Any family who needs assistance is welcome to visit The Market. No appointment is needed — just walk in during open hours.
Some food items come from the USDA, which requires that your household income be at or below 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines and that you live in one of these counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, or Washington. If you're not sure whether you meet those guidelines, call (833) 822-7627 and staff can help.
When you visit for the first time, it helps to bring a photo ID — though one isn't required. It just makes the check-in process go faster. After your first few visits, staff will give you a barcode card, which you should bring to every future visit.
You're welcome to visit The Market twice per month, but no more than once in the same calendar week.
No appointment is needed. When you arrive, a staff member will greet you and walk you through the short check-in. You'll then be called to start shopping with a volunteer.
If you arrive between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. or after 3:30 p.m. on weekdays (or after 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays), regular shopping isn't available during those times. Instead, you'll be offered a Market Mix — a pre-packed box with dry goods, toiletries, and frozen food.
If bad weather is forecast, call (833) 822-7627 before coming to check whether The Market is open. Closures are also posted on the website.
Someone else can pick up food on your behalf as long as their name is on your proxy form. They can collect a pre-packed Market Mix box or pick up an OrderAhead order you placed online, but they can't shop for you. You can also pick up for up to two other households.
The Market carries a wide variety of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, bread, milk, eggs, and meat like ground beef and ground turkey. Breakfast pastries are sometimes available too. Reviewers have praised the fresh produce and wide selection.
The Market Mix pre-packed boxes include dry goods, toiletries, and frozen food. Visitors have also mentioned receiving household supplies such as laundry soap and toilet paper during their visits.
The Market is a client-choice pantry — you browse and pick what your family needs, much like shopping at a grocery store. After checking in, a volunteer walks through the aisles with you to help you select items.
You can also order ahead online through OrderAhead and pick up your free groceries from climate-controlled lockers on-site.
A Community Connections Team is available on-site to help you apply for SNAP (food stamps). Staff can also connect you with information and referrals for housing, transportation, employment, financial stability, and healthcare throughout the Food Bank's 11-county service area. Call (412) 460-3663 ext. 655 or visit the SNAP and Resources Beyond Food page for more details.
The Food Bank runs regional food distributions at various locations across southwestern Pennsylvania, including drive-up and walk-in events. No ID or documentation is required, and anyone can receive food on a first-come, first-served basis. See the full schedule at the Distributions page.
Seniors age 60 and older with household income at or below 150% of the Federal poverty level (in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, or Somerset counties) may qualify for the PA Senior Food Box program. Each monthly box includes canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, beans, cereal, pasta, bottled juice, shelf-stable milk, canned meat, and two pounds of cheese. Call (412) 460-3663 ext. 720 for details.
Doorstep delivery of Senior Boxes to low-income seniors in Allegheny County is also available, though the program is currently at capacity. Interested seniors can be placed on a waitlist by calling (412) 460-3663 ext. 720.
Monetary donations can be made online at give.pittsburghfoodbank.org — every $1 helps provide up to 3 nutritious meals. Monthly giving, tribute gifts, corporate giving, gifts of stock, and IRA charitable distributions are also available through the Ways to Give page.
To donate food, individuals and groups can visit the Food and Fund Drives page to learn how to host a food drive. Restaurants, cafeterias, and food industry businesses should email communityfoodconnections@pittsburghfoodbank.org or call (412) 460-1360.
Volunteers are welcome at The Market, Direct Distributions, the Volunteer Engagement Center, Farm Programs, and Family Volunteer Days. Visit the Volunteer page to explore all opportunities and sign up.
See something missing or wrong?
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