Whether you are in need or know someone who is, this handy list is a good resource for finding food assistance in the greater Akron, Ohio area and Summit County. Below is a listing of food pantries that do not require a referral from any social agency.
It is recommended that you arrive early for all food distribution and bring bags or boxes.
Akron Urban League and Community Service Center
Akron Urban League and Community Service Center is open on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm. Your photo ID is required. Please call to pre-register. Food referrals to other pantries can be accessed by calling between 9am – 2pm at 330-434-3101.
Akron Urban League and Community Service Center 440 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron, OH 44307 Phone: 234-542-4166Akron Summit Community Action
Call first M – F 9 am – 11 am and 2 pm – 4 pm
ASCA (Akron Summit Community Action)
1367 Doty Dr. Akron, OH 44306
330-784-3301
Arlington Church of God
The Arlington Church of God’s Food Bank is available on the last 2 Tuesdays and Thursdays of every month. Please call to pre-register. The pantry is open for those in the East Akron area; other areas are on an individual case basis.
Arlington Church of God 539 S Arlington Rd Akron, OH 44306 Phone: 330-773-3321Barberton Area Community Ministries
Barberton Area Community Ministries offers a 3 day supply of food for your household once per month in 44203 zip code. No appointment necessary; please bring a photo ID and proof of residency (in the 44203 zip code) to each visit. The pantry is open on Tuesdays from 1-5PM and Thursday 1-6PM.
Barberton Area Community Ministries
939 Norton Ave.
Barberton, OH 44203
330-745-3693
Catholic Social Services of Summit County
Any Summit county resident in need may visit the Catholic Social Services of Summit County pantry once a month. Please call the office for an appointment. Pantry hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10am – 2pm. Groceries include a variety of foods that provide a balanced diet. Each adult ages 18 and up in the household must provide a photo ID and Social Security card.
St. John’s Community Center 1034 Brown St Akron, OH 44301 Phone: 330-773-9114Christ is the Answer International Ministries
Christ is the Answer International Ministries is open Tuesday – Friday 8am – 4pm for anyone in need. Please call to pre-register.
Christ is the Answer International Ministries 379 East South St Akron, OH 44310 Phone: 330-376-1869Church of the Annunciation
Church of the Annunciation’s Fr. John Hilkert Ozanam Center is open on Saturdays 10am – 2pm. The food pantry is for anyone in need in Summit and Medina counties. Please bring documentation of name and address.
Church of the Annunciation 87 Broad St Akron, OH 44305 Phone: 330-535-4141Church of our Savior
If you need groceries to make ends meet, please join their Muffin Mondays event on the last Monday of the month at 8 a.m., ask a volunteer during Dinner on Us, or ask the priest or an usher on Sunday morning.
Church of our Savior
471 Crosby St.
Akron, OH 44302
330-535-9174
Community Action
There are many Community Action Akron food pantries, one for every neighborhood. Call for your local area. Every location will assist any Summit County resident one time, after that, you will need to go to your local location. Depending on your location, there are both morning (9 – 11am) and afternoon (2 – 4pm) pantry hours on various days of the week. Your photo ID is required, and information on all in your household including social security cards, birthdates, and income for the past 3 months. You will be sent to your local food pantry.
Phone: 330-784-3301Copley Outreach Center
The Copley Outreach Center is open Tuesdays and Fridays between 10am – 2pm. Only for those that live in Copley Township AND are part of the Copley-Fairlawn School District. Proof of address and your photo ID are required.
Copley Outreach Center 1502 S Cleveland-Massillon Road Copley, OH 44321 Phone: 330-665-3335Cornerstone Christian Assembly
Cornerstone Christian Assembly’s food pantry open on Thursdays 9:30 – 10:30am for those in need in Barberton, OH. Your photo ID is required.
Cornerstone Christian Assembly 1531 Ettle Dr Barberton, OH 44203 Phone: 330-825-1199Destiny Youth Academy
Destiny Youth Academy’s pantry is open every Wednesday and Friday between 1 – 4pm. This service is for Akron residents; your photo ID is required.
