Who Can Visit?
Manos de Cristo's food pantry is open to anyone in need of emergency food assistance. There are no income requirements and no zip code restrictions. You don't need an appointment. Just show up during pantry hours and you'll be helped on a first-come, first-served basis. They can serve up to 12 households per day.
How Often You Can Visit?
Families and individuals can visit the food pantry once every two months.
Good to Know
The pantry can only serve 12 households per day, so arriving early is a good idea. Curbside pick-up is the current service model and masks are required. The pantry does not distribute bus passes.
For questions about the food pantry, you can reach Maria Gamez, Basic Needs Coordinator, by calling tel:(512) 628-4199. You can also email the main office at mdc@manosdecristo.org or call tel:(512) 477-7454.
Food & Essentials
The goal is to give each household about one week's worth of groceries. The pantry offers a mix of perishable and non-perishable food items, based on what's available. The Clothes Closet is also open on select days, where you can choose from new and gently used clothing.
How to Pick Up
Food is available as curbside pick-up only. Masks are required when you come. The pantry works on a first-come, first-served basis, and only 12 households can be served each day.
Food Pantry Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Clothes Closet Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Additional Support
Manos de Cristo offers much more than food. They run a Dental Center at the same location with reduced-rate dental care for those who are uninsured or underinsured. They also have adult education programs including English as a Second Language (ESL), Computer Literacy, and Citizenship classes. Bus pass assistance and scholarships are available for education students who need help with costs.
Ways to Give
You can support Manos de Cristo in several ways. They welcome one-time, monthly, and yearly financial donations. You can also donate food and clothing items directly, or organize a donation drive at your workplace or church.
Food Pantry Donation Needs: Boxes of cereal, canola cooking oil (16 oz.), peanut butter (18 oz.), shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and laundry detergent. Generic brand products are always welcome.
Clothes Closet Donation Needs: Clean, new or gently used winter clothing for men, women, and children, including coats and jackets.
Donation Drop-Off Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To donate food or clothing, contact Maria Gamez at mgamez@manosdecristo.org or call tel:(512) 628-4199.
To organize a food drive, contact Lily Lombardi at llombardi@manosdecristo.org or call tel:(512) 628-4202.
For financial donations or general donation questions, contact Diane Riehs, Director of Development, at driehs@manosdecristo.org or call tel:(512) 628-4203.
How to Join the Team?
Manos de Cristo welcomes volunteers for the food pantry and Clothes Closet, food pick-up runs, and community garden upkeep. Food Pantry and Clothes Closet volunteers need to commit to at least once a month for three consecutive months. They're looking for people who can help during weekday mornings to pack grocery bags or organize clothing. If you're helping with food pick-up, you should be comfortable lifting 20 or more pounds and have an SUV, truck, or large enough vehicle.
You can fill out the Basic Needs Volunteer Application Form on their website at manosdecristo.org.