You can receive food by visiting the food pantry or soup kitchen when it’s open. Make sure to check each resource page to see details like address, full schedule, and requirements.

Can someone deliver the food to my house?

Delivery services are very limited and are reserved for senior citizens or those with serious medical problems. If you believe you fall into either category, let us know and we may be able to help you find options in Union County.

What do I have to bring?

Every location is different! Please review the details included on each resource to see whether you need to bring any documentation like ID or proof of address, or supplies like bags to carry the food. If you don’t see any information on the resource, you don’t have to bring anything!

Do I need an appointment?

Every location is different! Some places in Union County accept appointments, some require it, and others allow walk-ins. Please review all details on the resource page to understand how you should prepare for your visit.

What kind of food do they have?

Food pantries offer grocery-style items such as canned food, fresh produce, and dry goods like pasta or rice that you can cook yourself. Soup kitchens offer ready-to-eat items like hot meals or sandwiches. All of these locations may have different options on different days, so it is hard to tell what each one of them will offer any given day.

Do they have vegetables?

Pantries may have different options at different times, so it is hard to tell what each one of them will offer any given day. Most pantries in Union County do give out some form of vegetables, but they may be canned items.

Pantries may have different options on different days, so it’s hard to tell what each one of them will offer any given day.

Any pantries open today?

If you’ve signed up for personalized assistance through our text message helpline, please take a look at the links we’ve sent you! If none of the resources we’ve sent are open today, let us know and we can search for additional options. Here’s a list of everything in Union County that’s open today: Community FoodBank of New Jersey , St. Joseph Social Service Center , He Hears He Cares Prayer Min Int'l

Where are you located?

Because our work is mostly virtual, the Lemontree team works remotely, and we don’t have an office in Union County for in-person visits. You can always reach us by texting 90847 or on WhatsApp between 10am-6pm, every day of the week.

Can I get a reminder before my visit?

Yes! Tap the bell icon on any resource page to set a reminder via text or WhatsApp before it opens, so you don’t forget your visit.

Can I build a weekly food schedule?

Yes — you can use Lemontree to build a calendar of upcoming pantry visits in Union County for the week, so you always know where to go and when. It’s a great way to plan ahead and make sure you have food throughout the week.

How do I get help from a real person?

You can text our helpline at 90847 or reach us on WhatsApp between 10am–6pm, every day of the week. A real person will help you find food in Union County, answer questions, and connect you with the right resources.

Free Food in Union County - Lemontree Directory

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Find Free Food In Union CountyLemontree makes it easy to find the best food pantries near you. Browse our directory, or sign up for personalized assistance & helpful tools. Our team of specialists can answer any question!

Days Open

SNAP/EBT
Community FoodBank of New Jersey
13 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

Info
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey's food assistance line provides information to help individuals find nearby food pantries and soup kitchens. For immediate food assistance information, text 'food' to (908) 224-7776 or visit cfbnj.org/findfood. They also offer assistance applying for SNAP and other benefits. SNAP application assistance is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. To speak with an operator, press 0.
Requirements
ID required
Call in advance for services
Schedule
Today
SNAP/EBT: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Tomorrow
SNAP/EBT: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
This Friday
SNAP/EBT: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
SNAP/EBT: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Location
31 Evans Terminal Road
Hillside, NJ 07205
directions
Contact
(908) 355-3663(Mon–Fri 8am–5pm)
https://cfbnj.org/apply-for-snap/
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Food pantry (groceries), Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals)
Salvation Army, Elizabeth Corps
85 reviews
Unclaimed
6 minutes
average wait time

Info
To make an appointment, call (908) 352-7057. Please note that the phone is not answered between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM due to a lunch break. Food pantry appointments are available the first ten working days of the month, Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM. Ask for Luz, the director of the food pantry, for assistance. The Soup kitchen is available the last ten days of the month, Monday to Friday.
Requirements
You can visit once a month
Proof of address required
Registration required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Other social services available
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Client choice pantry
Schedule
Tomorrow
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
Appointment required
Call in advance for services
This Friday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
Appointment required
Call in advance for services
Next Monday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
Appointment required
Call in advance for services
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 1st Monday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am
every month on the 1st Tuesday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 1st Wednesday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 1st Thursday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 1st Friday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 2nd Monday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 2nd Tuesday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:00 am
every month on the 2nd Wednesday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 2nd Thursday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–11:45 am
every month on the 2nd Friday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Monday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Tuesday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Wednesday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Thursday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Friday
Location
1005 East Jersey Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 352-7057
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Jefferson Park Ministries
26 reviews
Unclaimed
18 minutes
average wait time

