Definitions for "Food Pantry"
A program that distributes free bags or boxes of food to people in need.
A nonprofit organization (typically small in size), such as religious institutions or social service agencies, that receives donated food items and distributes them to hungry people for preparation at home. By contrast, a soup kitchen prepares and serves meals to their clients.
Community-based, nonprofit food assistance program most often found at churches, synagogues, mosques and social service agencies. Food pantries provide a limited amount of food to individuals and families facing food emergencies.