The average food price has skyrocketed due to corona virus pandemic and recent events. The FAO Food Price Index has saw a fresh record high of nearly 160 points.
A shocking 60% price increase over the 2014-2016 base period shows that hunger is a public health issue of critical importance.
The most vulnerable demographic of society is taking the brunt of this economic pressure. Now more than ever, low-income families must rely on Florida Free Clinics, Florida Food Stamps, and food banks.
This guide will list helpful information about Food Bank in Polk County, Florida and organizations that can help curb hunger, how you can use their services and where to find them.
What is a Food Bank?
Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that assist financially vulnerable populations by distributing food. Their main objectives is to help low-income individual and families by providing food.
They will work through other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens. Sometimes they distribute the food themselves via mobile pantry.
Food Bank in Polk County, Florida serves as a single collection and distribution point for food donations. They operate much like a for-profit food distributor, but they do not use retailers. Instead, they may use church food banks, charities, and other non-profit food pantries to provide food to the people to fight hunger.
How the Food Bank Works?
- 1. Food is donated to a food bank.
- 2. Its stored in a big climate controlled warehouse.
- 3. Food Bank in Polk County, Florida distributes food to various non-profits for distribution.
- 4. Food reaches to who are in need.
Who can use Food Banks?
Many Food Bank in Polk County, Florida and food pantries are locally run, with others managed at the state or federal level. Qualification to receive nutrition assistance from food programs depends on the type.
There are different qualifying requirements, but many food banks have none. Just show up during their days and times of operation, and they will help if they are able.
Here are the tips while .
- It is highly advisable to call ahead before you arrive!
- Ask about any eligibility or documentation requirements they may have.
- If required, bring all required documents when you use their services.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank was the first one established in California in 1972 and is the second oldest in the US. It operates multiple distribution centers across the United States.
Impact of Second Harvest Food Bank is huge, It helps 85,000 Santa Cruz residents avoid missing meals and empty stomachs.
Second Harvest Food Bank in Polk County, Florida is easing the burden of impossible choices for families between food, housing, medicine, and other necessities.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, nonprofit organization that collects, stores and distributes donated food to more than 500 partner agencies in six Central Florida counties: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia. Vision: A Hunger-Free Central Florida. Mission: To Fight Hunger in Central Florida
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 295-1066 to book your appointment.
Address :
411 Mercy Dr,
Orlando, FL 32805.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Orlando
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lake
- Polk
- Osceola
- Orange
- Seminole
- Brevard
- Volusia
St. Mary's Food Bank
The St. Mary's Food Bank was a first local food bank ever established in the United States in 1967. The St. Mary's Food Bank mission is food security and hunger relief for all Americans.
The St. Mary's distributes millions of pounds of food to the hungry each year, It also operates its own food pantries to allow allow people to access food directly from their warehouses.
It also offer specialized after-school programs for kids and career training for adults.
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Polk County, Florida
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Polk County, Florida serve a hot, nutritious lunch 365 days a year, even in the face of terrible weather and ever-increasing demand.
Church Food Bank welcome anyone who is in need of a meal, regardless of the person's circumstance, with no questions asked. It also provide showers, laundry, mail, I.D. assistance and other essential services.
Grace Street Church of God Food Bank
Grace Street Food Bank Is Now Open To Those In Need
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 298-9188 to book your appointment.
Address :
2860 Grace St,
Apopka, FL 32703.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Apopka
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lake
- Volusia
- Orange
- Polk
- Seminole
- Brevard
- Marion
- Osceola
- Sumter
First Baptist Church of Gibsonton - Food Bank
First Baptist Gibsonton offers its parishioners that qualify, a limited membership to our Food Bank. There are restrictions and limits in place so everyone that attends church regularly and is in need of help with groceries to make ends meet is afforded an opportunity to receive a blessing from this food ministry.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (813) 677-1301 to book your appointment.
Address :
9912 Indiana St,
Gibsonton, FL 33534.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Gibsonton
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
- Manatee
- Pinellas
- Pasco
- Hillsborough
Feeding America
John van Hengel, the founder of St. Mary's Food Bank, went on to create a national organization for food banks. The Feeding America organization is a leader in the nation's domestic hunger-relief efforts.
The Coronavirus epidemic put even more pressure on America's most vulnerable citizens. Feeding America has helped serve 6.6 billion meals to date.
The Feeding America have grown through donations and other charitable efforts to be able to deliver much-needed food via food rescue, hunger relief programs, and disaster response.
Harry Chapin Food Bank
Mobile Pantry Program provides food to our neighbors in need through direct service. We distribute fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, beans and rice, and other staples to clients who would otherwise not be able to access such food.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (239) 334-7007 to book your appointment.
Address :
2221 Corporation Blvd,
Naples, FL 34109.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Cities:
- Naples
- Fort Myers
Help Residents of Counties:
- Lee
- Collier
- Polk
United Food Bank of Plant City
United Food Bank and Services of Plant City provides assistance for the needy by moving them from a “state of hunger” and “impoverishment” to self-sufficiency, empowerment and self-reliance.
