Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign up for the food pantry? +
We welcome everyone.
How do I sign up for the food pantry? +
Come for the first time and volunteers will get your information: name, address, phone number, date of birth, and household members. Once you have signed up, you just have to 'check in' when you come again.
How much food am I able to take for me/my family? +
Food is allocated based on the number of people in the family.
How often can I come to the food pantry? +
You may access the food pantry once per week.
Can you deliver food from the pantry? +
At this time (Feb 2024) there is a wait list for food deliveries. We currently deliver to about 500 families each week who are unable to come to the pantry in person, or who are unable to manage 20 pounds of groceries. We are the only food pantry in Berkshire County that delivers to individual homes. We are always in need of volunteers to deliver, as we would like to offer delivery to all neigbors who are disabled, elderly, or otherwise unable to come to the pantry in person. Call the pantry line (413-464-8042) if you wish to inquire about a delivery; leave your name and phone number.
How do I know if the pantry is closed due to weather? +
The food pantry follows Pittsfield public school closings. (Check the closure status on the Pittsfield Public Schools website.)
If Pittsfield public schools are closed due to weather, the pantry will also be closed. The pantry will not provide an extra grab-and-go meal day. However, if you receive a home delivery and we are closed that day, you will receive your food the following day. Please make sure your steps and walkways are cleared of snow and ice so our drivers can get to you!
If Pittsfield public school openings are delayed, the pantry will be open as usual.
What languages are spoken at the food pantry? +
Mainly English, but we often have volunteers who speak Spanish to assist with the Latinx community.
Where does the pantry food come from? +
We receive food through the Western MA Food Bank, which works with local farmers. The Western Mass Food Bank receives funding from the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) and USDA.
Local farmers, grocers, and other religious organizations also supply the South Community Food Pantry with additional produce and bread. Volunteers pick up donations from grocery stores daily (Stop & Shop, Market 32, Big Y, and BJ’s Wholesale Club). We also receive beautiful lettuce from the Aquaponics Lab at Berkshire Education & Correction Services (at the Berkshire County Jail & House of Correction), as well as donations from Berkshire Bounty.
We support local businesses by buying milk from Crescent Creamery and produce from Wohrle's Foods.
What other food resources are there in the area? +
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts maintains a list of food pantries and meals by city.
Mass 2-1-1 is an excellent 24-hour resource that can connect you with essential community services by calling 2-1-1 (or 1-877-211-6277). They also offer information online through 211 Help Steps, including resources to assist with food, addiction and recovery, health and medical care, housing, parenting, elder care, and much more.
BCAC (Berkshire Community Action Council) offers a variety of programs and services, including fuel assistance.
Besides food, what other items are available? +
Toilet paper and diapers are usually available each week. We receive diapers from both donations and the Berkshire Community Diaper Project. Personal care items are sometimes available. Masks and hand sanitizer are currently available. When the church is open, or weather permitting outdoors, visitors can choose from donated clothing, books, and household items. Dog and cat food are often available through donations from the Berkshire Humane Society.
Do you serve meals? +
Yes. There are “grab & go” breakfasts and dinners available during food pantry hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Also, learn more about the annual community Thanksgiving Angels distribution at United Church of Christ, Pittsfield (formerly South Congregational Church).
How do I sign up for a Thanksgiving Angels holiday meal? +
Sign-ups for a free Thanksgiving Angels meal (including an uncooked turkey and fixings) are announced in mid-October each year. Learn more about Thanksgiving Angels.
How can I help the food pantry? +
We can always use more help accepting deliveries from the Western Massachusetts Food Bank, packing boxes for delivery, delivering food to families, picking up donations from grocery stores, and assisting in the drive-through. See the Volunteer page for more information.
Donations are always welcome. The Food Pantry needs more money to purchase meat, dairy, and eggs on a regular basis. We often request specific items for a given month — at this time we need feminine hygiene products, Depends, and toddler pull-ups.
Let your representative and the Governor know that an increase in Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) funding is desperately needed to feed the hungry here in the Berkshires and throughout the Commonwealth.
Who can pick up a meal? +
We welcome everyone.
How do I sign up for St. Joe's Kitchen? +
You don’t have to sign up. Just show up at the proper time. 7:30–9am Wednesdays and Thursdays for breakfast. Wednesday dinner from 4:30–5:30pm.
How often can I come to St. Joe's Kitchen? +
Whenever you are available.
Do you offer meal delivery?
Not currently.
What languages are spoken at St. Joe's Kitchen? +
Mostly English. Our Food Pantry does have some Spanish speakers.
Where does the food come from? Who prepares the meals? +
The food comes from the Western Mass Food Bank and local grocery stores. The people who prepare the meals are Food-Safe trained.
What other food resources are there in the area? +
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts maintains a list of food pantries and meals by city.
Mass 2-1-1 is an excellent 24-hour resource that can connect you with essential community services by calling 2-1-1 (or 1-877-211-6277). They also offer information online through 211 Help Steps, including resources to assist with food, addiction and recovery, health and medical care, housing, parenting, elder care, and much more.
How can I help St. Joe's Kitchen? +
We have almost 150 volunteers who help with the Pantry and meals. Volunteer hours through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) total about 1,000 hours per month! Volunteers from South Church, other churches, and from the community assist us. Many of the people who receive food weekly also help with the Pantry. We can always use more help with accepting deliveries from the Western Massachusetts Food Bank, setting up the tables, and greeting our constituents.
Donations are always welcome. South Community Food Pantry needs more money to purchase food for meals.
Let your representative and the Governor know that an increase in Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program (MEFAP) funding is desperately needed to feed the hungry here in the Berkshires and throughout the Commonwealth.