Monday, September 20, 2010

Food Resources Series: Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens

6. Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens

What is it?
  • provide emergency food to those in need. A food pantry provides 3 or 4 days-worth of food to families and individuals. A soup kitchen provides hot meals to anyone in need.


Do I qualify?
  • Many food pantries require a referral from another agency or have income limits, but it depends on the organization.
  • Soup kitchens usually have no requirements; they'll give a meal to anyone who asks.

How do I apply?

Call these numbers to find a food pantry or soup kitchen near you.
  • Southeastern PA:

Philabundance: Food Help Line- 800-319-FOOD

  • Northeastern PA:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania: 610-434- 0875

  • Central PA:

Central PA Food Bank: 717-564-1700

  • Southwestern PA:

Hunger Services of the Urban League of Pittsburgh: 412-325-0746

  • Northwestern PA:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwestern Pennsylvania: 800-604-9186