As grocery costs rise and federal funding for food banks runs dry, food insecurity is plaguing many Memphis families. Now, the problem could get even worse as the federal government shutdown halts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, also known as food stamps.
That’s why MLK50: Justice Through Journalism set out to create the best, most up-to-date food pantry guide in the city. Every food pantry listed below, as well as its contact information, hours and policies, was confirmed via phone call, email, or social media message.
MLK50 reached out to 89 organizations listed in food pantry guides from groups like the Mid-South Food Bank, We Are Memphis, FindHelp and Choose901. We confirmed that 14 of them either no longer exist or do not distribute food directly to community members in Memphis. Six more asked not to be included on this list because they are temporarily closed or not accepting any new clients.
Of the remaining 69 pantries, we’ve heard back from 45 as of Tuesday, Nov. 25. These verified pantries are listed below and included on our interactive food pantry map. We will continue to update this map and article as we hear back from more pantries. If you know of an active pantry that we haven’t included, let us know by emailing the author of this piece at natalie.wallington@mlk50.com.
Verified Memphis Food Pantries
Asbury United Methodist Church Food Pantry
2969 S. Mendenhall Road
Memphis, TN 38115
901-363-1135
Hours: Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon
Policies: This food pantry serves residents of the 38115 and 38118 ZIP codes only. Clients must bring a photo ID and proof of address, as well as the birth dates of all the members of their household. Clients can come as often as every 4 weeks and will receive food based on household size and age breakdown. Clients do not need an appointment and must be inside the building by noon to be served.
Bethel Church of God in Christ
2216 Clifton Avenue
Memphis, TN 38127
901-358-1215
Hours: Tuesdays from 9 a.m. until noon (get there by 11:30 a.m. to be served)
Policies: This pantry gives premade boxes of food to those who fill out a short application. Clients should bring an ID and their Social Security card, if they have one. No appointment is required, and clients can come as often as once a month to receive food.
Boulevard Church of Christ Food Pantry & Clothes Closet
1102 Hale Road
Memphis, TN 38116
901-590-0614
Hours: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Policies: Clients must make an appointment by Monday to pick up a box of food on Tuesday. Households can only receive one box of food every three months. Clients must bring an ID and a utility bill to confirm their address. While this pantry mostly serves families in the 38116 ZIP code, those from other ZIP codes can also call to request an appointment.
Brinkley Heights Baptist Church Food Pantry
3286 Rosamond Ave.
Memphis, TN 38122
901-491-6822
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 10 a.m. until noon
Policies: The pantry gives out premade bags of food based on family size to 20 families per day on a first-come, first-served basis. The first time clients receive food, they don’t need any documentation, but on later visits, clients must provide a photo ID and either a Social Security card or passport for all the other members of the household.
Capleville Community Food Pantry
4725 Riverdale Road
Memphis, TN 38141
901-363-1859
Hours: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Policies: This pantry gives out premade boxes of food to residents of the 38141 and 38125 ZIP codes only. Clients can get a box of food once a month, and must bring proof of need (such as enrollment in a government assistance program). They must also bring proof of residency in one of the two ZIP codes served.
Cavalry Baptist Church Food Pantry
3812 Kirby Parkway
Memphis, TN 38115
901-795-5407
Hours: Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Policies: This pantry gives out pre-packaged boxes of food that vary in size depending on the size of the household. Clients must call in advance, including on Wednesdays, to make an appointment to pick up a box. No ID or other documents are required.
Cathedral of Faith Community Church Food Pantry
2212 Jackson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112
901-327-1616
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Policies: Clients must call ahead to make an appointment to receive a box of food based on their household size. The head of the household must provide a photo ID and Social Security cards of the other household members if they are available. Households can receive food once every 2-3 months.
Catholic Charities Midtown Mobile Food Pantry
85 N. Cleveland St.
Memphis, TN 38104
901-722-4797
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 130 boxes have been distributed
Policies: This drive-through food pantry provides prepacked boxes of food to families on a first-come, first-served basis. Clients can receive one box of food per four people in their household once per calendar month. The first time clients come, they need to bring a photo ID and the names and birthdates of every member of their household, along with a proof of address. During subsequent visits, clients only need to bring ID and the card that Catholic Charities provides. Every July, clients must re-register for food pickups for the next fiscal year.
