A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Waco, 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 Waco, 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 3 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Waco, Texas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army Texas - Waco
The Salvation Army Waco's 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 simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
Please call before arriving to let us know you are coming.
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 (254) 756-7271 to book your appointment.
Address :
4721 W Waco Dr,
Waco, TX 76710.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Tues: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Wed: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Thurs: 09:30 AM - 05:30 PM EST
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Waco
Salvation Army
Salvation Army provides food, clothing, household items, furniture, utility assistance, rent/mortgage payments, emergency travel assistance, emergency prescriptions, counseling and referrals.
Services provided :
- help pay for utilities
- navigating the system
- help pay for healthcare
- prescription assistance
- clothing
- home goods
- furniture
- food pantry
- financial assistance
- help pay for housing
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (254) 754-1101 to book your appointment.
Address :
4721 W Waco Dr,
Waco, TX 76710.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
The Salvation Army of Waco, Texas
Services provided :
- Day Camp Activities
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Shelter
- Pathway of Hope
- Salvation Army Family Store
- Seasonal Services
- Senior Citizens Residences
- Store
- Transitional Care & Work Release
- Visitation Services
- 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 (254) 756-7271 to book your appointment.
Address :
1225 S Jack Kultgen Expy, 4721 w waco dr 76710 <br > waco,
Waco, TX 76706.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Counties:
- Mclennan
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Waco, 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 7 Church Food Pantry locations in Waco, Texas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Bellmead Calvary Baptist Church
Bellmead Baptist Church's Bread of Life Food Pantry helps people who are in need of food. All you have to do to get some help with food is to contact the church during the week. They also help with toiletry assistance and baby items.
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 (254) 799-0229 to book your appointment.
Address :
910 E Loop 340,
Waco, TX 76705.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
Carver Park Baptist Church
Carver Park Baptist Church offers the Food Pantry to help feed those in need. 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 that needs food.
Our pantry is held the first and third Friday of every month from 10 AM - 12 PM.
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 (254) 799-2766 to book your appointment.
Address :
1020 E Herring Ave,
Waco, TX 76704.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Waco
Antioch Community Church
The Antioch Community Church Pantry lends a hand to people who need assistance with groceries. This program helps you get the necessary groceries you need. They'll assist you with groceries once a 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 (254) 754-0386 to book your appointment.
Address :
505 N 20th St,
Waco, TX 76707.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
Victorious Life Church Pantry
The Victorious Life Church Pantry is an organization that helps those who are in need of food. You can find food items here at no cost.
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 (254) 662-5552 to book your appointment.
Address :
7459 Interstate 35 S,
Robinson, TX 76706.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 05:30 PM - 06:30 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
Lorena United Methodist Church
Lorena United Methodist Church operates the Say Amen Food Pantry. 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 pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. No ID is required.
Please contact us for our November and December holiday dates, as our Food Pantry hours may be affected during those months.
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 (254) 857-4283 to book your appointment.
Address :
205 S Bordon St,
Lorena, TX 76655.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Falls
- Mclennan
Church Under the Bridge
The Church under the Bridge is an organization that brings people together in a friendly atmosphere under a Christian setting. The organization does not discriminate in any form, and offers basic-needs assistance. This includes food.
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 (254) 235-7818 to book your appointment.
Address :
Interstate 35 S & S 4th St,
Waco, TX 76706.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
Greater Waco Baptist Church
Our food pantry and children's clothes closet is fully stocked and staffed with friendly volunteers to get you through the tough times and back on your feet. Our food pantry and children's clothes closet is fully stocked and staffed with friendly volunteers to get you through the tough times and back on your feet. Please bring a government issued photo I.D and a recent utility bill in order to receive service. Call 254.799.0229 for more information.
Services provided :
- 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 (254) 799-0229 to book your appointment.
Address :
912 TX-340 Loop,
Waco, TX 76705.
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 Cities:
- Waco
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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 Waco, 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 7 Food Pantry locations in Waco, Texas which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
First Spanish Assembly
This program gives you food if you run out.
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 (254) 752-2293 to book your appointment.
Address :
3301 Clay Ave,
Waco, TX 76711.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
St. Francis on the Brazos
This program helps you with food if you're running out.
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 (254) 752-3254 to book your appointment.
Address :
301 Jefferson Ave,
Waco, TX 76701.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:15 AM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:15 AM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 11:15 AM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry
Our goal is to feed, clothe, empower, and advocate for families in need in our community, demonstrating to them the love of God. Our Vision is to find ways to become self-sustaining as a nonprofit so we can become a benefit to the community by providing services to families in need, beyond just providing emergency services. We collaborate with many nonprofits and service organizations throughout the community to provide channels through which we can all accomplish greater results by working together.
Many families find themselves in a tight spot from time to time, and need a help to ensure they and their children have enough to eat. It is important that children get the proper nutrition in grow. You are invited to participate in our food distribution if your family is in need. We are an emergency supplemental pantry. We provide an ample supply of food. Our food pantry is set up like a grocery store where families can come in and shop. Every Thursday at The Shepherd’s Heart Pantry we have a distribution of canned goods, boxed and dry staple items, meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. We have a drive through service for those who cannot stand in the line.
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 :
1401 N 34th St,
Waco, TX 76710.
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:
- Waco
Shepherd’s Heart of Lorena
Food Distribution program provides food, toiletry and paper goods to anyone in need regardless of race, age, sex, ethnicity or location. The program operates the first and third Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 254-857-4540 to get more information.
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 (254) 857-4540 to book your appointment.
Address :
307 E Center St,
Lorena, TX 76655.
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:
- Mclennan
Just As I Am Ministries
This food programs helps you get nutritious, hot meals. Free meals are provided to adults who have committed themselves to changing their substance abuse lifestyles and attending group meetings. It's a great way to be with a support community that will get you on your feet.
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 (254) 235-4009 to book your appointment.
Address :
1415 Chapel Hill Dr,
Waco, TX 76712.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
Waco Outreach Foundation
The "Operation Assist" is a family oriented commissary where used clothing and other household articles are made available to lower income families in Waco. A food pantry stocked with canned goods and dry goods is also included. The "Operation Assist" commissary and pantry is available only to Mclennan county residents, and is geared towards families. Access is granted only to individuals who can show a photo ID, and also a proof of residence such as an electric bill, or water bill.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- home goods
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (254) 752-6315 to book your appointment.
Address :
400 S 4th St,
Waco, TX 76706.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- McLennan
Mt. Lebanon Seventh Day Adventist
This program helps you with food if you're running out. Call for assistance and hours.
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 (254) 799-2979 to book your appointment.
Address :
4298 Meyers Ln,
Waco, TX 76705.
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:
- McLennan
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 Waco, 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.