Are you looking for food banks in Fresno, CA? Below are 10 located in the city.
1. Central California Food Bank
If hunger is the problem, the Central California Food Bank (CCFB) is the answer. Founded in 1992 by a group of community volunteers, the CCFB collects, purchases and distributes groceries to many direct food outlets in Fresno and beyond. Their efforts support food banks, food pantries, church outreaches, school food programs, pop-up markets, soup kitchens and other organizations dedicated to providing food assistance to the downtrodden.
Donations go toward sustaining many distribution centers. You can also volunteer for several programs they offer to the poor. Contact them directly with any questions you have.
2. Bulldog Pantry
The Bulldog Pantry is located on the campus of California State University in Fresno. Founded by students and faculty, this pantry is one of the distribution points served by the Central California Food Bank. Perishable and non-perishable food is purchased from CCFB at a low price and distributed free of charge to both students and members of the general public living in the surrounding neighborhood. The pantry is open one day per week for bi-monthly distributions.
You can visit the pantry’s website to donate or volunteer. Just get in touch for any other questions not answered there.
3. The Big Red Pantry
The First Congregational Church of Fresno has been helping members of their flock and the neighborhood around them since 1883. The church operates The Big Red Pantry, which opens twice weekly to distribute non-perishable food items to anyone in need. On the final weekend of the month, they host a more extensive food distribution where the church distributes donated food, produce and other household necessities to the general public.
Anyone wanting to donate or volunteer can do so through the church. Contact a church staff member for additional information.
4. Wonderful Food Center
The Wonderful Food Center is a warehouse fed by the Central California Food Bank for further distribution. The food warehoused at this facility is sold at bulk cost to smaller free food outlets to supplement their existing donations. While this facility makes no direct distribution to the public, they act as a workhorse and storehouse for locations that lack the space and purchasing power afforded a larger operation. A list of distribution points is provided to those seeking food.
Donations can be made online. You can also volunteer to assist with their efforts. Contact the warehouse staff if you’d like to learn more.
5. Butler’s Pantry
If you are hungry in the Fresno area and can’t afford food, Butler’s Pantry can help. This pantry is an outreach of the Butler Pentecostal Church of God, founded in 1959 by community members. The food pantry is open twice per week to all who need assistance. On the last weekend of the month, they host a free outdoor market where they distribute fresh produce donated by local farmers and a community meal for the homeless.
Volunteers are always a welcome addition, as are donations. For additional information, you can reach out via the contact information on their site.
6. Wesley UMC Food Pantry
Paul and Viola Davis began having prayer meetings in their Fresno home in 1965. Their small gathering of worshippers eventually became the Wesley United Methodist Church. One day each week, the church opens its food pantry to provide bags of non-perishable food donated by their congregation and community members on a first come-first serve basis until supplies are depleted. They also prepare a hot meal one day each week that can be eaten in or taken to go.
You can help with a donation or volunteering your time. Contact the church with any additional questions about their outreach programs.
7. Mountain View Church Food Pantry
The Mountain View Church (MVC) Food Pantry provides much-needed nutrition to those in the community surrounding this Mennonite-based religious organization. The congregation at MVC created this outreach to do their part in reducing food poverty in Fresno. They open the food pantry doors once a month to distribute non-perishable items. The church also operates a café that offers free coffee, tea and snacks.
You can donate or volunteer to help fight hunger. Contact can be made using their online communication form.
8. Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Catholic Charities have been assisting impoverished members of their community for more than 50 years. Their food pantry is every weekday to provide up to one week’s worth of non-perishable food items. Each household can visit the pantry up to eight times per year. Additionally, the charity hosts a U.S. government commodities distribution day once per month and an open market that provides fresh produce to the public at no cost, also monthly.
The strength of this food bank depends on your donations and volunteers. Please contact them if you would like to chat more about their program.
9. BFRC Food Pantry
The Breaking Free Revival Center (BFRC) was founded in 2007 by Jymme and Lana Foote. The Footes are no strangers to food poverty, having arrived in the community only four years before their new ministry began. They were given a box of food by a local food pantry and embraced breaking the food insecurity cycle. The BFRC Food Pantry distributes non-perishable food every month to all in need of supplemental food items for their kitchen table.
Additional info about their efforts can be gained by contacting them. Those who would like to donate or volunteer can do so online or by phone.
10. Hope Lutheran Church Food Pantry
The Hope Lutheran Church opened its food pantry in 1991 to serve those Fresno community members suffering from increasing food insecurity. They are open once each week to distribute non-perishable food items and once per month to facilitate U.S. Commodity allocation. Coffee, tea and some socializing are available at each visit for those who might otherwise be alone.
You can donate or volunteer on the website if you don’t require food assistance but would like to help. You can also contact any member of the church staff for the additional information you might need.
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