Pasadena Community Ministry (PCM) was organized with area churches in 1997 as a volunteer organization serving the local community. We serve both individuals and families who meet reasonable criteria of need and willingness to make an effort to provide for themselves. PCM now serves the Pasadena and Deer Park areas giving food and clothing assistance to those in a crisis of need. Through this temporary assistance we strive to help them to stabilize their lives and financial situation. PCM also aids our clients by identifying other assistance agencies that may provide additional temporary or long-term aid. Neither faith nor heritage are factors in determining need, we are open to all.
Pasadena Community Ministry serves as a food bank for Pasadena and Deer Park residents. The food pantry is open on Tuesday mornings (9:00 am – 12:00 pm) , Thursday afternoons (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) and the first Saturday of each month (9:00 am – 11:00 am). Each family or individual must register to become eligible for groceries, see requirements here.
If funds are available, Pasadena clients with eviction or service “cut-off” notices may receive financial help for utilities and rent.
For eligibility, you must meet the following requirements:
• Proof of Residence:
- Rent receipt
- Utility bill
- Lease agreement
• Official Social Security Documentation for each member of the household or other ID showing proof of your existence:
- Birth Certificate
- Green Card
- Picture ID
• You must live in the following zip code: 77501, 77502, 77503, 77504, 77505, 77506, 77536
• Food and clothing can be received 7 times per year.
• Financial Assistance can only be received once every 12 months.
For more information regarding the Food Pantry, please call us at 713-477-4336.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- emergency payments
- help pay for housing
- help pay for utilities
- 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 (713) 477-4336 to book your appointment.
Address :
[1300 - 2898] S Houston Rd, p o box 4954 2301,
Pasadena, TX 77502.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Harris
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (713) 477-4336 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
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.