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 Elizabeth.

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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth that’s open today: Salvation Army, Elizabeth Corps , St. Joseph Social Service Center , Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey , The Mercy House

Where are you located?

Because our work is mostly virtual, the Lemontree team works remotely, and we don’t have an office in Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, answer questions, and connect you with the right resources.

Free Food in Elizabeth - Lemontree Directory

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Find Free Food In ElizabethLemontree 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

Food pantry (groceries)
Christ Fellowship of Elizabeth
54 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time

0.15 mi
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 2nd (next week)
10:00 am–12:30 pm
Fri, October 9th (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!
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Food pantry (groceries)
New Beginnings Kingdom
13 reviews
Unclaimed
45 minutes
average wait time

0.17 mi
Info
BRING A BOX OR BAG TO CARRY YOUR FOOD
Requirements
Must bring own bags/cart
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
This Friday
10:00 am
Fri, October 2nd (next week)
10:00 am
Fri, October 9th (in 2 weeks)
10:00 am
10:00 am
every week on Friday
Location
7 Bridge Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 533-4777
https://www.facebook.com/nbkministry/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries), Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals)
Salvation Army, Elizabeth Corps
85 reviews
Unclaimed
6 minutes
average wait time

0.2 mi
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
Today
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
Appointment required
Tomorrow
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
Appointment required
This Friday
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 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 Elizabeth.
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)
St Mary Assumption Of Parish
7 reviews
Unclaimed
3 minutes
average wait time

0.57 mi
Info
Requires to call for hours. Serves Union County.

Only serves surrounding neighborhood
Requirements
Call in advance for services
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Next Sunday
Food pantry (groceries): 11:30 am–1:00 pm
Sun, October 25th (next month)
Food pantry (groceries): 11:30 am–1:00 pm
Sun, November 29th (in 2 months)
Food pantry (groceries): 11:30 am–1:00 pm
Food pantry (groceries): 11:30 am–1:00 pm
every month on the last Sunday
Location
155 Washington Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
directions
Contact
(908) 352-5154
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
St. Joseph Social Service Center
68 reviews
Unclaimed
20 minutes
average wait time

0.59 mi
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)
First Baptist Church of Cranford and Elizabeth
23 reviews
Unclaimed
20 minutes
average wait time

0.65 mi
Info
A church-operated community resource supporting people experiencing food insecurity.
Requirements
ID required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Tomorrow
8:00 am–12:00 pm
Thu, October 8th (in 2 weeks)
8:00 am–12:00 pm
Thu, October 22nd (in 4 weeks)
8:00 am–12:00 pm
8:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 2nd Thursday
8:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Thursday
Location
402 Union Avenue
Elizabeth, NJ 07208
directions
Contact
(908) 352-0519
https://www.fbcce.org/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey
98 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time

1.39 mi
Info
The JFS Charlotte Shak Food Pantry is a community food-assistance program operated by Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey and serving the community since 1986.
Requirements
You can visit twice a month
ID required
Registration required
Proof of household income required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Fresh produce
Toiletries may be available
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Kosher food available
Schedule
Today
10:30 am–12:30 pm
Today
1:30 pm–3:30 pm
This Friday
10:30 am–12:30 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
https://jfscentralnj.org/services/jfs-charlotte-shak-food-pantry/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals), Food pantry (groceries)
Siloam Hope Cares
19 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

0.27 mi
Info
The church runs a free food ministry that provides ready‑to‑eat meals to anyone in the community. It operates as a soup kitchen offering a welcoming environment for local residents in need.
Requirements
ID required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Prepared Meals
Schedule
This Friday
Food pantry (groceries): 12:00 pm
Must bring own bags/cart
Fri, October 16th (in 3 weeks)
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
Fri, October 23rd (next month)
Food pantry (groceries): 12:00 pm
Must bring own bags/cart
Food pantry (groceries): 12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Friday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Friday
Location
42 Broad St
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
directions
Contact
(908) 354-0016
https://shfpchurch.org/
Is this your soup kitchen?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
The Mercy House
10 reviews
Unclaimed
20 minutes
average wait time

1.43 mi
Info
(Available by phone Mon & Wed. Leave a voicemail anytime.)
Requirements
Call in advance for services
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Today
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Wed, September 30th (next week)
11:00 am–4:00 pm
Fri, October 2nd (next week)
11:00 am–4:00 pm
11:00 am–4:00 pm
every week on Wednesday
11:00 am–4:00 pm
every month on the 1st Friday
11:00 am–4:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Friday
Location
249 Court Street
Elizabethport, NJ 07206
directions
Contact
(973) 497-4348
https://rcan.org/mercy-house/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Iglesia San José (San José Episcopal Mission)
30 reviews
Unclaimed
43 minutes
average wait time

0.9 mi
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
This Saturday
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Sat, October 10th (in 2 weeks)
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Sat, October 24th (next month)
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!
Do I need an appointment?
Every location is different! Some places in Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth that’s open today: Salvation Army, Elizabeth Corps, St. Joseph Social Service Center, Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey, The Mercy House
Where are you located?
Because our work is mostly virtual, the Lemontree team works remotely, and we don’t have an office in Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth, answer questions, and connect you with the right resources.