Destiny Youth Academy 369 S Portage Path Akron, OH 44320 Phone: 330-252-8730E4 First Congressional Church
E4 First Congressional Church has a food pantry every Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 am to members of the community who are income eligible to receive food assistance based upon current federal poverty guidelines. You may receive food for 12 meals per family member once per calendar month. Need proof of address and ID.
E4 First Congressional Church
292 E. Market St. Akron, OH 44308
330-253-5109
Father’s House
The Father’s House’s food pantry is open on the 3rd Saturday of every month at 11am. The pantry is for those in need in the Summit, Stark, Wayne, and Medina counties. Examples of food include bread, meat, fresh vegetables and fruit, and canned goods.
Father’s House 4061 Wadsworth Rd Norton, OH 44203 Phone: 330-608-7117First Congregational Church
First Congregational Church’s pantry is open every Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:30am and provides assistance to any Summit County resident at least once. Zip codes of 44304 and 44308 may visit more often . Food selection varies according to what has currently been donated. Bring proof of address and your photo ID.
First Congregational Church 292 E. Market St. Akron, OH 44308 Phone: 330-253-5109First Baptist Church of Akron
First Baptist Church of Akron’s pantry is opened once monthly, usually the 3rd or 4th Saturday of the month at varying times between 11am – 4pm. See website for this month’s date and time.
1st Baptist Church of Akron 1670 Shatto Ave Akron, OH 44313 Phone: 330-867-2121First Congregational Church
First Congregational Church serves people in need that live in Akron zip codes 44304 and 44308. The pantry is open every Tuesday from 9:30 – 11:30am. Your photo ID is required.
First Congregational Church 292 East Market St Akron, OH 44308 Phone: 330-253-5109Good Samaritan Hunger Center
Good Samaritan Hunger Center offers a grocery bag program at several locations. Each adult present receives a bag of food and a 32 oz. container of homemade soup. Everyone is welcome. Photo I.D. is required. Bring 2 bags or boxes for your groceries. First come, first served basis. You must sign a form stating they are at or below the poverty level according to The Emergency Food Assistance Program guidelines. No limits to visits. Line starts 15 minutes before program. No referral needed.
Last 3 Tuesdays of the month:
Summit Lake Community Center
380 W. Crosier St.
Akron, OH 44311
From 2:30 to 3:30 pm: registration from 2:30-3:00 pm, distribution begins at 3:00 pm
Last 3 Fridays of the month:
Patterson Park Community Center
800 Patterson Ave.
Akron, OH 44310
From 2:30 to 3:30: registration from 2:30-3:00 pm, distribution begins at 3:00 pm. First come, first served basis up to the first 50 adults. Please bring Photo ID.
Last 3 Thursdays of the month:
Summit Lake Community Center
380 West Crosier Street
Akron, OH 44311.
From 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm: registration from 4:30-5:00 pm, distribution begins at 5:00 pm.
Heart 4 the City
Heart 4 the City offers food on the east side of Akron (Goodyear Heights) on 1st Thursday of every month 9-11am and every Thursday night (except 1st Thursday) from 6-7:30. Photo ID required.
Heart 4 the City
954 Eastland Avenue
Akron, OH 44305
Phone: 330.784.1350
office@heart4thecity.org
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s food pantry is open on the last Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of every month between 10am – 2pm. There are no restrictions on who may receive assistance. One visit per family per month.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 50 North Prospect St Akron, OH 44304 Phone: 330-376-5154H.O.P.E. Ministries
H.O.P.E. Ministries offers food on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month between 11am – 2pm. This is for all of Summit County.
H.O.P.E. Ministries 2274 S Arlington St Akron, OH 44319 Phone: 330-622-7435JoAnne’s Pantry
JoAnne’s Pantry is open on the Tuesday and Thursday of every month from 10am – 4pm. Joann’s Pantry is open on the last Tuesday and Thursday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Tallmadge. Need proof of address and ID. You will be asked to sign a government eligibility form and list all dependents.
