir,
Mesquite, TX 75150.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tues: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Wed: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Thurs: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Fri: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
  • Sat: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Sun: Closed

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 Forney, Texas

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.