Catholic Church of Ascension Food Pantry
3680 Ramill Road
Memphis, TN 38128
901-372-1364
Hours: Third Saturday of the month from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Policies: This food pantry distributes premade boxes of food to residents of the 38128 ZIP code only. Clients must bring a photo ID and a piece of mail showing their address within this ZIP code. No appointment is needed, and clients can receive food as often as every month.
Catholic Church of the Incarnation
360 Bray Station Road
Collierville, TN 38017
901-853-8574
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Policies: At this pantry, clients can receive two bags of nonperishable grocery items once every calendar month. Clients can also come every week on Wednesday for fresh produce. Produce distribution starts at 10:30 a.m., but it’s recommended to get in line by 9:30 a.m. Clients are asked to bring an ID and do not need an appointment to receive food.
Christ Church of Bartlett Food Pantry
5955 Yale Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
901-377-3097
Hours: Third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. until noon
Policy: This drive-through food pantry distributes bags of perishable and nonperishable food to clients, who can come as often as every month. First-time clients should bring an ID and will be asked to fill out a form with contact information and family size. On later visits, simply bring back the card issued by the pantry. The pantry is open to all, and no appointment is required.
Christ Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry
480 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
901-948-9786
Hours: Twice a month on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until noon. Call for specific opening dates.
Policies: This food pantry distributed premade boxes of food to anyone in a vehicle with a Shelby County ID. Clients can come as often as every open day to receive a box, but will not be given one if they are not in a vehicle.
Faith Life Outreach Food Pantry
1435 Wells Station Road
Memphis, TN 38108
901-452-7993
Hours: Third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Policies: This food pantry distributes food to residents of the 38108 ZIP code only. Clients must bring a proof of address, an ID and a proof of need such as eligibility for SNAP benefits or another government assistance program. No appointment is needed, and clients can come as often as every month to receive food and other supplies like clothing and hygiene products.
First Congregational Church Food Pantry
1000 S. Cooper St.
Memphis, TN 38104
901-620-1058
Hours: Wednesdays from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Policies: First Congo hosts a free food pantry every Wednesday, where clients can “shop” for free food items out of a selection of perishable and nonperishable goods. No appointment is needed, although clients are given numbered tickets in the order in which they arrive behind the church. IDs are not required, and clients can stop by as often as every week.
Fishes & Loaves
258 N. Merton St.
Memphis, TN 38112
901-503-2748
Hours: Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Policies: Clients can get a prepackaged box of food once a month from this food pantry. No appointments or documentation are required. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Friends for All Food Pantry
1548 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
901-272-0855
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m, Friday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Policies: This food pantry exclusively serves people living with HIV/AIDS. Clients must provide a Ryan White card and an ID to receive a box of food. Clients can receive a box as often as once a month. No appointment is needed, and boxes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Good Neighbor Love Center Food Pantry
709 E. Broadway Ave.
West Memphis, AR 72301
870-735-0870
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Policies: This food pantry distributes prepacked bags of food based on family size to Crittenden County residents only. Clients should bring an ID as well as proof of residency if their ID does not show a Crittenden County address. No appointment is necessary, and clients can receive food as often as once a month.
Grace United Methodist Church Food Pantry
1619 E. Raines Road
Memphis, TN 38116
901-396-5123
Hours: Tuesdays from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Policies: Clients can receive a pre-packed bag of food from this pantry once per month. They should bring an ID and proof of address. If they are eligible for SNAP or another government assistance program, bringing proof of eligibility is helpful but not required to access food. No appointment is needed to visit the pantry.
Halal Food Pantry
4412 South Third St.
Memphis, TN 38109
901-789-1904
Hours: Final Saturday of each month from noon until 3 p.m.
Policies: This pantry gives out premade bags of halal food to clients, who do not need be Muslim in order to receive this assistance. Clients should bring a state-issued ID in order to receive food, but do not need an appointment. Clients can come back once every three months for food, but can return every month if they are in an emergency situation. This exception is determined by the pantry’s intake coordinators.
Heartland Hands Food Pantry
1621 Goodman Road W.
Horn Lake, MS 38637
662-280-5365
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Policies: This drive-up food pantry builds baskets of food based on household size for residents of Southhaven and Horn Lake only. Clients should bring their ID, a recent utility bill and proof of income for everyone in the household, and they will be asked to fill out paperwork documenting their need. Clients can come as often as once a month to receive food from the program.
Heartsong Church UMC Neighborhood Center
800 N. Houston Levee Road
Cordova, TN 38018
901-755-6332
Hours: Second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Policies: This pantry currently serves residents of the 38108 and 38016 ZIP codes. An ID and proof of residency in one of these ZIP codes are helpful but not required. Clients can receive a box of food once a month, and no appointment is necessary.