JoAnne’s Pantry
286-A Pioneer St.
Akron, Ohio 44305
330-794-2562
234.571.5444
Kenmore Church of the Nazarene
Kenmore Church of the Nazarene’s pantry is for anyone in need; it doesn’t matter where you live, no restrictions. Call the office for an appointment.
Kenmore Church of the Nazarene 2025 12th Street SW Akron, OH 44314 Phone: 330-745-7720Lakemore United Methodist Church
Lakemore United Methodist Church’s pantry is for residents of Springfield Township and Lakemore Village. Call for an appointment and bring proof of residency.
Lakemore United Methodist Church 1536 Flickinger Rd Akron, OH 44312 Phone: 330-733-6531Living Hope United Methodist Church
Living Hope United Methodist Church’s pantry is for those in Summit, Medina, and Wayne counties that are in need. Call the church for an appointment.
Living Hope United Methodist Church 3406 South Hametown Rd Norton, OH 44203 Phone: 330-825-7217Middlebury Chapel
Middlebury Chapel’s pantry provides food to Akron zip codes 44305 and 44306. The 3rd Tuesday of the month provides general food. The 4th Tuesday of the month is the meat and bread distribution. Residents may receive assistance 6 times a year. Please bring your photo ID, social security card, proof of address, and proof of income.
Middlebury Chapel 82 S Arlington St Akron, OH 44306 Phone: 330-253-1921New Destiny Treatment Center
New Destiny Treatment Center’s pantry is open on the 3rd Tuesday of the month for Clinton residents. Sign up between 9 am – 3pm. Please bring your photo ID.
New Destiny Treatment Center 6694 Taylor Rd Clinton, OH 44216 Phone: 330-825-5202North Hill Community House
North Hill Community House is a resource for the North Hill area of Akron, OH for food assistance. Call the office for an appointment.
North Hill Community House 526 North Howard St Akron, OH 44310 Phone: 330-375-5065Open M Ministry
Open M Ministry (Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry) offers the Mountain of Food Giveaway scheduled for the 3rd Friday of every month at 9am until the food runs out, except for December. Food is for every Summit County resident in need, please bring your photo ID, no referral needed. Please bring your own grocery bags, boxes, or containers to take home your food. Food is stocked by the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, churches, and other individual & organizational donations. Expect a variety of food, including fresh produce.
Open M 941 Princeton St. Akron, OH 44311 Phone: 330-762-5021 or 330-434-0110 ext. 416St. Martha Parish
St. Martha Parish provides food for those in need in the North Hill area zip code 44310. Clients may receive assistance every 3 months or 4 times a year. Call for an appointment. Please bring your photo ID and social security #.
St. Martha Parish 300 E Tallmadge Ave. Akron, OH 44310 Phone: 330-376-5144St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church has a food bank open every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am – 1pm.
1350 Virginia Ave.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s pantry is open on the 2nd Wednesday of every month between 1-3pm. This is available to all in Summit County and beyond, no ID required. There is a variety of food at the give away. Expect staples as well as some kind of produce such as onions, potatoes, apples, greens, and other fruit. Arrive as early as 11am to sign in for your #. Food is given out based on your assigned #. Waiting is held indoors in the chapel. Bring your own bags or boxes.
Salvation Army 1104 Johnson St. Akron, OH 44305 Phone: 330-376-5169Salvation Army’s Food Choice Pantry provides food assistance by appointment on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons and on an emergency basis everyday. Call InfoLine at: 330.376.4850
Salvation Army Food Choice Pantry190 S. Maple Street
Akron, OH 44302
Salvation Army’s Red Shield Pantry provides food assistance the second Wednesday of the month from 1 – 3pm, doors open at 11am and devotions conducted at 12:30pm.
