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Food Banks and Pantries in Norfolk, VA

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore serves Norfolk, VA with an estimated 100 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:

Norfolk at a Glance

100

Partner pantries & meal sites

Foodbank of

Regional Feeding America food bank

4+

Notable sites listed below

211

Free pantry locator hotline

How to Get Free Food in Norfolk

Norfolk is an independent city in southeastern Virginia and is home to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, headquartered at 800 Tidewater Drive. The food bank serves over 150 partner programs across 11 cities and counties. Food insecurity is a concern in the Park Place and Young Park neighborhoods, and the city has a significant military and veteran population in need.

Regional Food Bank: Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Norfolk, VA area. It distributes food to an estimated 100 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across 11 cities and counties across southeastern Virginia including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin, and the Eastern Shore.

Website: https://www.foodbankonline.org
Phone: 757-627-6599
Service area: 11 cities and counties across southeastern Virginia including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin, and the Eastern Shore

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Norfolk

Salvation Army Norfolk Food Pantry
201 W 19th St, Norfolk, VA 23517
Phone: 757-622-6741Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Food boxes, hot meals, and emergency assistance programs
Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team Food Pantry
813 E 20th St, Norfolk, VA 23517
Phone: 757-622-2010Hours: Daily 6am-8pm
Food pantry and shelter services for homeless and low-income individuals
Catholic Charities Norfolk Food Pantry
515 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 757-461-2833Hours: Tue-Thu 9am-2pm
Emergency food and family services for Norfolk area residents
Union Mission Ministries Food Pantry
2256 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23517
Phone: 757-627-1109Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm
Food boxes, meals, and shelter serving Norfolk and the surrounding region

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

Union Mission Ministries operates a daily hot meal program in Norfolk. The Salvation Army Norfolk serves daily meals. Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) provides meals and winter shelter. Several churches including First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk host community meals on rotating evenings.

Mobile Pantry Program

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia operates mobile pantry distributions at rotating sites across Norfolk and the surrounding region, bringing fresh produce and groceries to underserved neighborhoods. Mobile distributions target food deserts and high-need communities. Check foodbankonline.org for the current schedule.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia provides SNAP application assistance through their outreach team. Virginia uses commonhelp.virginia.gov for online SNAP applications. Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army also offer SNAP enrollment help. Call 211 for referrals to local outreach workers.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Norfolk

Call 211 to find the nearest pantry. Visit foodbankonline.org for a pantry locator and mobile schedule. Union Mission at 2256 Granby St is a key resource. The main food bank warehouse is at 800 Tidewater Dr in Norfolk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a food pantry in Norfolk?
Call 211 or visit foodbankonline.org for a pantry map. Union Mission at 2256 Granby St is a key resource. The food bank warehouse at 800 Tidewater Dr also provides direct service.
Can I get food the same day?
Yes. Union Mission, the Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities typically provide same-day food. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability.
Do I need ID to get food?
Most Norfolk pantries do not require ID. You may be asked for your zip code and household size. No one is turned away for lack of documentation.
Where can I get a free hot meal in Norfolk?
Union Mission serves meals daily. The Salvation Army operates a daily meal program. Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team provides meals and shelter. Several churches host community dinners.
Does the Foodbank serve Virginia Beach too?
Yes. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia serves both Norfolk and Virginia Beach, plus Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and the Eastern Shore. Virginia Beach residents can use the same food bank network.
Can I get SNAP and pantry help at the same time?
Yes. SNAP and pantry visits are separate programs. The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia offers free SNAP application assistance. Visit commonhelp.virginia.gov to apply online.
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.