Find Food
The St. Louis Area Foodbank works with over 600 partners in 26 counties across the bi-state area to provide options for those in need of food. So, whether you are looking for a local pantry to visit in your area or an upcoming distribution event near you, we have you covered. Check out the links below for more information.
What kind of help do you need?
Food pantries provide resources and groceries for those needing immediate assistance, whereas food distribution events are planned for certain days.
Supplied by a food bank, a food pantry is a distribution center for individuals and families in need to receive food free of charge.
Food Distribution Events are mobile markets, food fairs or drive-through markets that are temporary, planned in advance and strategically placed in areas with low access to food.
For most food pantries, an appointment is required. To check appointment requirements, please visit the website of the food pantry you’re interested in. For Food Distribution Events, an appointment is usually not required, but instead on a first come, first serve basis.
You do not need to bring any money to a food pantry or a food distribution event.
Remember to bring necessary documentation as required by your food pantry. This includes a photo ID and proof of income. It’s also recommended to bring a reusable bag, although bags are usually provided for you.
For most food pantries, a photo ID is required. For food distribution events, an ID is usually not required.
confused about Best by and sell buy dates?
Dates on food packaging labels can be confusing. There are “Best By” dates, “Sell By” dates, “Use By” dates, and “Expiration” dates.
It is important to know what these label dates do and don’t mean before throwing away food you receive at a pantry or distribution event.
“Best By”, “Sell By” and “Expiration” dates don’t mean food is unsafe to eat after the date listed on the package. (Infant formula is one notable exception that MUST be used BEFORE the date on the package.)
Click here (or below) for an explanation of what different label dates mean and information on how long a food item is still safe to eat even AFTER the expiration (best by or sell by) date has passed.
Curious About SNAP?
SNAP, the supplemental nutrition assistance program formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federally funded nutrition program that helps approved individuals buy healthy food and stretch their budgets. Benefits can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmer’s markets.
Need assistance with something besides food?
Not everyone who faces food insecurity simply needs food. Food insecurity can mean a household is experiencing challenges paying for food, medicine, housing, childcare, transportation, or utility bills. Simply providing food isn’t always the solution.
The St. Louis Area Foodbank doesn’t just help people find food. We work together with partner organizations and government agencies to assist with everything from SNAP applications and Medicaid resources.
CALL UNITED WAY 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1 is a 24/7 connection to agencies and resources near you – from basic needs to child care to disaster relief to counseling. To connect with a certified resource specialist, simply dial 2-1-1 from a cell or 1-800-427-4626 from a landline phone (TTY 1-866-385-6525).
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