Hope House Memphis
15 South Idlewild St.
Memphis, TN 38104
901-272-2702
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until noon, or by appointment from noon until 4 p.m.
Policies: This pantry only serves people living with HIV/AIDS who have a Ryan White card. Clients are also asked to provide a valid ID. They can receive one premade box of food per month, with some variations available based on family size and dietary restrictions.
Hope House Ministries Pantry
653 Highway 77
West Memphis, AR 72301
870-732-4902
Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Tuesday from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Policies: While not reachable by phone, this pantry’s voicemail message instructs clients to bring a photo ID and asks new clients to bring a recent bill showing an address in Crittenden County, Arkansas.
Iglesia Apostolica Food Pantry
3966 Jackson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38128
901-210-5551
Hours: One Sunday per month from 11 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.
Policies: This Spanish-speaking food pantry gives out boxes of food once a month. Clients should call the church to request food and learn which Sunday of the month it will be available. The only documentation needed is some form of identification.
Impact Ministries
2025 Clifton Ave.
Memphis, TN 38127
901-614-1195
Hours: Second and fourth Saturday of the month, starting at 9 a.m.
Policies: This drive-through food pantry provides prepacked boxes of food to the first 80 families in line twice a month, with a maximum of two families per vehicle. In November 2025, they hope to serve up to 200 families. No ID or appointment is required, but clients are asked to fill out paperwork with their family size and contact information. Vehicles may start lining up at 7 a.m. or earlier to receive food.
Jewish Family Services Kosher Food Pantry
6560 Poplar Ave.
Memphis, TN 38138
901-767-8511
Hours: Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon or by appointment
Policies: This Kosher food pantry serves Shelby County residents who have gone through its intake process. Call the pantry’s number and ask for Audrey May to begin intake. No ID or documentation is needed — all information given during the intake process is self-reported. Clients do not have to be Jewish or keep Kosher in order to receive food. They can get a prepackaged box of food as often as every two weeks, and baby supplies like diapers as often as once a month.
Leawood Baptist Church Food Pantry
1202 Dyer Place
Memphis, TN 38122
901-324-7169
Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Policies: This food pantry and clothing closet only serves residents of the ZIP codes 38108, 38112, 38122 and 38128. No appointment is necessary, but clients need to bring an ID and proof of their address in one of those ZIP codes. Clients can receive food once every 3 months.
Life of Liberty Food Pantry
749 Tate Ave.
Memphis, TN 38126
901-691-6950
Hours: Fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.
Policies: This drive-through food pantry is open once a month to anyone who needs it. Clients will receive 10-12 items loaded into their car by volunteers. The only documentation required is a photo ID, and no appointment is needed. Clients can receive food as often as every month.
Manna Outreach
1279 Jefferson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
901-729-6222
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Policies: This food pantry distributes boxes of food based on household size. No appointment is needed, but clients should bring an ID. Clients can return once every three months for food.
Mid South Food Bank Mobile Pantry
Locations vary. Check this pantry’s webpage to see the most up-to-date schedule for each week.
Millington Food Pantry
8029 Wilkinsville Road
Millington, TN 38053
901-872-2771
Hours: Every Tuesday, the first Thursday, and the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Policies: This pantry distributes food to residents of the 38053 ZIP code only. Call during its open hours to make an appointment to receive food. Clients can receive food once every three months and should bring an ID and proof of residency in the 38053 ZIP code.
Olive Branch Food Pantry
10947 Highway 178
Olive Branch, MS 38654
662-895-2913
Hours: Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until noon and Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Policies: This drive-through pantry distributes premade boxes of food to residents of DeSoto County, Mississippi only. Clients do not need an appointment, but must bring proof of residency and Social Security cards for all members of the household. Clients can receive food as often as once a month.
Pearl’s Pantry at SisterReach
2811 Clarke Road
Memphis, TN 38115
901-614-9906
Hours: By appointment only
Policies: This pantry is available to all Shelby County residents by appointment only. Fill out a form on the group’s website to make a shopping appointment. The pantry does not accept walk-ins. Clients should bring their own ID and the ID of whoever they are picking up items for. No proof of income is required.
