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.

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. 

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.

Utilization of Services

  1. Clients may access food pantry services once every two weeks.

  2. Each household is eligible for one (1) service appointment.

  3. Services are provided by appointment only, and appointment times are explicitly assigned to each client; they may not be exchanged or transferred.

  4. Clients are limited to a maximum of two (2) standing appointments.

  5. A valid photo ID must be presented at each appointment.

  6. Clients must be present in person to receive services.

  7. Due to high demand, clients who repeatedly miss scheduled appointments may be disqualified from continuing participation in the program.

  8. Services will not be provided to individuals arriving more than 30 minutes past their scheduled appointment time; in such cases, rescheduling will be offered.

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.

Code of Conduct

Loaves and Fishes for St. Louis, Inc. provides services to thousands of families and individuals annually. Our established Policies and Procedures are designed to safeguard clients, staff, and the community, as well as to ensure the smooth operation of our food pantry and distribution services. We are committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity while delivering efficient and effective services. We kindly ask that all clients adhere to the following rules.

·   Disorderly or threatening behavior toward the staff, volunteers, other clients, or the surrounding community will not be tolerated. 

·   No drugs, alcohol, or individuals under the influence are permitted on Loaves and Fishes premises. Anyone suspected of being intoxicated, disruptive, or threatening will be asked to leave and may be barred from returning to the food pantry. Refusal to leave will result in police notification. 

·   Clients may park in the designated area across the street. Please do not block or obstruct traffic or other vehicles entering or exiting the parking lot. Clients who refuse to relocate their cars may be asked to leave the premises without receiving services.

·   There should be no pushing or shoving at the donation tables located at the back. Any clients who engage in disruptive behavior at these tables may be asked to leave and could potentially be barred from returning to Loaves and Fishes.

·   Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Kindly refrain from loitering.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in the revocation of access to the Loaves and Fishes food pantry.