The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
Emergency Food
Programs offered by senior centers or other community organizations, generally outside the food pantry network, that pack shopping bags (or other containers) with a supply of nutritional donated and surplus food for distribution to low-income individuals or families, students or older adults to supplement their meals at home.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
A federally funded program that works to improve the health of elderly people age 60 and older who meet income eligibility requirements by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA commodity foods. The program provides food and administrative funds to states, typically departments of health, social services, education or agriculture. The state agencies store CSFP food and distribute it to local public and private, nonprofit organizations that determine the eligibility of applicants, distribute the food, and provide nutrition education.
Community Fridges/Food Cabinets
Programs, often established informally, that provide and monitor the use of a refrigerator or storage cupboard in a public space in which anyone in the neighborhood can place food donations, or from which anyone can "take what you need, leave what you can" in the spirit of mutual aid. Donations of other necessities such as personal hygiene items may also be encouraged. Properly storing food is imperative to keeping it safe making it vital that someone is responsible for not only keeping the fridge or cabinet clean, but making sure fridges maintain proper temperature to ensure that the food does not spoil. In some areas, fridge set-ups may be in violation of local health codes, so those willing and able to launch a fridge operation are encouraged to check with the local health department before opening.
Programs that acquire food products through donations, canned food drives, food bank programs or direct purchase and distribute the food to people who are in emergency situations. Some pantries deliver food to people whose disabilities or illnesses make it difficult for them to leave home.