What to Bring to a Food Pantry: A Simple Checklist

Most food pantries are designed to be quick and stress-free. Here's a short checklist of what to bring so you can get in and out with groceries.

The essentials

• Photo ID for the head of household (driver's license, state ID, passport, school ID).
• Proof of address — a recent bill, lease, or piece of mail. Some pantries serve a specific ZIP code.
• Number of people in your household — pantries adjust portions by family size.

Nice to bring

• Reusable grocery bags or a small folding cart.
• A cooler if you have a long drive home — pantries often have frozen meat and dairy.
• Names and birthdates of children if you also want WIC referrals.

What you do NOT need

• You usually do not need to prove income.
• You do not need to be a US citizen.
• You do not need to be unemployed — many pantry users work.

Before you go

Call the pantry or check the listing to confirm hours and requirements. Pantry hours change often. Search verified pantries near you.