Everyone is welcome here. The pantry serves the community regardless of background, age, ethnicity, or gender. No documents are checked and no registration is required. As the website says, "Your word
Who Can Visit?
The Congress Street Food Pantry at The Volunteer Way is open to individuals and families in need. It serves people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, family or parental status, income from a public assistance program, or political beliefs. This includes those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, financial hardship, or living on a fixed income. All food and personal items are given out free of charge.
Reviewers note that ID is required to receive food.
Items Needed for Registration
Bring a valid photo ID.
How Often You Can Visit?
You can visit once a month. Some reviewers mention visiting every two weeks, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm the current policy.
Good to Know
- The pantry is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. It's closed on weekends and holidays.
- Bring your own bags to make picking up your food easier. If you don't have bags, they can provide grocery bags or boxes.
- Staff can carry your food out to your vehicle if you need help.
- You can list an alternate person to pick up your box on your behalf.
Food & Essentials
The pantry distributes food and personal care items, all donated or grown in their own on-site hydroponic garden. Items may include bread, canned goods, produce, and other staples. Availability varies by visit. The pantry also distributes diapers and wipes to parents with young children.
Personal care items and clothing are also available.
How to Pick Up
Visit the Congress Street location during open hours. The pantry is set up so you can see what's available and choose what you know you'll use, rather than receiving a mystery bag.
Additional Support
The Volunteer Way offers several other programs based at this organization:
- Brown Bag for Seniors: Delivers 60 to 80 pounds of food and personal items to low-income, homebound, or disabled seniors once a month (the third week of every month). Pet food for cats and dogs ("Animeals") is also provided so seniors don't have to share their own food with their pets.
- Moon Lake Mission: A separate location at 10012 Moon Lake Rd., New Port Richey, FL 34654 that offers a soup kitchen (Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm), showers, free clothing, and access to a resource center for SNAP, Medicare/Medicaid, and other assistance.
- Free cell phones for those who qualify are available for eligible visitors.
- Help connecting with government assistance programs.
Ways to Give
The Volunteer Way accepts donations of food (including baby food and pet food), gently used clothing, and personal items. You can also donate money online. About 99% of donations go directly to people in need. To donate or drop off items, call (727) 815-0433 or email info@thevolunteerway.org.
How to Join the Team?
Volunteers are always welcome. Opportunities include working in the food pantry, answering phones, making deliveries, working in the hydroponic garden, delivering Brown Bags to homebound seniors, helping with fundraisers, marketing, office work, and teaching or tutoring in the GED program. Contact the team at (727) 815-0433 or info@thevolunteerway.org to get started.
Nearby Food Pantries
The CCMAD (A Can, Can Make A Difference) Food Pantry is open to anyone in the community who needs food. No membership or church connection is required.
Tampa Jewish Family Services never turns anyone away. The food bank serves individuals and families of all faiths throughout Hillsborough County. No faith requirement applies. Emergency food bags are
Dunedin Cares serves residents of Dunedin, Clearwater, and Palm Harbor. You'll need a valid photo ID showing an address in one of those three communities to get food here.
The Community Food Pantry serves residents in specific zip codes in the Tampa area. You must live in one of the covered zip codes to receive food. Those seeking food assistance within the community ar