Food Pantry Guidelines

Appointment times available Monday through Friday

Please note that appointment and registration times are fixed and must be adhered to. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled time, you may have to reschedule. Additionally, keep in mind that the duration of appointments may vary depending on weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Any changes to the schedule will be announced on our social media page or at the time of check-in.

Group of people standing behind tables filled with boxes of canned goods, bread, and produce in a warehouse. Everyone is smiling and wearing matching blue shirts, with some holding bouquets of flowers. Logo in bottom right corner reads "Leaves & Fishes for St. Louis."
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Two men smiling outdoors, one wearing pink t-shirt with the text "Leaves Fishes for St. Louis" and an orange lanyard, the other wearing a black patterned polo shirt with sunglasses on his head.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for services, clients must meet the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines at 150% of the federal poverty level. Appropriate identification and proof of household income are required at the time of registration. Household income is assessed based on the income of all adults residing at the primary address. 

A woman carrying a paper shopping bag at a food pantry or distribution center, with canned goods and boxed food items on shelves behind her.

New Client Registration

New client registration is conducted by appointment only. Potential clients are required to bring the following documents at the time of registration:

  • Valid photo identification

  • Proof of household income for all adults aged 19 and over, which may include:

    • Most recent tax return

    • Recent pay stub

    • Social Security or Disability award letter

    • Unemployment award letter or proof of income loss (e.g., termination letter)

    • SNAP (food stamps) budget summary indicating zero income

    • Proof of enrollment for adults not working due to schooling

  • Documentation of veterans’ status, if applicable

  • A completed registration form, available in the office and online at www.loavesandfishes-stl.org

  • Birth certificates or Social Security cards for each child in the household

Please note that due to high demand, clients who miss their registration appointments multiple times will be ineligible to re-enroll or removed from the program.

Shelves and a table with flowers, food, and groceries in a warehouse-style store.

Seasonal Programs

Loaves and Fishes provides seasonal assistance programs for our food pantry clients during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. These services are available by appointment only. Due to limited availability, pre-registration is required prior to the event.

Each participating client will receive a designated "special” appointment card, which is separate from their regular food pantry schedule. Please note that appointment cards and times are non-transferable, non-swapable, and cannot be exchanged with other clients.

Clients must arrive no later than 30 minutes past their scheduled "special” appointment time to receive services. Additionally, "special" appointments are offered only to clients who have completed their annual income verification requirements.

Group of five children and one adult woman standing in front of a truck with the sign 'Loaves & Fishes for St. Louis,' serving the community and restoring hope.