The first time a potential client comes to the Pantry, they will be asked to complete a new client registration form. The information requested on this form is used to create a client account for the household.  Eligibility, for services at the Pantry, is based on USDA poverty guidelines, which take into account the number of people living in the household and the collective income of all adults.

After registration, the client will be given a  Pantry ID card with their Pantry client account number on it. The client must provide the Pantry ID card and the client's personal ID in order to receive a shopping list.   

SHOPPING AT THE PANTRY 

• Clients are given a shopping list 
• Clients are asked to fill out the shopping list, and chose the amount of food based on the number of bags indicated on the client ID card. Please note there are, at times, limits for individual items regardless of family size.   
• The completed shopping list is returned to the volunteer.   The client will receive a deli number and when their deli number is called their groceries will be ready for pick up.   This takes roughly 20-30 minutes. 

After submitting the shopping list, the client can visit the Pantry clothing boutique to shop for clothing for themselves and any of the household members listed on the client account. All items in the boutique are free to clients.

VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY

One of the following forms of ID will be required at the Family Pantry for each member of the household. Orignials or copies will be accepted. 

Mass Health Card or other Health Insurance Card, EBT Card, Library Card, Public Transit Card, Referral from a Social Service Agency, Birth certificate, Driver’s License, Government Issued Identification Card, school record or Passport

VERIFICATION OF HOME ADDRESS

One of the following forms of ID will be required at the Family Pantry for each member of the household. Originals or copies will be accepted.  Clients who cannot provide one of these documents will be made a "one bag client" in the household.  

Utility Bill,  Letter with address, Lease or Rental Agreement, Property Tax Bill, Letter from a Doctor, Clergy or Social Worker on your behalf, Motor Vehicle Registration, Driver’s License, or Government Issued Identification Card, School Record

WHAT IS A HOUSEHOLD? 

The amount of food distributed per household depends on the number of people in the household.  To be fair to all clients, a “household” is defined as including everyone who shares a legal kitchen, including family members, roommates, people renting a room, etc.  

HOW MUCH FOOD TO EXPECT 

• Household of 1 person = 2 bags of nonperishable items and 1-2 bags of perishable items (Limits Apply)
• Household of 2 to 3 people = 3 bags of nonperishable items and 1-2 bags of perishable items (Limits Apply)
• Household of 4 or more people = 4 bags of nonperisahble items and 1-2 bags of perishable items (Limits Apply) 

Clients are able to visit the Pantry once every 10 days.  Remember to bring personal ID and the Family Pantry Client ID card.    The Pantry reserves the right to close early. 

CONFIDENTIALITY

All client information is confidential.  All volunteers, staff, and visitors to the Pantry maintain information about the Pantry’s clients and what occurs at the Pantry in the strictest confidence.

CHANGE IN INFORMATION

Any change in client information (address, members in household, etc) should be updated in the Pantry system as soon as possible. The food allotment is based on accurate client information.   All clients are required to verify/update their account information on an annual basis.

PARKING

Parking is very limited at the Pantry. Parking is available around the Pantry building and at the rear of the building only.  Towing of cars in unauthorized spots is strictly enforced at the clients expense. 

FOOD ALLOTMENT

Please note that the type of food we have on hand may vary.  Although the supply of non-perishable foods is fairly consistent, the supply of perishable foods like bread, eggs, cheese, meats, fruits, and vegetables changes from day to day.   Please be respectful of the guidelines regarding the amount and types of food that are available when visiting  the Pantry.  

FOOD FRESHNESS

Some of the Pantry products may be out of code, but are still sound and wholesome to consume. The Family Pantry of Cape Cod utilizes “The Food Keeper” as a guide in determining the suitability of a product for distribution. The “Food Keeper” is published as a joint project of The Department of Food Science at Cornell University, The Food Marketing Institute and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Questions regarding our food products should be directed to a Family Pantry staff member.

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

The Pantry boutique is available to clients to  shop for donated clothing, small household items, and toiletries. Similar to the food allotment, clients are given  given a number of bags to fill, based on the number of people in the household.   Please rely on the Boutique volunteers to advise on the guidelines and what is available.

PANTRY GARDEN

The Pantry has a large production garden behind the building.  Thanks to the work of dedicated garden volunteers, it provides fresh fruit and vegetables to our clients from June – September.

OTHER SERVICES

In addition to providing food and clothing, the Pantry can help in other ways.  Volunteers can assist you in applying for both SNAP benefits (a/k/a food stamps) and the seasonal Fuel Assistance Program.  We also offer other programs throughout the year: nutrition & health checks, school backpacks, Thanksgiving turkeys and our holiday Toy Program for children 10 years old and younger.