Finding Food Banks and Pantries Near You: A Complete Guide
If you're struggling to put food on the table, food banks and food pantries can help bridge the gap. These community resources provide free groceries, meals, and other food assistance to individuals and families in need — often with no proof of income required and no questions asked. This guide explains the difference between food banks and pantries, how to find them, what to expect when you visit, and other food assistance programs available in your community.
Food Banks vs. Food Pantries: What's the Difference?
The terms "food bank" and "food pantry" are often used interchangeably, but they serve different functions in the food assistance network.
Food Banks
A food bank is a large-scale warehouse operation that collects, stores, and distributes food to a network of smaller agencies — including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other organizations that serve food directly to people in need. Think of a food bank as a wholesale distribution center for charitable food.
Food banks receive donations from food manufacturers, grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and the USDA's commodity programs (like The Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP). They sort, store, and distribute this food to hundreds or thousands of partner agencies across their service area.
Most food banks are members of Feeding America, the national network of over 200 food banks that collectively supply food to more than 60,000 pantries, soup kitchens, and other agencies. You typically don't visit a food bank directly for groceries — instead, you visit one of their partner pantries or programs.
Food Pantries
A food pantry is a local distribution point where individuals and families can pick up free groceries. Pantries operate out of churches, community centers, schools, libraries, and standalone facilities. They receive food from food banks, direct donations, food drives, and purchased inventory.
Pantries are where most people access free food. They may operate on a set schedule (for example, every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM) or by appointment. Some pantries allow you to choose your own items (client-choice model), while others provide pre-packed bags or boxes.
Soup Kitchens and Meal Programs
Soup kitchens and community meal programs provide prepared, ready-to-eat meals rather than groceries to take home. Some serve daily, others on specific days of the week. They're particularly valuable for individuals who lack kitchen facilities or cooking equipment — including people experiencing homelessness.
Many communities also have meals-on-wheels programs that deliver prepared meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities.
How to Find Food Assistance Near You
Feeding America's Food Bank Locator
The easiest way to find food assistance is through Feeding America's online locator. Enter your zip code and it will show food pantries, soup kitchens, and other food programs near you, along with addresses, hours, and contact information.
Call 211
Dialing 211 connects you with local resource specialists who can direct you to food pantries, meal programs, SNAP offices, and other food assistance in your area. The service is free and available in most of the United States.
Community and Religious Organizations
Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious organizations operate their own food pantries or meal programs. These are sometimes not listed in online databases, so it's worth calling local congregations directly — even if you're not a member of their faith community.
Schools
If you have school-age children, check with their school about free and reduced-price meal programs (National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program), summer meal programs when school is out, backpack programs that send food home with students for weekends and holidays, and school-based food pantries.
Hospitals and Health Clinics
Many hospitals and community health centers have started screening patients for food insecurity and can connect you with local food resources. Some even have on-site food pantries.
What to Expect When Visiting a Food Pantry
Documentation
Requirements vary by pantry. Some require proof of address or income, while many operate on a "no questions asked" basis. If documentation is requested, it's usually just to confirm you live in the pantry's service area — not to judge your financial situation.
Common documents that might be requested include a government-issued photo ID, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mail), and proof of household size. If you don't have these documents, call ahead and ask — most pantries will still serve you. The goal is to provide food to people who need it, not to create barriers.
Distribution Models
Pantries use different distribution models. Client-choice pantries set up like a small grocery store where you select the items you want. This model reduces waste and respects individual dietary needs and preferences. Pre-packed distribution provides standardized bags or boxes of food to each household, sometimes scaled by household size. Drive-through or curbside distribution became popular during the pandemic and remains common — you drive up, and volunteers load food into your vehicle.
What You'll Receive
The food available depends on what the pantry has in stock, which varies week to week. Common items include canned goods (vegetables, fruits, beans, soups, tuna), dry goods (rice, pasta, cereal, flour), bread and baked goods, fresh produce (when available), dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt), meat and protein (chicken, ground beef, peanut butter), and personal care items (soap, shampoo, diapers) at some pantries.
Some pantries offer specialty items for specific dietary needs — diabetic-friendly options, baby formula, gluten-free products, or culturally specific foods. If you have dietary restrictions, ask what's available or whether they can accommodate your needs.
Frequency
Most pantries limit visits to a certain frequency — commonly once per week, twice per month, or once per month. This ensures supplies are distributed equitably across the community. If you need food more often, ask about other pantries in the area with different schedules, as visiting multiple pantries is generally acceptable as long as you're within each one's service area.
Other Food Assistance Programs
SNAP (Food Stamps)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly benefits on an EBT card for purchasing groceries. If you're eligible for SNAP, it can provide significantly more food purchasing power than pantry visits alone. Benefits are based on household size and income. Apply through your state's Department of Social Services.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC provides specific nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and social services for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines. WIC provides vouchers or an EBT card for specific items including milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, baby formula, and baby food.
Contact your local WIC office to apply. WIC is administered separately from SNAP and has its own eligibility criteria and application process.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP is a federal program that provides USDA commodity foods to state agencies, which distribute them to local food banks and pantries. Foods distributed through TEFAP include canned meats and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, rice and pasta, peanut butter, and dairy products.
TEFAP foods are distributed through the same food pantry network, so you may already be receiving TEFAP items without realizing it. Income eligibility varies by state.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
CSFP provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors (age 60 and older). The packages include canned fruits and vegetables, juice, shelf-stable milk, cheese, canned meat or poultry, dry beans or peanut butter, cereal, rice, and pasta.
Contact your local food bank or Area Agency on Aging to apply.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
CACFP provides meals and snacks to children and adults in day care settings, after-school programs, and adult care facilities. If your children attend an eligible program, they may receive free meals through CACFP.
Summer Meal Programs
When school is out, summer meal programs provide free meals to children and teens at schools, parks, community centers, and other locations. These programs are open to all children under 18 — no registration, documentation, or proof of income is needed. Search for summer meal sites through the USDA's Summer Meals Site Finder.
Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Food Help
Stigma
Many people hesitate to visit a food pantry because they feel embarrassed or believe they should be able to manage on their own. It's important to recognize that food pantries exist precisely for moments when people need extra help — whether due to job loss, medical bills, rising costs, or any other reason. There is no shame in accepting food assistance, and pantry staff and volunteers are there to help, not to judge.
Transportation
Getting to a food pantry can be challenging without reliable transportation. Some pantries offer delivery services. Mobile food pantries bring food directly to underserved neighborhoods on a scheduled basis. Some communities have volunteer driver programs. Public transit or ride-share options may be available.
Ask your local food bank about mobile pantry schedules or delivery options.
Hours
Many pantries operate during weekday business hours, which can be difficult for people who work. Look for pantries with evening or weekend hours — they do exist, though they're less common. Your local 211 helpline can help identify pantries with schedules that work for you.
How You Can Help
If you're in a position to give back, food banks and pantries always need support. Monetary donations are the most impactful — food banks can leverage their buying power to purchase far more food per dollar than individuals can. Volunteer time for sorting, packing, and distributing food is always needed. Food drives at workplaces, schools, and community organizations help stock shelves. Advocacy for food assistance programs helps maintain funding for SNAP, TEFAP, and other programs.
AssistanceFinder.org is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with any government agency or Feeding America. Food pantry availability, hours, and requirements vary by location. Contact pantries directly or call 211 for current information in your area.