If you need food supplies urgently because you’re experiencing food insecurity, and don’t know where to go, we’ve featured 10 top food banks in Jacksonville, Florida below.
1. Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Catholic Charities was formally established in 1945, but it began back in the 1800s. Their food pantry is open two days per week and hands out vouchers for each household that visits depending on the amount of food available. All households are eligible to visit every two weeks for an allotment of non-perishable food items meant to supplement existing food stores. During the holiday period, they also supply Thanksgiving and Christmas fare.
If you wish to donate or volunteer to assist with food collection and distribution, you can do so online. Contact charity staff for additional information.
2. Mandarin Food Bank
The Mandarin Food Bank is an outreach of the St. Joseph Catholic Church. The food bank is open three days a week to provide emergency food assistance to Jacksonville area residents. They also provide holiday boxes for Christmas and Thanksgiving that contain everything needed for a family meal. Twice each year, volunteers prepare and deliver hot meals and deliver them to homeless communities in local neighborhoods.
You can visit their website to donate or volunteer. Please get in touch for any other questions not answered there.
3. Feeding Northeast Florida
Feeding Northeast Florida serves as a central location for collecting food waste, donations, and bulk purchases for distribution to free food outlets in Jacksonville and its surrounding counties. This food bank doesn’t distribute directly to the public but instead provides aid to smaller food pantries, soup kitchens and other food programs. Their website lists the sites and times where you can get groceries or just a hot meal through one of these partner agencies.
You can donate online or volunteer to help with their efforts. Contact someone at the food bank if you would like to know more.
4. Max Block Food Pantry
Since 1917, Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) have been a powerhouse in their community. Members of this charity created the Max Block Food Pantry to battle food poverty among members of the Jacksonville community. The pantry is open three days per week on a walk-in basis. Recipients are usually limited to three visits every 12 months but currently are allowed to visit as often as needed.
If you want to get involved, you can volunteer or donate to the cause. Contact the food pantry directly if you want to know more.
5. UCOM Food Pantry
The United Community Outreach Ministry has been actively fighting food poverty since 1979. Their food pantry is open four days a week to provide groceries to needy families in the Jacksonville area at no cost. They also deliver hot meals to the elderly and homebound in partnership with local agencies. Volunteers also work with families to improve their financial circumstances to decrease dependence on food programs.
You can volunteer on their website or find information about donating. For more information, you can reach out via the contact information on their site.
6. Arlington Market Pantry
The Arlington Market Pantry is a part of Revitalize Arlington, founded in 2006 to help members of the Jacksonville community suffering from food insecurity and other financial concerns. The pantry is open twice per month by appointment to all who need help with their nutritional needs. Recipients will receive pre-packed boxes of perishable and non-perishable items distributed through a drive-thru service.
If you want to get on board with this program, you can donate or volunteer. Any questions can be addressed by getting in contact with them.
7. HOFC Food Pantry
The House of Faith Church (HOFC) Food Pantry has been serving the members of the Jacksonville community for more than 30 years. They distribute boxes of non-perishable food donated by community members to help their neighbors in need. Appointments can be made to receive supplemental food items to help tide families over while experiencing hardships for as long as needed.
You can do so on the website if you want to donate funds or volunteer to help with food collection or distribution. Contact information can be found there, as well.
8. LSS Hunger Relief
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Hunger Relief program was formed in 1979 by a coalition of Lutheran churches and local business leaders. The food bank is open every weekday to distribute non-perishable food to recipients. Deliveries are available to those who are elderly or homebound. LSS also partners with schools to provide after-hours and weekend meals for children at risk of food insecurity.
The ability of this food bank to meet the needs of those experiencing hunger relies on donations and volunteers. Get in contact with them if you have any questions about their program.
9. City Rescue Mission
If you need help in Jacksonville, the City Rescue Mission is there for you. The volunteers at this mission have been serving the people in their area for more than six decades. Those staying at the shelter are provided with three meals a day and snacks, but even if you don’t require housing, you can eat dinner there for free as often as you need. Staff is available to discuss any further help you might require getting you on your feet again.
Get more information by getting in touch. If you would like to donate or volunteer, you can do so online or by calling them.
10. Trinity Rescue Mission
If you are looking for your next meal or need a place to lay your head, the Trinity Rescue Mission has you covered. Visit their shelter in Jacksonville and discuss the issues you need help with or just sit down for a hot meal and a bit of community. They serve dinner to anyone experiencing food insecurity every day of the week. If you need a place to stay after your meal or clothes to put on your back, they can arrange that for you too.
You can help out with a donation or by volunteering. You can learn more about what they have to offer by getting in contact.
Leave a Reply