With rising food costs, the pauses and uncertainty surrounding benefits like SNAP, and the fact that growing kids always seem to be hungry, many Pittsburgh families may find themselves looking for extra resources right now. Thankfully, one thing Pittsburghers have always been good at is supporting one another.

To create the guide to local food resources that you’ll see below, we consulted with our friends at City Cast Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh City Paper, as well as local community groups and nonprofits, to give you some options to fill your pantry when needed. Don’t miss Public Source’s story on community fridges, too.

We will continue to update this guide as resources become available. Please also check with your local libraries and school districts for resources local to your neighborhood (and don’t miss Kristine Sorensen’s latest story on food support efforts at New Castle Area School District).

The Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank also has an interactive map that lets you sort food distributions by area and time of day, so you can find a food pickup that works for your schedule.

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, multiple locations: Individuals, restaurants, farms, and grocery retailers can give to the food bank. The easiest way to help is through monetary donations so the bank can purchase in bulk. If you need food, check the distribution schedule.

East End Cooperative Ministry, East Liberty: EECM’s food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. They also offer a free, hot Community Lunch and seating in their dining room, Monday through Friday from noon-1 p.m. Find more info here.

Food Not Bombs, multiple locations: Steel City Food Not Bombs leads distributions for groceries, hot meals, and other supplies at multiple locations in the city. Donate, contribute to their Amazon Wish List, or get involved at community events.

North Hills Food Bank, Ross Township: Residents in northern townships are eligible for food distributions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Check the donations page for needed items like juice, bread, oatmeal, and canned soup.

Light of Life Rescue Mission, North Side: Food distributions are given out on Wednesdays and Fridays. Learn about accepted items and how to donate by emailing jkyriazis@lightoflife.org. Light of Life also serves two meals a day. For $3.14, you can provide a nourishing meal to an unhoused neighbor; $49 gives them a warm place to sleep, shower and eat. Learn more here.

St. Mary Magdalene Parish Food Pantry, East End: This pantry is open the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and also offers delivery for some East End residents. Find more info here.

North Side Food Pantry, California-Kirkbride: The pantry on Brighton Road is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays for those who need food. Canned, boxed, and other nonperishable items are always in demand. Donate or volunteer at their Free Produce Market in Northview Heights. Find info about all of their programs here.

Jewish Family and Community Services Food Pantry, Greenfield: The pantry is open every weekday. Nonperishable food, personal care items, and diapers are always accepted. Find out how to receive food, donate, or volunteer here.

Help Your Neighbor – Victory Family Church, Cranberry Township: This church has drive-through distribution hours Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You can also schedule a pick-up from 4–9 p.m., if that is better for your schedule. Find info about donating or receiving food here.

North Hills Community Outreach, Allison Park: This appointment-based pantry is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., so please reach out to make an appointment. There are also several scheduled food distributions each week at community-based locations. Find more info here.

Photo by Dan DeAlmeida via Unsplash.

East End Cooperative Ministry, East Liberty: The Community Food Services Kitchen serves over 1,300 hot meals every week. Become a sponsor or volunteer for upcoming holiday meals. Fresh produce, dairy and dry goods are available at the pantry Monday through Friday. See hours and ways to donate here.

Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, Wilkinsburg: The physical pantry is open Monday through Friday, and WCM’s mobile pantry travels to different neighborhoods throughout the week. Donate to their wish list and find out how to get food here.

Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, North Oakland: The food pantry is open for walk-ins every third Saturday of each month. Recipients must register for a box. (Tip: They stock halal meat.)

Pittsburgh Community Services, North Oakland: PCSI’s Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday. Recipients must meet eligibility requirements.

Monroeville Food Pantries: With multiple locations and distribution sites, there are several options for families in this area. Check here for times and dates, as well as lists of needed items.

Dormont Free Pantry: This community pantry at 1444 Hillsdale Ave, Pittsburgh, is open on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and also on the second and fourth Sunday each month from 2 to 3 p.m. Find more info here.

Rainbow Kitchen, Homestead: Rainbow Kitchen’s anti-hunger programs include hot breakfasts on weekdays, dinners through the “kids cafe” program on weekdays, plus grocery distribution through their main pantry and satellite pantries for local seniors. Volunteers and donations welcome.

Jubilee Kitchen, Crawford-Roberts: This organization operates two food pantries and provides hot meals every day. Volunteer, donate, or come for a meal. Find all the details here.

Our Giving Kitchen, Squirrel Hill South: Every week, volunteers prepare fresh meals that are distributed to neighbors. Find out how to get a meal, help cook or donate here.

RiCE, Allegheny Center: The collective distributes hot meals, clothing, and toiletries in Allegheny Commons Park every first, second, and third Saturday each month. Find out how to receive help here or support them via donation through Patreon or Venmo.

Neighborhood Resilience Project, Middle Hill District: The project helps people apply for assistance, operates an emergency food pantry, and provides weekly hot meals and bagged lunches. Get assistance or donate by checking out their website here.

412 Food Rescue: If you run a restaurant, grocery store, or local farm, you can donate surplus food to 412 Food Rescue. Don’t work in food service? Become a Food Rescue Hero and deliver meals through the free app for iPhones or for Androids. Have leftover food from a corporate party? Call (412) 277-3831 or email becca@412foodrescue.org to arrange a pick up. Find more info about their programs here.

Just Harvest: Help fight poverty and hunger in Pittsburgh by volunteering to support their farmers market program or advocate for public policy change. They can also help you find resources or navigate signing up for benefits. Find more info here.

Our Streets Collective: This mutual aid group helps people find shelter, groceries and more support through their resource network. Get involved or donate, too. Find all of that info right here.

Public Assistance: If you currently receive SNAP benefits, you can still use existing EBT funds on your card. If you recently became food insecure and have not yet applied for SNAP benefits, it’s still a good idea to do so during the shutdown, as DHS will continue processing applications and renewals. County Assistance Offices are also still open. Need food now? Call 211 or visit www.pa211.org.

Kidsburgh thanks Stacy Rounds of Pittsburgh City Paper, Francesca Dabecco of City Cast Pittsburgh, and Natasha Etzel of Public Source for information and reporting that contributed to this community guide.