Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Local Food Pantries
What is Local Food Pantries?
Local Food Pantries is a directory of food pantries and food banks across the United States. We help people find food assistance near them, wherever they are.
Do I need to qualify to use a food pantry?
It depends on the pantry. Some serve anyone who comes in, and others ask for proof of address, household size, or income. Requirements change often, so contact the pantry directly before you go.
Are the hours on a listing always right?
We show the hours we have on file, but pantry hours change with staffing and supply. Call ahead or check the pantry's own website before making a trip.
Does it cost anything to get food from a pantry?
Food pantries provide food at no charge. This site is free to use and we never ask you for payment or an account.
How do I add a food pantry?
Use the Suggest a Listing form. It is free and you do not need an account.
A listing is wrong. How do I fix it?
Use the contact form and tell us which listing and what is wrong. We correct listings as fast as we can.
Do you run any of these pantries?
No. We are a directory. We list pantries, we do not operate them, and we cannot answer questions about a specific pantry's stock, hours, or eligibility rules on their behalf.
How do I donate or volunteer?
Contact the pantry directly. Each one handles donations and volunteers its own way, and what they need changes week to week.
Who built this site?
Local Food Pantries is built and maintained by 84EM, a web engineering practice based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.