Caring Hands Food Pantry serves residents of eastern Polk County. All visits are by appointment, so you'll need to call ahead before coming in.
Call (515) 967-4533 Monday through Friday between 9 am and 4 pm to schedule your appointment.
Visitors can come to the pantry once per month.
Bring reusable bags with you if you're able to. Keep in mind that the last appointment slot is taken 30 minutes before the pantry closes, so plan your call with that in mind.
The pantry distributes a variety of shelf-stable groceries. Items they stock include canned potatoes, canned fruit such as oranges, pineapple, pears, and peaches, canned pork and beans, large canned soup (16 oz and larger), canned chili, dry beans and canned pinto beans, oatmeal, single-serve rice and rice mix bags, grape jelly, and Hamburger Helper.
Financial contributions go far, with over 90% of donations funding help directly for neighbors in need. You can donate online.
Food donations to the pantry are also welcome. Items they need most include canned potatoes, canned fruit, canned pork and beans, large canned soup, canned chili, dry and canned pinto beans, oatmeal, rice, grape jelly, and Hamburger Helper.
Caring Hands also accepts secondhand goods for their Upscale Resale thrift store, which supports pantry operations through its sales. They gratefully take antiques, collectibles, home decor, jewelry, handbags, linens, housewares, furniture in good condition (no rips or stains, from non-smoking homes only), clothing, books, shoes, and more. Drop off thrift store donations at 602 3rd Street SW, Altoona, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm or Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
There are many ways to volunteer at Caring Hands, from sorting food donations and helping pantry visitors, to picking up donations from local businesses, organizing clothing and household items, and providing office support. Fill out the volunteer application and contact Diane at (515) 967-4533 to find out how you can get involved.
See something missing or wrong?
Suggest an updateThe Eastview Food Pantry is open to everyone regardless of income level. You don't need an ID to come, though having one is preferred. If you arrive without one, a limited amount of food is still avai
The Salvation Army Des Moines Citadel food pantry is open to anyone in the community who needs food assistance. You'll sign in when you arrive before receiving your groceries.
The Food Bank of Iowa is a large distribution center that sends food to more than 700 partner pantries and agencies across 55 Iowa counties. While its main role is wholesale distribution and not open
The Free Daily Food Window is open to everyone with no questions asked. You don't need to show any ID or bring paperwork with you. For the Monthly Market, which provides a full box of groceries for el
The Bond of Unity Food Pantry is open to everyone in the community. There are no eligibility restrictions.