Food distribution program serves food on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 12:00-3:30 pm, with late hours on Tuesday 12:00-6:45 pm for those in need living in Eastern Hillsborough County.
Documents required to receive assistance are:
-Current Photo Id (Driver’s license or state ID)
-Original social security cards for all family members receiving help
-Current proof of address;
-Utility Bill, Rent Receipt or Lease Agreement.
Please call us at 813 764-0625 to get more information.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (813) 764-0625 to book your appointment.
Address :
702 E Alsobrook St,
Plant City, FL 33563.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 06:45 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
- Pasco
- Hillsborough
Nativity Food Bank
Nativity Food Bank supplements 47 small food pantries and street ministries on a weekly basis and 14 others occasionally. These organizations are registered to determine need and tax-exempt status. Also, 93,368 pounds of pet food was distributed to a local pet charity in the area.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (813) 707-1523 to book your appointment.
Address :
13295 Us Hwy 92 E,
Dover, FL 33527.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Dover
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Hillsborough
Operation Productive Endeavor - Food Bank
The Food Bank provides food to people at risk of hunger in the greater Tampa Bay. During the past several years more than 7,000 individuals and families have been fed via our food bank. The Food Bank is here for you in times of emergency and is open to all. Recipients must bring in a valid photo ID and proof of residence. Recipients are able to be served no more than once a month. Assistance is available Wednesday through Friday from 10am-4pm.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (813) 622-7151 to book your appointment.
Address :
6912 Williams Rd,
Seffner, FL 33584.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Seffner
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
- Manatee
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Hillsborough
Catholic Charities/Agape Food Bank
Agape Food Bank is one of several programs that Catholic Charities of Central Florida operates in its Western Region (Polk, Hardee, and Highland counties). Agape takes a multi-faceted approach to serving the community. We collect more than 6 million pounds of donated food, distributing it to an estimated 100,000 needy families and individuals in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. We do so mainly through our members, a network of more than 250 soup kitchens, churches, senior centers and other not-for-profits. We also rely on powerful national and regional partners:
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 665-7074 to book your appointment.
Address :
625 Mccue Rd Unit 2,
Lakeland, FL 33815.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Lakeland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
- Osceola
- Lake
- Hillsborough
- Pasco
- Hardee
Osceola Council On Aging - Osceola County Food Bank
The Osceola County Food Bank provides food bags to seniors, disabled adults and disadvantaged families. The Osceola Council on Aging began providing food assistance programs to the Osceola County community more than 40 years ago and has evolved to provide nutrition assistance to more than 40,000 needy households every year. In 2012, emergency food baskets were distributed to 48,785 disadvantaged seniors and families through 20 local food pantries. 558,709 pounds of food was also served to low-income residents. The Council leverages TEFAP USDA foods with locally donated foods and funded social service programs to provide more comprehensive food packages and services to meet increasing demands in the number of low-income households served in our community. The Osceola County Food Bank relies on community volunteers to assist by donating food through community or work place food drives and monitory donations. The Osceola Council on Aging works with local community partners like the Harmony Institute and Osceola County Grown to purchase crops for use in meal production and for food distribution to disadvantaged Osceola County residents.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (407) 846-8532 to book your appointment.
Address :
700 Generation Pt,
Kissimmee, FL 34744.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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Help Residents of Cities:
- Kissimmee
Help Residents of Counties:
- Polk
- Osceola
- Orange
- Lake
Heartland Food Bank
Heartland Food Reservoir, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 doing business as the Heartland Food Bank. The organization was incorporated in 2007 with the sole purpose of establishing a food bank in Highlands County. The Food Bank is a member of the Feeding America food bank network, the largest domestic hunger relief organization in the United States.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (863) 385-7885 to book your appointment.
Address :
227 Us 27 S,
Sebring, FL 33870.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
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- Tues:
- Wed:
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- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Sebring
Help Residents of Counties:
- Hardee
- Highlands
- Okeechobee
- Polk
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally run program that helps obtain badly needed food for low-income people and families. SNAP program is also known as Food Stamp.
SNAP benefits in Polk County supplied approximately 40 million Americans in 2018. It is the most extensive nutrition program administered by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and is a vital component of the social safety net for low-income Americans.
In 2017, roughly 9.2% of American households obtained SNAP benefits, with about 16.7% of all children living in homes benefiting.
The program had used paper "stamps" or coupons in the past – worth $1 (brown), $5 (blue), and $10 (green). These were bound into small booklets of various denominations, to be torn out individually and used in single-use exchanges.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food Bank?
Specifically, Polk County food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. How do you qualify for Polk County food bank assistance?
To qualify for food bank assistance you must provide:
- Current state-issued ID
- Social Security numbers of all household members
- Current electric bill to prove residence
- Bank Statement for income verification