Coker Methodist Church - Food Distribution Center

Who Can Visit?

Coker Methodist Church's Food Distribution Center is open to anyone in the community who needs food. It's one of the largest food pantries in San Antonio, serving around 350 families every Thursday. Just show up on a Thursday morning to register and sign in starting at 8 am.

Good to Know

Plan to arrive early. Sign-in opens at 8 am, but food distribution doesn't start until around 11 am. Each visit includes a large quantity of food, so having a car is strongly recommended. If you're walking or taking the bus, try to arrive one to two hours before sign-in time since the pantry can be hard to reach on foot. Reviewers note the wait can be several hours, so bring layers and something to keep you comfortable while you're in the parking lot.

Food & Essentials

Each Thursday distribution includes a variety of food items. Volunteers pack bags with canned goods and dry goods for families to take home. Reviewers report leaving with a significant amount of groceries.

How to Pick Up

Come to the church on Thursdays. Registration and sign-in open at 8 am. Food distribution begins around 11 am. Volunteers will be there to assist with carts and bagging so you can get your items to your vehicle.

Additional Support

Reviewers mention that the pantry has offered medical screenings and help with children's school supplies on distribution days alongside the food giveaway.

Ways to Give

Coker Methodist Church welcomes donations to help keep the pantry running. You can give online at pushpay.com/g/cokertx using a credit or debit card or ACH bank transfer. You can also give by cash or check in person. To donate by text, text "Give" to 833-245-8465 and follow the secure link that's sent to you. Recurring gifts can be set up and managed through your online account. For questions specifically about the food pantry, email the coordinators at cokerfoodpantry@gmail.com.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are welcome every Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm in roles like sorting food items, pushing carts, bagging groceries, assisting with registration, and directing traffic in the parking lot. You can also help pack canned and dry goods bags on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, with both standing and sitting roles available. To sign up, contact pantry coordinators Shirley Reid, Linda Baker, or Terry Baker at cokerfoodpantry@gmail.com.

There's also a street outreach opportunity on designated Thursdays from 7 am to 9 am near North Star Mall, where volunteers offer coffee, donuts, and prayers to people in the community. Contact Pastor Jose Mercado at (816) 752-2476 or PastorJose@coker.org to sign up.