The Pantry Network is our flagship initiative, bringing food directly into the neighborhoods where it is most needed through a farmers’ market-style distribution to low-income families and individuals. We have almost 200 pantries throughout San Francisco, serving more than 17,000 households yearly through the following programs:

 

In partnership with the San Francisco Food Bank, a network of over 50 organizations hosts neighborhood distribution programs located at places of worship and community centers throughout the City. Distributing free weekly groceries to households of low-income families and individuals, neighborhood grocery pantries provide a critical food safety net for residents not reached by other hunger-relief programs.

 

When children don’t receive proper nutrition, they have a difficult time learning, growing and thriving. The Food Bank established the Healthy Children Pantry program to provide critical nourishment to the children of low-income families. The program distributes fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, dairy and other items every week through agencies that serve children and their families exclusively. The pantries are held at public schools, childcare centers, family service agencies and subsidized family housing.

 

Brown Bag pantries throughout the City provide groceries to thousands of seniors struggling to maintain their health and independence. Allowing our older neighbors to prepare wholesome meals at home, this program ensures that they are not forced to choose between buying food or paying for rent, utilities and medications.

 

The Food Bank addresses the unique challenges of the City’s diverse immigrant communities through seven neighborhood Immigrant Food Assistance (IFA) pantry sites. Language barriers and the food stamp application’s complexity and bureaucratic red tape prevent many immigrants from receiving the few benefits for which they qualify. The IFA program has reached deeply into immigrant communities, providing a lifeline of culturally appropriate food for those who need help.

 

Reaching people in public housing developments is an essential way the Food Bank connects with low-income families and individuals seeking supplemental groceries. Partnering with tenant associations and nonprofit organizations, food is distributed on a weekly basis to residents living in public housing communities.

 

Supportive Housing pantries provide free groceries at locations that house formerly homeless, disabled and low-income individuals. Through these pantries, individuals can easily access fresh fruits, non-perishable items and products that do not require cooking facilities.