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?

You can browse these pages for resources in Union County to see if any are 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 in Union County.

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
10 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

Info
"Important update for SNAP recipients: New federal work requirements may affect adults ages 18 to 64 who don't have children under 14. If this applies to you, you may need to report work, training, or volunteer hours each month to keep your benefits. Some people may qualify for an exemption. Timelines vary by state, so don't wait to find out if you're affected. For more information, visit the USDA SNAP Work Requirements page, or contact your local SNAP office or call 211." Apply for SNAP benefits online or with the help of a CFBNJ team member. If you need help with a SNAP application, CFBNJ’s Community Connections team can provide direct assistance to you in-person and technical help over the phone. You can also mail your application to your local County Board of Social Services.
Requirements
Call in advance for services
Schedule
Tomorrow
SNAP/EBT: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
May 25th is Memorial Day
The resource may be closed, please call ahead.
Next Monday
SNAP/EBT: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Next Tuesday
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
https://cfbnj.org/apply-for-snap/
Is this your resource?Claim it!
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Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals), Food pantry (groceries)
Salvation Army, Elizabeth Corps
82 reviews
Unclaimed
5 minutes
average wait time
Info

To make an appointment call (908) 352-7057. The Food pantry is only the first ten days of month Monday to Friday and the Soup kitchen is the last ten days of the month Monday to Friday

Needs volunteers
Requirements
You can visit once a month
Proof of address required
Registration required
Offerings
Prepared Meals
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Tomorrow
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
Appointment required
Next Monday
CLOSED
Next Tuesday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
Appointment required
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 soup kitchen?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Jefferson Park Ministries Inc. (JPM)
26 reviews
Unclaimed
18 minutes
average wait time

Info
Provides free groceries to low-income and working families, along with diapers and hygiene supplies. Also offers baby food and clothing, and connects clients to SNAP benefits in partnership with Community FoodBank of NJ; additional immigration and supportive services are available.
Requirements
ID required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Thu, June 11th (in 3 weeks)
1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Thu, July 9th (in 2 months)
1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Thu, August 13th (in 3 months)
1:00 pm–5:00 pm
1:00 pm–5:00 pm
every month on the 2nd Thursday
Location
70 West Grand Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
directions
Contact
(908) 469-9508
https://www.jeffersonparks.com/our-services-1
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
48 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time
Requirements
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Free Groceries
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Tomorrow
10:00 am–12:30 pm
Fri, May 29th (next week)
10:00 am–12:30 pm
Fri, June 5th (in 2 weeks)
10:00 am–12:30 pm
10:00 am–12:30 pm
every week on Friday
Location
1121 Elizabeth Ave.
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 289-6322
https://www.cfofelizabeth.com
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries), Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals)
St. Joseph Social Service Center
62 reviews
Unclaimed
20 minutes
average wait time
Info

Serves Elizabeth residents only.

PLEASE DIRECT ALL CALLS TO REGISTER FOR THE FOOD PANTRY PROGRAM OR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE TO: 908-354-5456

Please check there current month calendar. website is www.sjeliz.org because the community food bank sometimes changes their deliveries
Requirements
ID required
Proof of address required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Registration required
Proof of household income required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Tomorrow
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 9:00 am–3:00 pm
This Saturday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 11:30 am–1:00 pm
Next Monday
CLOSED
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 9:00 am–3:00 pm
every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 11:30 am–1:00 pm
every week on Saturday
Location
118 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 354-5456
https://www.sjeliz.org/food-pantry.html
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries), Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals)
MT. TEMAN CHURCH
24 reviews
Unclaimed
9 minutes
average wait time
Info

Requirements:

Proof of address Union County

SSI

SNAP

Mt. Teman’s Food Pantry is held on the fourth Thursday of the month; Soup Kitchen is always on the fourth Saturday. However, some months the Food Pantry will be on the third Thursday to coincide with the fourth Saturday Soup Kitchen schedule.
Requirements
Proof of address required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Proof of household income required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
This Saturday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 9:00 am
Next Thursday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am
Thu, June 25th (next month)
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am
every month on the 4th Thursday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 9:00 am
every month on the 4th Saturday
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 Jose
26 reviews
Unclaimed
40 minutes
average wait time
Info

Should show up at 8am in the morning as the line is really long.
Requirements
You can visit twice a month
Proof of address required
Proof of household income required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
This Saturday
11:00 am–1:30 pm
Sat, June 13th (in 3 weeks)
11:00 am–1:30 pm
Sat, June 27th (next month)
11:00 am–1:30 pm
11:00 am–1:30 pm
every month on the 2nd Saturday
11:00 am–1:30 pm
every month on the 4th Saturday
Location
38 West End Place
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
directions
Contact
(908) 289-7070
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
He Hears He Cares Prayer Min Int'l
39 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

Info
A faith‑based resource center that provides groceries and food assistance to community members at its 87 First St location, while worship services are held at a separate address.
Requirements
You can visit once a week
Must bring own bags/cart
Offerings
Free Groceries
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Next Thursday
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Thu, June 4th (in 2 weeks)
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Thu, June 11th (in 3 weeks)
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
every week on Thursday
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)
Iglesia Jesucristo Es El Señor
42 reviews
Claimed
23 minutes
average wait time

Info
The food pantry is now open only on Tuesdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Saturday distribution has been discontinued. Clients need to bring some form of ID and are encouraged to bring their own bags, though bags are also provided. No advance call is required; clients can walk in. .
Requirements
You can visit once a week
ID required
Must bring own bags/cart
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Next Tuesday
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Tue, June 2nd (in 2 weeks)
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
Tue, June 9th (in 3 weeks)
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
5:00 pm–8:00 pm
every week on Tuesday
Location
201 Spring Street
#223
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 355-1335
https://www.ijeesi.org/
Food pantry (groceries)
Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey
82 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time

Info
The food pantry is located behind the big building, in the small building.

On-site registration required
Requirements
You can visit twice a month
ID required
Proof of address required
Registration required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Tomorrow
10:30 am–12:30 pm
Next Tuesday
10:30 am–12:30 pm
Next Tuesday
1:30 pm–3:30 pm
10:30 am–12:30 pm
every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
1:30 pm–3:30 pm
every week on Tuesday, Wednesday
Location
655 Westfield Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07208
directions
Contact
(908) 352-8375
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?
You can browse these pages for resources in Union County to see if any are 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 in Union County.
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.