The 30th Street Food Pantry returned to indoor-only shopping on Sept. 7, after operating for more than 17 months as a drive-thru service due to the pandemic.
“We adapted as necessary during the pandemic to continue serving our neighbors, but we were really excited to get back to indoor shopping where we could see our neighbors more easily and allow them to choose items they wanted from each of the food groups,” says Food Pantry Director Bob Williams.
Williams says the transition has gone smoothly with everyone following safety protocol, and many neighbors commenting how pleased they were to choose their own food again. Even more, he says the move back to indoor shopping feels like a reunion of sorts.
“Our neighbors were happy to see us, and the feeling was mutual,” Williams says. “Our volunteers were so glad to greet neighbors and talk to them across the table at a safe distance.”
Volunteer Help
On shopping days, it requires 8-10 volunteers in the Welcome Center and 15-20 volunteers to ensure operations run smoothly in the shopping area, plus others doing food sorting and staging for the shopping line. Volunteers help with check-in, sort and stock food items, replenish groceries in the shopping area, load groceries into neighbors vehicles, and move the shopping carts back inside. Volunteers who can be interpreters for our French-speaking neighbors are needed very badly in all shopping sessions! If you can help us at the food pantry, we would appreciate it. Sign up online to volunteer your time.
Diapers and Wipes Needed
The 30th Street Food Pantry needs diapers (child and adult) and wipes. If you can donate, please drop them off at the food pantry between 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekdays.
Pantry Neighbor Shopping Days & Hours
- Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Thursday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Note, as of 11/6 Pantry hours will adjust to 8-11)
Clients must bring proof of address (utility bill or business mail with name and postmark within the last 30 days) and wear a mask(one can be provided).
Reminder: How Our Pantry Works
- Park in west parking lot or in the Washington Park parking lot (north of the pantry)
- Enter through the main entrance (Door #1)
- Receive shopping ticket number and check in at Welcome Center
- Confirm eligible household income (eligible incomes posted in Welcome Center)
- Receive a shopping cart and start shopping
- Follow the point system based upon household size
- Single-person households: 15 shopper points
- Multi-person households (2+): 20 shopper points
- Choose groceries within the point range (every product is 1 point unless marked “no points”)
- Bag your groceries, exit, drive your vehicle to the cart holding area, a volunteer will load your groceries.
