• RCSD School & Community Food Pantry Resources

School & Community Food Pantry Resources

  • The Rochester City School District recognizes that the ongoing government shutdown and reductions in SNAP benefits are creating challenges for many families. To help ensure that no student or family goes without essential food support, we are partnering with Foodlink, our local food bank and trusted partner in fighting hunger. Foodlink provides nutritious meals and pantry items to those in need and welcomes community donations to help sustain this vital work.

    In addition, many of our schools have on-site food pantries where students can discreetly access meals and snacks during the school day. Families are encouraged to contact their child’s school to learn more about what is available.

    More information on how to receive or provide assistance is being coordinated through Foodlink's food locator tool. Pantries are available at schools, R-Centers, libraries, and other locations throughout the Rochester community. Read a flyer for more information | Find food for your family now 

Upcoming Events

  • Drive-Thru Food Distribution Event | November 21, 2025
    Could your family benefit from additional food support this fall? Join us on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 9:00 am, until supplies last, for a drive-thru food distribution at Jefferson Campus, 1 Edgerton Park, 14606. There are no qualifications to receive food and everyone is eligible.

    Upon arrival, you will be directed to where you can stop your vehicle to pick up food. Please remain in your vehicle, open your truck, and we will place food items inside for you.

    Community Pet Food Pantry | Rochester Animal Services
    Contact: 585-428-7274

    City residents in need can receive food support for their household pets on the 2nd and 4th Friday of every month from 11am–3pm. The Pantry is located near 524 Oak St. in the stadium parking lot. In an attempt to ensure all community members in need receive help, please limit your visits to once per month.

    * Open to City of Rochester residents only with valid ID or proof of residency* 

Additional Community Pantries

  • Monroe County Area Food Cupboards 2025
    Find a location now: https://share.google/nYhBt0Gu7qGNxlg0n
     
    Rochester Food Pantries
    Rochester offers numerous food pantry locations serving all neighborhoods. These pantries provide free groceries, fresh produce, and supplemental items to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
    • Baden Street Settlement – 13 Vienna St | (585) 325-4910 
    • Barakah Muslim Charity – 584 Jefferson Ave | (585) 325-2621 
    • Charles Settlement House – 71 Parkway | (585) 277-0810   
    • The People’s Pantry – 555 Avenue D | (585) 325-4950  
    • Dimitri House – 102 Union St N | (585) 325-1796 
    • Zion Hill Baptist Church – 250 Dr. Samuel McCree Way | (585) 328-4660 
    • First Hispanic 7th Day Church – 47 Oakman St | (585) 752-5766
    • Rochester Family Mission – 388 Tremont St | (585) 436-7523
    • House of Mercy – 285 Ormond St | (585) 546-2580
    • Trillium Health – 259 Monroe Ave | (585) 545-7220
    • Cameron Ministries – 48 Cameron St | (585) 254-2697
    • Veterans Outreach Center – 447 South Ave | (585) 546-1081
    • Gates Presbyterian Church / SWEM Community Services – 1049 Wegman Rd | (585) 235-4491
    • Family Restoration Project – 360 Wellington Ave, Rochester, NY 14619 | (585) 328-9270
    • Brighton Food Cupboard – 2131 Elmwood Avenue – Door A (Temple B’rith Kodesh) Rochester, NY 14618| (585) 271-5355