St Anthony's Food Pantry

Who Can Visit?

St. Anthony's Food Pantry is open to anyone in the St. Louis Metro region who needs food. It doesn't matter how old you are, your gender, your background, or your zip code. Everyone is welcome, including people from the Metro East.

Items Needed for Registration

You don't need a photo ID to get food. When you arrive, you'll need to give your name, address, household size, and zip code. If you'd like diapers through the diaper program, bring your WIC folder.

How Often You Can Visit?

You can come once per month. If you're in a crisis and need food before your next monthly visit, call (314) 352-1460 and the team can help.

Good to Know

The pantry is in the basement of St. Anthony's Church. Enter through the parking lot on the east side of the building, using the back entrance. Reviewers say you can expect a good supply of food, with one visitor describing it as a real month's supply. Arrive during open hours since lines can get long, especially on Mondays and Thursdays. If you need emergency food outside of regular hours, text (314) 352-1460 to arrange a pickup.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides a variety of food including fresh produce, meat, and other groceries. Reviewers have mentioned items like pre-cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, potatoes, onions, fruit, and baked goods. Volunteers describe the food as fresher than what you'd find at many other pantries. The pantry also distributes personal care items, feminine hygiene products, diapers (through a partnership with the St. Louis Diaper Bank), brand-new socks in many sizes, and household items.

How to Pick Up

St. Anthony's uses a client-choice model, so you can pick your own food items. When you arrive, volunteers guide you through the process.

Additional Support

Beyond food, the pantry offers several extra services:

• Utility assistance: The St. Vincent De Paul Society provides utility assistance at the pantry on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 4 to 6pm. Let staff know when you arrive if you need this service.
• Resource table: A directory of community support services is available in the waiting area while you wait for your food. The pantry partners with Start Here STL and Mercy Neighborhood Ministries.
• Medicaid enrollment: Reviewers mention that staff can help sign you up for Medicaid.
• Job listings: Reviewers note there's a current job availability list on-site.

Facilities

The pantry has a free clothing area set up like a store where you can shop for lightly used clothes and shoes.

Ways to Give

The pantry accepts monetary donations by check, debit/credit card, or PayPal. To donate online, visit the donation page. To mail a check, send it to St. Anthony's Food Pantry, 3140 S Meramec Street, St. Louis, MO 63118.

The pantry also accepts in-kind donations of unopened non-perishable food, gently used clothing, household items, furniture, children's toys and school supplies, and unopened personal care items. They don't accept items with holes, rips, or stains, broken toys, opened items, or expired food. Call (314) 352-1460 before dropping off donations to confirm they have space.

How to Join the Team?

St. Anthony's welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities, including students looking to fulfill service hour requirements. Volunteers help with stocking shelves, assisting clients, doing admin work, and organizing clothing donations. Fill out the volunteer form on the volunteer page and someone will reach out to schedule an orientation. You can also email info@stanthonyfoodpantrystl.org if you don't hear back soon.

All volunteers are required to complete an online training course and pass a background check through the Archdiocese. Students under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and closed-toe shoes are required.