Virginia Peninsula Foodbank

Who Can Visit?

Anyone experiencing food insecurity is welcome to visit Virginia Peninsula Foodbank's Community Pantry at 3509 Chestnut Avenue in Newport News. The pantry serves individuals and families across Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, James City County, Gloucester, Mathews, York, Poquoson, and Surry.

You must book an appointment before coming. Walk-ins are not accepted at the Community Pantry.

How to Register?

Book your appointment online through the Community Pantry booking site. If you need immediate emergency food assistance and can't wait for a pantry appointment, call (757) 596-7188 to set up an appointment directly with the Foodbank.

How Often You Can Visit?

The Mobile Food Pantry program provides food at one location once per month per household.

Good to Know

If you've already been served at a Mobile Pantry or need more food assistance, the Foodbank recommends using their Pantry Locator tool at hrfoodbank.org/need-food to find a partner pantry near you. If you're in an emergency situation, call the Foodbank at (757) 596-7188 to make an appointment. Emergency food assistance hours are Monday through Friday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, with appointments preferred. One visitor shared that they came out with four bags of food and also received information about other places to find help nearby.

Food & Essentials

The pantry provides nutritious food options designed to support health conditions and overall well-being. You can expect fresh produce, meat and poultry, dairy products, and non-perishable shelf-stable items. The Foodbank's most-needed items include canned meats like tuna, salmon, and chicken; canned vegetables like string beans, butter beans, carrots, and potatoes; canned fruits; hearty soups; pasta and spaghetti sauce; rice; peanut butter and jelly; hot and cold cereal; shelf-stable milk; beans; and healthy snacks like granola bars. Reviewers have mentioned receiving frozen chicken and fresh produce that helped them maintain a healthy diet.

How to Pick Up

The Community Pantry at 3509 Chestnut Avenue is a shopping-style pantry where visitors browse and choose their own items. An appointment is required to shop. The Foodbank also runs monthly drive-thru Mobile Food Pantries at locations across the region, where food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. You can find the monthly Mobile Pantry schedule at the April and May flyers on the Foodbank's website.

Additional Support

The Community Pantry is conveniently located inside the Sentara Community Care Center, where visitors can also access primary care, mental health care, and social support services all in one place. The Foodbank also runs a Mobile Pantry program that brings food distributions out into the community each month. On a very limited basis, the Foodbank offers home food deliveries for homebound neighbors who meet pre-screening requirements. Call (757) 596-7188 to learn more. The Foodbank also refers visitors to other resources in the service area, and one reviewer noted they received information about other places to get help after their visit.

Ways to Give

The Foodbank accepts monetary donations, non-perishable food donations, and fresh produce during the spring and summer harvest season. Monetary donations go furthest: every dollar donated can provide the equivalent of three meals. You can donate online, donate by phone at (757) 596-7188, or mail a check to Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, 2401 Aluminum Avenue, Hampton, VA 23661. Food donations of up to 300 items can be dropped off at the Foodbank during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm). Dozens of drop-off locations across the Peninsula are also listed on the Ways to Give page. For food rescue donations from restaurants, grocery stores, or food distributors, contact rfigurelle@hrfoodbank.org or call ext. 141.

How to Join the Team?

Volunteers are a vital part of the Foodbank's mission, donating over 30,000 hours each year. You must be at least 12 years old to volunteer (14 if accompanying an adult, or 15 to volunteer independently). Volunteer opportunities include sorting and inspecting food donations, box packing on assembly lines, pulling and palletizing orders, helping at mobile pantry drive-thru distributions, bagging fresh produce, packing BackPack bags for kids, and supporting fundraising events. Sign up and register through the Volunteer Hub. For questions, email arobinson@hrfoodbank.org.