The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester runs an emergency food program for people who live within its service area. If you live outside the service area, the cupboard will still help you one time and
Bethany House - Food Distribution Center
Who Can Visit?
Bethany House runs a community food pantry that serves women as the head of their household. There are no income guidelines or restrictions, so your income won't keep you from getting help.
The pantry is by appointment only, so you'll need to set up a time before you come.
How to Register?
To book an appointment, call Bethany House at (585) 454-4197.
Items Needed for Registration
Bring proof of your family size to your appointment.
Food & Essentials
Qualifying families can also pick up baby items at their food pantry appointment through the Children's Closet. These include baby clothes up to size 2T, formula, diapers, and wipes.
Additional Support
Beyond the food pantry, Bethany House offers temporary housing for women 18 and older and their children, including boys up to age 12. Stays can last up to 45 days, and the house does not accept or require funds from DHA or DSS. Housing is decided case by case, with priority given to women with children, women sanctioned by DSS, women reentering society after incarceration or in-patient services, and women fleeing abuse or violence. To request housing, call (585) 454-4197 or email info@bethanyhouserocny.org.
Ways to Give
Bethany House runs entirely on donations and receives no government funding, and it never charges for its services. You can give in two ways:
- Money: Donate online through PayPal using the Donate button on the donate page, or send a check made out to Bethany House and mailed to 1111 Joseph Ave, Rochester, New York 14621. If you run into technical trouble while donating, contact anne@bethanyhouserocny.org.
- Supplies: Shop the Amazon wish list and make sure items ship to Bethany House, or check the Facebook page for current needs.
Bethany House is always happy to receive feminine hygiene products, personal care products, paper products, cleaning supplies, and new undergarments with tags. You can drop off donations Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, or call (585) 454-4197 to set up a time.
How to Join the Team?
The food pantry is run completely by volunteers every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am to 1pm. The house likes volunteers to commit to one or more of these days each week, but it also welcomes monthly, seasonal, or semi-regular help.
There are other ways to pitch in too. Every Wednesday, the community gathers for a prayer service at 5:30pm followed by dinner at 6pm, and volunteers are always needed to make and serve the meal. Trained volunteers can also support staff during evenings and weekends, or help with housework and building projects.
To get started, download the volunteer application and volunteer code of conduct, and view openings on the Bethany House Community Schedule.
Nearby Food Pantries
Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Monroe County and needs emergency groceries is welcome to visit The People's Pantry. You can come during open hours either by appointment or as a walk-in.
This Salvation Army food distribution center is part of the Emergency and Family Services (EFS) program, which helps households in crisis throughout Monroe County. Everyone is welcome here. The Salvat
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