10 Pantry Pointers - What do I need?

1. Bring I.D. - Food pantries have to track donations to report to their donor agents – so they require that you show identification for entry into their database.Be ready to show a health insurance card or social security card for dependents and others living in your house hold.
   
   
2. Application – Some monthly food banks provide member cards, as such you will need to complete an application and provide identification.
   
   
3. Bring your bags – Several pantries will give you additional items if you bring your own recycle bags, others don’t provide bags at all – to be prepared it is recommended that you bring your own bags just in case.
   
   
4. Be an Early Bird – If the pantry opens at 9 am and closes at 12 pm, be their by 8:30. In today’s economy the lines are long and the giving can be short – you don’t want to get there at 11:30 by then the food is gone or you get what’s left.
   
   
5. Be Comfortable – Food pantries can take from 30 minutes to 3 hours to get through depending on the amount of people in line. As a result we recommend you wear walking shoes or sneakers and have no place to be… it’s not a place to be anxious or pushy, especially when many lines are field with elders and immigrants – you’ll need patience and politeness to make it a pleasurable experience.
   
   
6. Be Gracious – The workers at pantries are people who volunteer or decided on a social service career, being nice and saying thank you will go a long way. Many times they will help you when you least expects it.
   
   
7. Have an inquiring mind – A friend asked for a list of pantries and got it – and once you’re in line asked others about places to go. Some places give meat, some places stock up on rice and bread, while another place will have milk and cheese, peanut butter, and fresh vegetables and fruits – the giving can vary. Make a list of the time and places and what you are given so that you can develop a shopping schedule.
   
   
8. Give back - when your life improves donate to the pantries you frequented or write a thank you not to grocers who participated. I found myself sending “Trader Joes” a letter online because of a wonderful Cranberry Walnut Torte that had my son dancing after dinner.
   
   
9. Say Thank you - if a brand name corporation is providing you with food through a pantry - go online and send them a thank you note or feedback. Quality foods are important items to many facing hard times. When I received a Cranberry Walnut Torte that I wouldn’t normally afford when I was working - I was delighted - the torte really took the bite or edge of my situation and as a former corporate executive, I am well aware that corporate donors seldom get feedback or praise, so I felt it was important to say Thank You because their giving made a difference in my life - It had my 5 year old dancing after dinner because he had a special desert.
   
   
10. Share the News - write an article or note or even contribute to a blog to let others know how you made miracles of the food you received, how you turned your life around and found a job, or just share encouragement with us... We love to hear from you whether you are a donor or recipient.