Find Food & Basic Needs Support in Allegheny County
No one should face hunger or go without basic necessities. Whether you're looking for emergency food assistance, clothing, household essentials, or pet food, Allegheny County has a network of compassionate organizations ready to help. This comprehensive guide connects you with resources throughout the community—from weekly food pantries to emergency distributions, from winter clothing drives to infant formula banks.
PA 211 – Your Gateway to Help
When support is needed, PA 211 is the first step. This free service connects individuals with community resources, including utility bill assistance, housing support, after-school programs, and food pantries.
How to Connect:
-
Dial 211 from any phone to speak with a resource specialist
-
Text a zip code to 898-211 for immediate assistance
-
Visit pa211.org to explore programs by category
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Quick Access Food Resources
Need food assistance right away? These organizations offer regular distributions throughout Allegheny County. Many provide same-day help with no appointment necessary.
Saturday Food Distributions
Many working families find weekend distributions most convenient. These organizations offer Saturday food assistance throughout the month, providing fresh produce, shelf-stable items, and household essentials.
Weekly on Saturdays
Bible Center Church – 717 N. Homewood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15108
412-214-0831.
Distribution: 10:00am - 12:00pm
1st, 2nd & 3rd Saturdays
Building the Community – Baptist Temple Church, 7241 Race Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Distribution: 10:00am - 12:00pm.
412-450-0818.
Emergency distributions are available by phone.
3rd Saturday
Bethany Community Ministries—The Storehouse, 7745 Tioga Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
412-212-7493.
Distribution: 11:00am - 1:00pm with shelf-stable food and fresh produce.
Saint James Church – 723 Rebecca Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
(412 - 241 - 1309).
Large distribution: 9:00am - 11:00am, including pet food, Ensure, and Depends. Clothing chapel is also available.
1st & 3rd Saturdays
Bridge City Church – 1200 Wolfe Avenue, North Braddock, PA 15104
412-824-1616.
Distribution: 9:00am - 11:00am
2nd Saturday
Mount Ararat Community Activity Center
745 N. Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412-441-1852
Food and clothing: 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Emergency pantry Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm.
3rd Saturday
Unity Baptist Church
420 5th Street, Braddock, PA 15104
412-636-9649.
Distribution: 8:00am-11:00am
Mobile Food Pantries
Can't make it to a fixed location? Mobile food pantries bring fresh food directly to neighborhoods throughout Allegheny County. Wilkinsburg Community Ministry operates multiple sites each week, making access easier for residents across the region.
07
Saturdays, 11 am - 1:30 pm
Covenant Fellowship Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1300 Swissvale Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221
06
Fridays, 2-4 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood, 120 E Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
24/7 Access: Community Fridge
North Braddock Free Fridge
609 6th St, N. Braddock, PA 15104
412-271-0800
A fully stocked fridge and cupboard are available 24/7 outside the building. The area is well-lit to support safe access at all hours. Free access to anyone in need.
Thanksgiving Support
City of Pittsburgh Thanksgiving Day Meal Delivery
Pittsburgh Police will hand-deliver meals to those in need on Thursday, November 27. Recipients must be City of Pittsburgh residents.
Registration Deadline: Saturday, November 15
Contact to Register:
-
Dr. Staci Ford: 412-522-3377
-
Zone 5: Officers Crawford & Kolesar: 412-665-2119
-
Zone 1: Officer D. Payton: 412-323-7201
-
Zone 2: Officer B. Wissner: 412-255-2827
-
Zone 3: Lt. Devenyi: 412-488-8326
-
Zone 4: Officer Wright: 412-422-6520
-
Zone 6: Officer Frank: 412-937-3051
Community Empowerment Association
Turkey Giveaway
CEA’s Annual Turkey Distribution Event, a community tradition ensuring every family enjoys a warm meal this holiday season. Everyone is welcome. No registration needed; first come, first served.
​
Nov 22, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
CEA, 7120 Kelly St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These organizations exist because your community cares about you. You deserve support, dignity, and respect.
Homewood Early Education Learning Hub & Family Center
7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
412-545-5039
Hours: Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm, Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Infant Formula Bank
Each family may receive up to 12 cans of formula per year until the child's first birthday. Bring a working phone number and identification showing the baby's name and birthdate (if the child is not present). Walk-ins welcome; no appointment necessary.
Diapers & Wipes
One pack of diapers and wipes is available every 60 days during regular hours. No requirements for this service.
Clothing
Items available every 30 days during regular hours of operation.
Saint James Church – Mary's Child Program
723 Rebecca Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221
412-241-1309
For parents with children birth through 10 years:
-
New or gently used clothing and shoes
-
Uniform shirts and slacks
-
New socks, pajamas, and underwear
-
Diapers and infant formula
-
Hygiene products (baby wipes, diaper balm/cream, baby shampoo)
-
Crib sheets
-
Baby equipment and furnishings (Pack and Plays, highchairs, strollers—no car seats)
-
School supplies, toys, books, and educational material
Beyond Food: Household Essentials & Clothing
Basic needs extend beyond nutrition. These organizations provide free clothing, household products, personal care items, and other essentials to help families.
Good Hope Baptist Church Bountiful Blessings
Free household products and essentials. Must present ID but no income requirements.
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday
412-441-9377
415 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Salvation Army - Homewood/Brushton
Blessing Boutique: New clothing for children ages 5-18.
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Call 412-242-1434 to schedule an appointment.
​
8020 Frankstown Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221 (Serves Homewood, Penns Hills, & Wilkinsburg)
Neighborhood Resilience Project
Weekly hot meals
Wednesdays 4:30pm-5:30pm
Free lunches
Monday-Friday 12:30pm-1:30pm
Bagged lunches
Saturdays 11:00am-12:00pm
​
412-261-1234
2038 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Pet Food Assistance
Ellie's Pet Pantry
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
​
Distribution occurs the last Wednesday of every month from 9:00am to 11:00am. An online application must be completed to schedule an appointment for pickup. Visit humaneanimalrescue.org to apply.
6926 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 | 412-345-7300 (x290)
St. James Church
Dog and cat food available during their large distribution on the 3rd Saturday of every month, 9:00am-11:00am
723 Rebecca Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 | 412-241-1309