Salvation Army’s Red Shield Pantry2207 Romig Road
Akron, OH 44320 Phone: 330-996-4255
Second Baptist Church
Second Baptist Church’s pantry is open two times a month for people in the 44311 Akron zip code area. Pick up time is Monday – Friday 12 – 1:30pm. Please bring your photo ID.
Second Baptist Church 690 South Main St Akron, OH 44311 Phone: 330-762-6879
Western Reserve Outreach Center
Western Reserve Outreach Center’s pantry is open on the last Thursday of the month between 9:30 – 10amfor those in Twinsburg and Peninsula, OH. Please bring your photo ID, proof of income, bills, and social security cards for dependents.
Western Reserve Outreach Center 8776 Harvard Rd Twinsburg, OH 44087 Phone: 330-425-4432Williard United Church of Christ Food Pantry
The Williard United Church of Christ Food Pantry is open the 3rd Tuesday o fevery month and the following Saturday morning.
Williard United Church of Christ742 Johnston St
Akron, OH
330-864-2179
Word of Life Outreach Center
Word of Life Outreach Center offers food baskets with staple items and meats on Sundays at 12:30pm and Wednesdays at 7:30pm. The pantry is for those in need in Summit County. Proof of address and of all dependents in the household is required.
Word of Life Outreach Center 1878 Killian Rd Akron, OH 44312 Phone: 330-644-7971Youth And Elder Services
Food Pantry the 4th Friday of every month from 11am – 2pm and 3rd Friday in November. Photo ID and proof of residency required, serving Summit County.
Youth and Elder Services790 South Arlington Ave
Akron, OH 44306 Phone: 234-678-9199
Zion Lutheran Church
Zion Lutheran Church’s pantry is open Wednesdays from 10:00 – 11:30am. You may start lining up at 9am. Assistance is available to the following zip codes: 44302, 44303, 44304, 44308, and 44311. You will receive a paper bag to fill with items such as ham, frying chicken, egg beaters, cereal, canned goods, fresh fruit, vegetables, and frozen entrees. Each bag of food is a balanced diet for 3 meals a day, for 2 people, for 2 days. Please bring your photo ID and proof of residency.
Zion Lutheran Church 149 South High St Akron, OH 44308 Phone: 330-253-3136Volunteer at an Akron Food Pantry
The majority of pantries operate through the use of volunteers. All volunteers are appreciated. You may volunteer with set up, distribution, at the pantry, or on-site. This is a great way for teens to get their community service hours in!
Food Assistance in Akron with Referral
There many, many Akron food pantries available with a referral. Call Akron’s Food Info Line 330-376-4850 between 9 am – 2 pm for immediate assistance and receive food today or tomorrow. You will be on hold from ½ hour and up. The pantry will provide you 3 or more days worth of food for your entire family.
You may call Emergency Food Line Referral Service 330-376-4850 Monday – Friday 9 am – 2 pm for help as well.
If you have an Akron Food Pantry / Food Bank that you would like listed, or unlisted, please email me at cindy@akronohiomoms.com
You are welcome, Lou. Good luck. Please call the pantry before going as information may have changed since I wrote this article. Thank you.
This is awesome! I live with my daughter and two grandsons. With my daughter in college full time and work semi full time and me recently disabled would well benefit from temporary help this year.
In the future, we shall be donors, after we regain our own financial stability.
Thanks so much for all you do!!
Here are a few links that I found, I’ll also email you. This is a full page of resources for pantries and other assistance programs in Portage County Empty Bowls of Portage Portage Co Salvation Army Mobile Pantry of Portage Co
Are there or is there any food pantries in Portage County? I am having trouble finding them. I really wouls appreciate the help. Thanks:)
I AM JUST SO HAPPY TO SEE HOW MANY DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS THERE ARE TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN THE SITUATION I AM IN NOW BEFORE AND I WASN’T SURE HOW TO GET HELP AND NOW I DO…THANK YOU SO MUCH!
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