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 Essex.

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 Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex that’s open today: Toni's Kitchen, A Food Ministry Of St. Luke's Church , Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges , MESH Café, no phone number can be found

Where are you located?

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

Free Food in Essex - Lemontree Directory

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Find Free Food In EssexLemontree 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)
Toni's Kitchen, A Food Ministry Of St. Luke's Church
16 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time

2.02 mi
Info
Please always check website for updated schedule: https://toniskitchen.org/get-help/
Requirements
Registration required
Must bring own bags/cart
Offerings
Free Groceries
Clothing may be available
Schedule
Today
10:00 am–4:00 pm @ Toni’s Closet
Today
10:30 am–12:00 pm @ Toni’s Kitchen Choice Pantry
Client choice pantry
Fresh produce
Tomorrow
10:00 am–4:00 pm @ Toni’s Closet
10:30 am–12:00 pm
every week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
11:30 am–12:30 pm
every week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
5:00 pm–6:00 pm
every week on Sunday
10:00 am–4:00 pm
every week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
11:30 am–2:00 pm
every week on Sunday
Location
73 South Fullerton Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
directions
Contact
(973) 932-0768
https://toniskitchen.org/get-help/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
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Food pantry (groceries)
ST. PAUL BAPTIST CHURCH
13 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

1.79 mi
Info

Service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis; please line up to receive a ticket.

The pantry is located in the building in front of the church.
Offerings
Free Groceries
Fresh produce
Schedule
Tomorrow
3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Thu, October 8th (in 2 weeks)
3:00 pm–6:00 pm
Thu, October 22nd (in 4 weeks)
3:00 pm–6:00 pm
3:00 pm–6:00 pm
every 2 weeks on Thursday
Location
119 Elm Street
Montclair, NJ 07042
directions
Contact
(973) 746-8338
https://www.stpaullive.org/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries), Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals), Other material needs
Holy Trinity-West Orange Food Pantry
19 reviews
Unclaimed
10 minutes
average wait time

0.9 mi
Info

Diapers available third monday of the month with birth certificate

Please provide the text message or online chat about the Lemontree referral to this food pantry.

On-site registration required
Not accepting new clients.
Requirements
You can visit once a week
ID required
Proof of address required
Registration required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Free Groceries
Clothing may be available
Schedule
This Saturday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
Next Tuesday
Food pantry (groceries): 8:30 am–11:00 am
Sat, October 3rd (next week)
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
Food pantry (groceries): 8:30 am–11:00 am
every week on Tuesday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
every week on Saturday
Other material needs: 8:30 am
every month on the 3rd Monday
Location
315 Main Street
West Orange, NJ 07052
directions
Contact
(973) 325-0369
http://www.holytrinitywo.org/outreach.html
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 Essex.
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), Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals)
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Food Pantry
4 reviews
Claimed
15 minutes
average wait time

0.9 mi
Info
Diapers on 3rd Tuesday
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
This Saturday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
Next Tuesday
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Sat, October 3rd (next week)
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
Food pantry (groceries): 9:00 am–12:00 pm
every week on Tuesday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 12:00 pm
every week on Saturday
Location
315 Main Street
West Orange, NJ 07052
directions
Contact
(973) 325-0369
http://www.holytrinitywo.org/outreach.html
Food pantry (groceries)
Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges
16 reviews
Claimed
10 minutes
average wait time

1.67 mi
Info
Volunteer‑powered supplemental food pantry serving Orange, East Orange, and West Orange residents with dignity and respect. It offers weekly grocery distributions that include fresh produce, diapers, toiletries, menstrual care products, and other essentials. Clients also receive access to additional resources such as SNAP, WIC, and health‑insurance assistance, as well as periodic health screenings and nutrition education.
Requirements
Registration required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Today
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Wed, September 30th (next week)
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Wed, October 14th (in 3 weeks)
9:00 am–12:00 pm
9:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 2nd Wednesday
9:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Wednesday
9:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 4th Wednesday
9:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 5th Wednesday
Location
357 South Jefferson Street
City of Orange, NJ 07050
directions
Contact
(973) 856-4000
https://www.orangesfoodpantry.org
Food pantry (groceries)
Jubilee Community Outreach Center at Epiphany and Christ Church
12 reviews
Claimed
10 minutes
average wait time

1.94 mi
Info
Closed on the 5th Saturday of the month, and on all holidays. Food pantry entrance is at the rear of the church (gray door).

