FAQs

Who can get food from the pantry?: Anyone who needs it. There are no income limits, no zip code requirements, and nobody will ask you to prove you qualify. If you're hungry, you're welcome here.
Do I need to bring documents or ID?: No. We don't ask for ID, proof of income, proof of address, or paperwork of any kind. Just come as you are.
Do I have to live in Bartlett?: No. We mostly serve eastern Williamson County and the surrounding rural towns, including Granger, Holland, Jarrell, Taylor, and Georgetown, but anyone is welcome regardless of address.
Do I need to register?: We ask each household to complete a short, private sign-up once a year. It only takes a minute, and it's what lets our door and check-in system recognize you. We never share your information with anyone.
Can I pick up food for someone else?: Yes. If you're shopping for a neighbor, a family member, or someone who is homebound, just let us know at check-in so we can count it toward their visit.

When is the pantry open?: Seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 875 S Dalton St in Bartlett. You can stop by any time during those hours, or schedule a visit ahead on the Get Food page.
What happens when I get there?: The pantry is self-service, so there's no line and no one watching you shop. When you arrive, check in on your phone (or call the number posted on the door), and the door will unlock for you. Take a bag or basket, pick what your family will actually eat, and go. Most visits take 5 to 10 minutes.
Will someone be there to help me?: Usually not. The pantry is set up so you can shop on your own, in private, on your own schedule. If you'd rather have a volunteer meet you, or you need help carrying things, call or text us at 737-395-4961 and we'll arrange it.
What kind of food will I find?: It changes week to week based on donations, but you'll typically find canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, cereal, snacks, and some refrigerated and frozen items. We also have a free clothing rack. Fresh produce comes in at our monthly Fresh Food Distribution.
How much can I take?: ake what your household needs for the week. Signs in the pantry note limits on a few high-demand items so there's enough for the next family. We trust you to shop with your neighbors in mind.

How often can I come?: Once a week per household. That keeps the shelves stocked for everyone in the six communities we serve. If you have an emergency and need to come back sooner, call or text 737-395-4961 and we'll work something out.
Do I need an appointment?: No. Walk-ins are welcome any time we're open. Scheduling ahead is optional, and some guests like it because it holds a quiet time slot and reminds them when their week is up.
What is the Fresh Food Distribution?: Once a month we host a Fresh Food Distribution at the pantry with produce, dairy, bread, and other fresh items from the Central Texas Food Bank. Pick a pickup time and we'll have your food ready.
Does the Fresh Food Distribution count as my weekly visit?: No. It's separate from your regular pantry visit, so you're welcome to come to both in the same week.
What about holiday meals and special programs?: Seasonal programs like Thanksgiving meal bundles are also separate from your weekly visit. Watch the Events page or our Facebook for sign-up dates.

Wait, the pantry is in a shipping container?: It is. Our self-service pantry is built inside a converted shipping container on our lot at 875 S Dalton St. It's insulated, lit, climate-controlled, and fitted out with shelving, a refrigerator and freezer, and a keypad-free door that unlocks from your phone. From the inside it feels like a small, tidy corner store.
Why a container instead of a building?: Because it let us open sooner, stay open longer, and spend donations on food instead of rent. A container is secure, weather-tight, and easy to keep clean. It also gives guests something a staffed pantry can't: a private place to shop, on their own time, seven days a week.
Is it safe and clean?: Yes. The door locks automatically behind you, the space is checked and restocked daily by volunteers, and food is rotated and dated just like in a grocery store. Refrigerated and frozen items are kept at safe temperatures.
How do I get in?: When you arrive, tap "I'm Here" on the Get Food page or call the number posted on the door. Once you're checked in, the door unlocks. If the door doesn't open, call or text 737-395-4961 and we'll let you in.
Is it accessible?: If you have a mobility need the space can't meet, call us and we'll schedule an appointment to bring your groceries to your car or arrange home delivery.
Can I drop donations at the container?: Yes- we have bins outside the pantry to drop food items.

I can't get to the pantry. Can you deliver?: Yes, for seniors and homebound neighbors in our service area. Request a delivery on the Home Delivery page or call us, and a volunteer driver will bring groceries to your door.
What is the Food Companion?: t's a free tool on our site that helps you plan meals from what's in the pantry this week, with simple recipes and a shopping list. Try it before your visit on the Food Companion page.
I need help with more than food.: Our Community Resources page lists local help with utilities, rent, health care, clothing, and more. If you don't see what you need, call us. We know who to ask.
Is my information private?: Yes. We collect only what we need to run the pantry (basically your name, household size, and a way to reach you). We never share it with other agencies, landlords, employers, or the government, and we never sell it.

How can I help?: Three ways: give money (it goes furthest; we buy in bulk), give food from our Our Needs list, or give time as a volunteer. Every dollar and every hour directly helps our neighbors.
Where do donations go?: Straight to the shelves. We're an all-volunteer 501(c)(3), and our thrift store covers most of our overhead, so donations buy food rather than pay salaries.
Do you accept food rescue from stores and restaurants?: Yes. Grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, and farms in Bartlett, Granger, Holland, Rogers, and Taylor can join our rescue partner program. We pick up on a regular route and recognize partners publicly. Email freefood@neighborsserving.com to get started.
Can my church or group run a food drive?: Please do. We'll send you a list of what we need most, a flyer, and a pickup date. Groups that want to do more can sponsor a monthly need, like holiday meals or a commercial cooler, on the Our Needs page.