More people than ever are turning to food pantries for support, and whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, know that you are always welcome. Food pantries exist to make sure you and your family have enough to eat, no justification needed.
Pantries are constantly evolving to be more flexible, convenient, and accessible. This guide will walk you through what to expect on your first visit and also outlines the different pantry models available, so you can find the option that works best for you. Note: In Pierce County, the terms food pantry and food bank are often used interchangeably.
What we do: Emergency Food Network (EFN) distributes over 1 million pounds of food each month to more than 75 food pantries across Pierce County. We do not operate as a food pantry site where community members can receive food.
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Need to Find a Pantry Near You Now?
Easily find food in your neighborhood with EFN’s interactive Find Food Map, which lists over 75 food pantries in Pierce County. Just enter your zip code and filter by what you need:
- Food Pantry: Stock up on groceries
- Meal Site: Get a free hot meal
- Home Delivery: Have groceries delivered to your home
You can also filter by the day of the week to find open pantries when you need them. Every location listed on our Find Food Map includes an address, phone number, and hours. Because many pantries are run by small teams or volunteers, hours can change. We recommend calling ahead to confirm times and ask about wait lines or the best time to arrive.
Do I Need to Bring Anything or Provide Any Personal Information When I Visit a Food Pantry?
Bring yourself and a durable grocery bag if you have one!
- No documentation or ID is collected when you visit our network of food pantries. All questions and personal information collected is optional, and is usually collected for grant reporting purposes.
- Pantries will ask for your name, household size, and other demographic data for grant reporting. This is entirely voluntary. Information is requested, but not required to receive food. You do not have to prove citizenship or income level.
- Address details are not needed unless you’re signing up for a home delivery program.
EFN is committed to making sure all who need food have access without the red tape. We regularly conduct reviews of our partner sites to ensure they are following standards that preserve the safety, equity, and dignity of guests.
Food Pantry Distribution Models
Food pantries today come in many forms—traditional, drive-thru, locker, and home delivery—giving guests more flexibility for their schedules and comfort levels. Below, we’ve outlined each model.
Traditional Food Pantry:
Overview: Shop for food in-person at the pantry. Staff and volunteers are on hand to help direct you.
Pros:
- Most common type of pantry across Pierce County, so there are many to choose from. You may need to visit a few pantries to get a feel for which best serves you.
- Shop for the food you want, like a grocery store.
- Connect in-person with staff and volunteers, who can provide support and answer questions.
Things to think about:
- There may be wait lines.
- Your schedule must align with a pantry’s operating hours.
- For guests who prefer privacy or anonymity during their visit, other models may be a better option.
Food Lockers:
Overview: Standalone lockers accessible 24/7. Shop online, select your foods, and pick a convenient time. Lockers are temperature controlled. Find the locations and more information here.
Pros:
- The most private option, with minimal interaction needed.
- Flexible schedule: you choose a timeslot for pickup based on your schedule
- Avoid wait lines typical of other models
Things to think about:
- Locations are limited but expanding across Pierce County .
- If you miss your pickup time window, you may have to resort to a traditional pantry to find food if you need it immediately.
Pre-bagged Pickup:
Overview: An option where guests can stop by (drive thru or pickup) and grab a pre-packed bag of groceries.
Pros:
- Great for people with mobility challenges.
- More privacy – stay in your car or avoid the shopping experience during your pickup.
Things to think about:
- Pickup time windows may be more limited than traditional pantries.
- There are fewer drive thru locations than traditional pantries, so you may encounter lines.
- Food is pre-boxed, so you’ll receive a set assortment instead of the ability to select items.
Pierce County Drive Thru Pantries:
- Eloise’s Cooking Pot at the Tacoma Dome
- Samoan Family Support Services (Location and hours provided on our Find Food Map)
Pierce County Pre-bagged Pantries (pre-bagged groceries available for pickup):
Home Delivery:
Overview: Pre-packaged grocery food is delivered to your home on a regular basis. This service is primarily for community members facing mobility or transportation barriers, leaving them unable to access a food pantry.
Pros:
- Food is delivered right to your doorstep, or you can have it brought directly into your home.
- Serves households in more rural areas of Pierce County, where food pantry access is limited.
Things to think about:
- Food is pre-boxed, so you’ll receive a set assortment instead of selecting items.
- This service is in high demand. EFN’s Home Delivery Program has an extensive waitlist that we are working through as quickly as possible. If you can use another food pantry model, please do so that this service can be reserved for the people who need it most.
If you have barriers getting to the food pantry, reach out to your local pantry. Many have volunteers that might be able to accommodate a home delivery.
Feeling mixed emotions about going to a food pantry?
You are not alone. Many people feel anxious, hesitant, or ashamed about visiting a food pantry. But the reality is, someone you know is also quietly struggling – whether it’s a neighbor, coworker, or friend. The Washington State Department of Agriculture reported that in 2024, 1 in 4 Washingtonians visited a food pantry -more people than ever.
Rising costs of living and inflation have made it difficult for many households to keep food on the table. Food pantries are here to help, and the caring volunteers and staff you’ll meet are ready to welcome you with compassion and respect.