Info
Jefferson Park Ministries provides free groceries to low-income and working families. They offer diapers, hygiene supplies, baby food, and clothing, and connect clients to SNAP benefits in partnership with Community FoodBank of NJ. Additional immigration and supportive services are available.
Requirements
ID required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Other social services available
Toiletries may be available
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Clothing may be available
Schedule
Thu, October 15th (in 2 weeks)
Food pantry (groceries): 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Thu, November 19th (in 2 months)
Food pantry (groceries): 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Thu, December 17th (in 3 months)
Food pantry (groceries): 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Food pantry (groceries): 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Thursday
Location
70 West Grand Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
directions
Contact
(908) 469-9508
https://www.jeffersonparks.com
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
How do I get food?
You can receive food by visiting the food pantry or soup kitchen when it’s open. Make sure to check each resource page to see details like address, full schedule, and requirements.
Can someone deliver the food to my house?
Delivery services are very limited and are reserved for senior citizens or those with serious medical problems. If you believe you fall into either category, let us know and we may be able to help you find options in Union County.
What do I have to bring?
Every location is different! Please review the details included on each resource to see whether you need to bring any documentation like ID or proof of address, or supplies like bags to carry the food. If you don’t see any information on the resource, you don’t have to bring anything!
Food pantry (groceries)
Christ Fellowship of Elizabeth
56 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time

Info
A faith-based community organization that provides practical community support to people experiencing need.
Requirements
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Free Groceries
Other social services available
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Clothing may be available
Schedule
This Friday
10:00 am–12:30 pm
Fri, October 9th (next week)
10:00 am–12:30 pm
Fri, October 16th (in 2 weeks)
10:00 am–12:30 pm
10:00 am–12:30 pm
every week on Friday
Location
1121 Elizabeth Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 289-6322
https://www.cfofelizabeth.com
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
St. Joseph Social Service Center
68 reviews
Unclaimed
20 minutes
average wait time

Info
A community-based nonprofit that brings people and communities together to serve neighbors in need with love, dignity, and compassion. Services include a food pantry, other social services, mental health services, an adult learning center, and referrals for housing assistance. Clients can visit their website at www.sjeliz.org.
Requirements
Proof of address required
Call in advance for services
Registration required
Proof of household income required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Other social services available
Schedule
Today
Food pantry (groceries): 9:30 am–3:00 pm
Tomorrow
Food pantry (groceries): 9:30 am–3:00 pm
This Friday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:30 am–3:00 pm
Food pantry (groceries): 11:30 am–1:00 pm
every month on the 1st Saturday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:30 am–3:00 pm
every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Location
118 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 354-5456
https://www.sjeliz.org
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Mt. Teman AME Church
26 reviews
Unclaimed
8 minutes
average wait time

Info
A church-based food-assistance ministry that meets community needs.
Requirements
Call in advance for services
Registration required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Free Groceries
Mt. Teman AME Church has no upcoming openings!
Location
160 Madison Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 351-2625
https://mttemaname.org/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Iglesia San José (San José Episcopal Mission)
31 reviews
Unclaimed
40 minutes
average wait time

Info
Iglesia San José is a Spanish-language Episcopal mission in Elizabeth that provides a faith-community setting and community-oriented ministry programming, including a food-for-all program.
Requirements
You can visit twice a month
Proof of address required
Proof of household income required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Free Groceries
Other social services available
Fresh produce
Client choice pantry
Schedule
Sat, October 10th (next week)
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Sat, October 24th (in 3 weeks)
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Sat, November 14th (in 2 months)
11:00 am–12:00 pm
11:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 2nd Saturday
11:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Saturday
Location
38 West End Place
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
directions
Contact
(908) 289-7070
https://www.iglsanjose.org
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor
43 reviews
Claimed
23 minutes
average wait time

