Our Mission
Our mission is to provide groceries to individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity—with dignity, fairness, and respect.
Our goal is to alleviate hunger and promote healthy nutrition for people in need of emergency groceries, regardless of zip code.
We strive to provide access to healthy food, offer supportive services, and create a compassionate environment where every person is treated with dignity and respect.
Groceries We Offer
We can offer a variety of items thanks to our partnerships with local food suppliers and donations from individuals and organizations.
Fresh Items
Breads: including bagels, sandwich breads, rolls, and gluten-free items upon request.
Dairy: items like milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.
Fruits and vegetables: potatoes, green vegetables, and seasonal fruit. Items may vary based on the Rochester Public Market's availability.
Proteins: Chicken, pork, ground beef, fish and eggs. Items may vary.
Shelf Stable Foods
Fruits: pears, oranges, peaches.
Grains: cereals and oatmeals.
Meals: chili, pork & beans, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, pasta kits, soups and more.
Proteins: tuna, salmon, chicken, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, peanut butter (and jelly).
Vegetables: carrots, green beans, corn, potatoes, tomato sauces.
Household Items
Cleaning: laundry detergent, dish soap, household cleaning products.
Hygiene Essentials: toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving cream + razors, deodorant, shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer, masks, women’s sanitary products, adult diapers.
Other: baby formula and food, diapers, dog and cat food
Guests must request these items. Items may vary based on availability.
Our "Full Shop" Model
At the pantry, all our guests select their own foods to fit their household needs. This model promotes dignity, increases choice, reduces food waste, and better aligns with the dietary needs and preferences of the families we serve.
We continue to emphasize access to fresh produce and healthy food options. This is made possible through our strong partnerships with the BJ’s, Costco, Foodlink, Rochester Public Market, Tops Wegmans, and other local suppliers, as well as recurring donations to the pantry.
Visiting the Pantry
The People's Pantry is open to all individuals in need of emergency groceries, regardless of zip code.
Hours of Operation
We are open for grocery shopping on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30am - 12:00pm.
Please bring your own grocery bags or carts to make carrying your groceries easier.
Location
555 Avenue D, Rochester, NY 14621
Please use nearby street parking to access the pantry.
Our location is wheelchair accessible.
Volunteering
We are always looking for volunteers to help with shopping days on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:45am - 1pm.
Additionally, volunteers can assist with restocking the pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Groups are welcome.
Volunteer shifts must be scheduled in advance. Please contact our Executive Director, Char Cordone at char@peoples-pantry.org to schedule a time to volunteer.