Riverside Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry
3560 S. Third St.
Memphis, TN 38109
901-789-4570
Hours: Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon
Policies: This pantry serves residents of the 38109 ZIP code only. Clients must bring an ID, proof of income, Social Security numbers of everyone in the household and proof of residency in the 38109 ZIP code. After filling out an eligibility form, they can get a box of food that is assembled based on their household size as often as once a month.
Sacred Heart Southern Missions
6144 Highway 161 N.
Walls, MS 38686
662-781-1360
Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.
Policies: This food pantry only serves residents of DeSoto County who are registered with the pantry. New clients can call to make an intake appointment with a social service worker. Clients will need to bring a current lease, utility bill, proof of income, photo IDs for every adult in the household, and Social Security cards for every person in the household to this appointment. Once registered, clients will be given a once-a-month pickup time to receive a basket of food based on household size.
Samaritans Food Pantry
2600 Goodman Road
Horn Lake, MS 38637
662-393-6439
Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Policies: This pantry gives out a packed box of food based on household size to residents of Horn Lake and Southaven only. Clients can receive food as often as once per month, and must bring an ID, proof of address and proof of their income.
Save Our Sons and Daughters Inc.
3680 Rhodes Ave.
Memphis, TN 38111
901-496-3938
Hours: Usually the fourth Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. or until supplies run out, although the distribution schedule may vary.
Policies: This organization gives out prepackaged boxes of mostly nonperishable food roughly once a month. Clients need to provide a state ID and fill out a short form with their contact information. No appointment is needed, and food boxes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The program generally limits clients to one box of food per vehicle unless an adult in the vehicle can prove that they are a member of a different household. Clients can also join the line on foot to receive a box.
St. Augustine Catholic Church Food Pantry
1169 Kerr Ave.
Memphis, TN 38106
901-774-2297
Hours: First Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Policies: This pantry gives out boxes of nonperishable items once a month to anyone who comes by. Clients should bring their ID, and no appointment is needed to receive food from the pantry.
St. John’s United Methodist Church Pantry
1207 Peabody Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
901-726-4104
Hours: First and third Thursday of the month from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. (It is recommended to get in line around 8:30 a.m.)
Policies: This pantry allows clients to “shop” for the specific food items they want. Anyone living in the following ZIP codes is eligible: 38103, 38104, 38105, 38106, 38107, 38108, 38109, 38111, 38112, and 38157. Clients should bring a photo ID showing that they reside in one of those ZIP codes, but no other documentation is needed.
St. John Baptist Church Pantry
640 Vance Ave.
Memphis, TN 38126
901-525-1092
Hours: Second and fourth Friday of the month from 10 a.m. until noon
Policies: This pantry distributes food based on household size. Clients should bring an ID and the Social Security cards of any children in the household. They can receive food up to once a month.
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Pantry
480 S. Highland St.
Memphis, TN 38111
901-452-6262
Hours: Usually open on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 9:30 a.m. until noon, although for November and December 2025, it will be the second and third Thursday.
Policies: This pantry provides a premade bag of food based on household size as often as once a month per household. Clients should bring an ID, and no appointment is needed.
St. Michael’s Catholic Church Food Pantry
3880 Forest Ave.
Memphis, TN 38122
finance@stmichaelmemphis.org (pantry itself has no phone number
Hours: Second and third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. while supplies last
Policies: This pantry distributes premade boxes of nonperishable food along with varying perishable donations twice a month. First-time clients must fill out a brief form and bring their ID to register. They can then receive a box of food once per month with no appointment needed. Boxes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
277 S. Fourth St.
Memphis, TN 38126
901-527-2542
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., and the last Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. until supplies run out
Policies: Small bags of food are available along with a hot meal at this pantry from Tuesday through Thursday, and clients can come up to three times a week. The larger drive-through food pantry happens on the last Saturday of each month. Clients only need to bring an ID, and no appointment is needed.
TGAND Outreach Ministries at Greater New Liberty Church
250 E. Raines Road
Memphis, TN 38109
901-774-4581
Hours: Wednesdays from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. or by appointment
Policies: This pantry gives out premade boxes of food. Clients should bring an ID and call ahead to make an appointment to pick up their box. They will need to fill out a short form in person with their contact information and household size. Clients can receive a box once a month.
Table Spread Food Pantry
1276 Jackson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38107
901-318-1211
Hours: Second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. until noon while supplies last
Policy: This pantry gives out premade bags of food on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments, ID or documentation of need are required.
Natalie Wallington is the housing reporter for MLK50: Justice Through Journalism. Email her at natalie.wallington@mlk50.com.
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