Info
Clients are advised to arrive early. Clients need to bring a form of ID and are encouraged to bring their own bags. Bags are also provided. No advance call is required.
Requirements
You can visit once a week
ID required
Must bring own bags/cart
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Tomorrow
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Thu, October 8th (next week)
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Thu, October 15th (in 2 weeks)
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
every week on Thursday
Location
201 Spring Street
#223
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 355-1335
https://iglesiajesucristoeselsenor.net/
Food pantry (groceries)
He Hears He Cares Prayer Min Int'l
43 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

Info
A faith-based community resource center operated by He Hears He Cares Ministries International to help meet local community needs.
Requirements
You can visit once a week
Must bring own bags/cart
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Today
2:00 pm–9:30 pm
Tomorrow
5:00 pm–7:00 pm
This Friday
2:00 pm–9:30 pm
2:00 pm–9:30 pm
every week on Tuesday
2:00 pm–9:30 pm
every week on Wednesday
5:00 pm–7:00 pm
every week on Thursday
2:00 pm–9:30 pm
every week on Friday
2:00 pm–9:30 pm
every week on Saturday
Location
87 First St
Elizabeth, NJ 07206
directions
Contact
(908) 409-8002
http://www.hehearshecares.com/Our-Resource-Center
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries), Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals)
S.H.E.E.L.D. (The Lord's Kitchen)
49 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time

Info
A Shiloh Baptist Church outreach ministry operating in partnership with SHEELD, serving Plainfield-area neighbors and families with groceries and hot meals with dignity and love.
Requirements
You can visit twice a month
Must bring own bags/cart
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Sat, October 17th (in 2 weeks)
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Wed, October 21st (in 3 weeks)
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Thu, October 22nd (in 3 weeks)
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
every month on the 4th Thursday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Wednesday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Saturday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Saturday
Location
515 West 4th Street
Plainfield, NJ 07060
directions
Contact
'''[{"name":"Shiloh Baptist Church / The Lord\'s Kitchen","email":"admin@shilohplainfield.org","phone":"(908) 754-3353","public":true,"description":"Official Shiloh Baptist Church / ministry contact; published office hours Sunday 8am-2pm and Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm.","availability":[{"day":0,"endHour":14,"startHour":8},{"day":1,"endHour":17,"startHour":9},{"day":2,"endHour":17,"startHour":9},{"day":3,"endHour":17,"startHour":9},{"day":4,"endHour":17,"startHour":9}]},{"name":"SHEELD","email":"admin@sheeld.org","phone":"(908) 754-6143","public":true,"description":"Official SHEELD organization contact; no separate phone availability published.","availability":null}]'''
https://www.weareshiloh.org/ministries
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Do I need an appointment?
Every location is different! Some places in Union County accept appointments, some require it, and others allow walk-ins. Please review all details on the resource page to understand how you should prepare for your visit.
What kind of food do they have?
Food pantries offer grocery-style items such as canned food, fresh produce, and dry goods like pasta or rice that you can cook yourself. Soup kitchens offer ready-to-eat items like hot meals or sandwiches. All of these locations may have different options on different days, so it is hard to tell what each one of them will offer any given day.
Do they have vegetables?
Pantries may have different options at different times, so it is hard to tell what each one of them will offer any given day. Most pantries in Union County do give out some form of vegetables, but they may be canned items.
Do they have meat?
Pantries may have different options on different days, so it’s hard to tell what each one of them will offer any given day.
Any pantries open today?
If you’ve signed up for personalized assistance through our text message helpline, please take a look at the links we’ve sent you! If none of the resources we’ve sent are open today, let us know and we can search for additional options. Here’s a list of everything in Union County that’s open today: Community FoodBank of New Jersey, St. Joseph Social Service Center, He Hears He Cares Prayer Min Int'l
Where are you located?
Because our work is mostly virtual, the Lemontree team works remotely, and we don’t have an office in Union County for in-person visits. You can always reach us by texting 90847 or on WhatsApp between 10am-6pm, every day of the week.
Can I get a reminder before my visit?
Yes! Tap the bell icon on any resource page to set a reminder via text or WhatsApp before it opens, so you don’t forget your visit.
Can I build a weekly food schedule?
Yes — you can use Lemontree to build a calendar of upcoming pantry visits in Union County for the week, so you always know where to go and when. It’s a great way to plan ahead and make sure you have food throughout the week.
How do I get help from a real person?
You can text our helpline at 90847 or reach us on WhatsApp between 10am–6pm, every day of the week. A real person will help you find food in Union County, answer questions, and connect you with the right resources.