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Food Banks and Pantries in Dayton, OH

The Foodbank, Inc. serves Dayton, OH with an estimated 110 partner pantries and meal programs. Anyone in need can get free groceries or a hot meal -- most sites do not require ID or proof of income.

Last updated:

Dayton at a Glance

110

Partner pantries & meal sites

The Foodbank,

Regional Feeding America food bank

3+

Notable sites listed below

211

Free pantry locator hotline

How to Get Free Food in Dayton

Dayton is the headquarters city for The Foodbank, Inc., which supplies partner pantries across Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties. The metro has a mix of warehouse distributions, church-based pantries, and downtown soup kitchens like House of Bread. Food insecurity in Dayton is elevated among families with children and in older central neighborhoods.

Regional Food Bank: The Foodbank, Inc.

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Dayton, OH area. It distributes food to an estimated 110 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties in Ohio.

Website: https://www.thefoodbankdayton.org
Phone: (937) 461-0265
Service area: Montgomery, Greene, and Preble Counties in Ohio

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Dayton

The Foodbank, Inc.
5612 Lisle Industrial Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45417
Phone: (937) 461-0265Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Regional Feeding America member supplying partner pantries across Montgomery, Greene, and Preble counties; hosts mobile distributions and TEFAP.
Salvation Army Dayton Food Pantry
1000 South Main Street, Dayton, OH 45409
Phone: (937) 528-5200Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Emergency food boxes and weekly bread and produce.
House of Bread
1303 Home Avenue, Dayton, OH 45417
Phone: (937) 461-2640Hours: Daily 10am-1pm
Free hot lunch served daily to anyone in need.

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

Dayton has a network of soup kitchens, with House of Bread serving daily hot lunches and the Salvation Army hosting weekday meal programs. St. Vincent de Paul operates meal sites for homeless clients. The Foodbank supplies many of these kitchens through its partner network across the Miami Valley.

Mobile Pantry Program

The Foodbank runs a mobile pantry program delivering fresh produce, dairy, and protein to neighborhoods with low pantry access across the Dayton area. Dozens of sites host monthly distributions. The calendar is on the food bank website and shared with 211.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

The Foodbank provides SNAP application assistance at partner sites and by phone. Ohio uses the Benefits.Ohio.gov portal for SNAP applications, and the food bank can help with screening and document gathering. Call 211 or the food bank for assistance.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Dayton

Call 211 for a pantry referral, or visit The Foodbank website and use the find food tool. The Feeding America locator at feedingamerica.org also lists partner pantries. Most Dayton pantries serve once a month and may ask for ID and proof of address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a food pantry in Dayton?
Call 211 or use the find food tool on The Foodbank website. The Feeding America locator also lists partner pantries by ZIP code.
Do I need ID for a Dayton pantry?
Most pantries ask for a photo ID and proof of address, but emergency food is available without documents. Call ahead to confirm requirements.
Can I get a hot meal in Dayton?
Yes. House of Bread serves daily hot lunches, and the Salvation Army hosts weekday meal programs. Check 211 for the current meal schedule.
Does The Foodbank help with SNAP?
Yes. The Foodbank provides SNAP outreach and can help you apply through Benefits.Ohio.gov. Call the food bank or 211 for assistance.
Are there mobile pantries in Dayton?
Yes. The Foodbank runs mobile distributions across the metro on a scheduled basis, focusing on neighborhoods with few pantries. The schedule is on the food bank website.
Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Pantry hours, locations, and requirements change. Always call ahead or check the food bank website before visiting. For the most current list of pantries near you, call 211 or visit the regional food bank website.