On-site registration required
Requirements
You can visit once a month
Registration required
ID required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Clothing may be available
Schedule
This Saturday
11:00 am–1:00 pm
Sat, October 3rd (next week)
11:00 am–1:00 pm
Sat, October 10th (in 2 weeks)
11:00 am–1:00 pm
11:00 am–1:00 pm
every week on Saturday
Location
105 Main Street
City of Orange, NJ 07050
directions
Contact
(973) 629-7713
https://eaccorange.org/serve/
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals)
MESH Café, no phone number can be found
0 reviews
Unclaimed
no ratings yet

2.09 mi
Info
MESH Café is a community dinner program run by Montclair Emergency Services for Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless and food-insecure adults and families in Montclair. Volunteer- and faith-partner-supported, MESH Café provides a free, hot evening meal in a welcoming setting, alongside essential personal-care supplies. The parent organization also runs the Mesh Store with new and used clothing and hygiene items, an overnight winter shelter that opens in extreme cold, and supportive casework to help guests connect with broader community services.
Requirements
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Prepared Meals
Schedule
Today
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm @ Union Baptist Church
Other social services available
Toiletries may be available
Clothing may be available
Tomorrow
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm @ Union Baptist Church
Other social services available
Toiletries may be available
Clothing may be available
This Friday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm @ Union Baptist Church
Other social services available
Toiletries may be available
Clothing may be available
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 3:00 pm–5:00 pm
every week on Saturday
Soup kitchen (ready-to-eat meals): 4:00 pm–6:00 pm
every week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Location
14 Midland Avenue
Union Baptist Church
Montclair, NJ 07042
directions
Contact
(973) 348-9168(Sun–Sat 12am–12am)
wearemesh.org
Is this your soup kitchen?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
RCCG Dominion Cathedral, NJ
12 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

1.81 mi
Info
A food pantry operated at RCCG Dominion Cathedral.
Requirements
Registration required
ID required
Offerings
Free Groceries
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Sun, October 4th (in 2 weeks)
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Sun, October 18th (in 4 weeks)
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Sun, November 1st (in 2 months)
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
every month on the 1st Sunday
1:00 pm–3:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Sunday
Location
180 Main Street
City of Orange, NJ 07050
directions
Contact
(973) 672-8888
https://www.rccgdominionnj.org/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
S.D.A. Church of the Oranges
42 reviews
Unclaimed
30 minutes
average wait time

1.96 mi
Requirements
Proof of address required
First come, first serve: open until food runs out
Offerings
Free Groceries
Clothing may be available
Diapers/baby essentials may be available
Schedule
Tomorrow
2:00 pm–6:00 pm
Thu, October 1st (next week)
2:00 pm–6:00 pm
Thu, October 8th (in 2 weeks)
2:00 pm–6:00 pm
2:00 pm–6:00 pm
every week on Thursday
Location
308 Reynolds Terrace
City of Orange, NJ 07050
directions
Contact
(973) 678-1951
https://cotosda.org/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Food pantry (groceries)
Mt. Carmel Baptist Church
18 reviews
Unclaimed
5 minutes
average wait time

1.34 mi
Offerings
Free Groceries
Schedule
Sat, October 10th (in 2 weeks)
10:00 am
Sat, October 17th (in 3 weeks)
10:00 am–12:00 pm
Sat, November 14th (in 2 months)
10:00 am
10:00 am–12:00 pm
every month on the 3rd Saturday
10:00 am
every month on the 2nd Saturday
Location
381 Cleveland Street
City of Orange, NJ 07050
directions
Contact
(973) 220-5833
https://mcbcoforange.com/two-fish-and-five-loaves-food-pantry/
Is this your food pantry?Claim it!
Do I need an appointment?
Every location is different! Some places in Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex that’s open today: Toni's Kitchen, A Food Ministry Of St. Luke's Church, Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, MESH Café, no phone number can be found
Where are you located?
Because our work is mostly virtual, the Lemontree team works remotely, and we don’t have an office in Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex, answer questions, and connect you with the right resources.