The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities.

Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations. Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded. Go on different days of the week.ĭepending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods. If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you. They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Eligible for other programs?Īsk your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply. This may mean this food bank has more produce. Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.įor instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras.

It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.

Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed. This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live. You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food. Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry Show up early.

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