How to Open a Food Pantry
In many communities there is a need for free food. One way to make sure that no one goes without food is to establish a food pantry. Although this is no easy task, with the proper organization, will and genuine heart, a successful food pantry is possible.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
How to Open a Food Pantry
-
1
Establish a location for the food pantry after finding out where the need is. Research other pantries in the area. Find out the specific needs the other pantries or parts of the community aren't meeting. These challenges could include not being open during certain days and times or there may be needy areas that don't have a pantry. Check out the demographics and conditions in a needy area by talking to people in the community.
-
2
Once the location is established, find places to distribute and store food, such as a church, school, veteran’s center or community center. When looking for a place, also make sure that there is sufficient space for cold and dry storage, a sink, bathroom, thermometers, and heating and air conditioning units.
-
-
3
Get a team together. Whether it be parents, friends, family members or people in the community, you are going to need volunteers when setting up and running a food pantry. Make sure you have at least three people per shift when the food pantry is open, and establish roles such as stocking and keeping records of items that are taken as well as information about the people who are taking the food. Food pantries, especially in the beginning, are all about organization and planning.
-
4
Get the food. Although many food pantries receive funds from the government and grants, this may not be the case in the beginning. Visit local grocers and wholesale stores to discuss discounts, how to receive free food (such as dented cans), or how their facility could be a place to store food if they have additional space. You can also visit community groups such as the PTA, churches and service organizations to get them to hold drives to raise funds and food.
-
5
Announce your hours to the community. Make sure these hours are consistent, as people will be coming to the pantry specifically during these times. Run an ad in the local paper or school newsletter, and send emails. You can also contact community leaders to get the word out about your new pantry. This step doesn’t end, as you should constantly market your pantry, so that more funds will come your way to support the pantry and it can feed more people.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Starting this new venture will be very time-consuming, especially in the beginning. This is why it is crucial to have a great team of volunteers, including someone to manage aspects of the food pantry when you are unable to.
