Community Pantry

When people think about food banks, they most often think about our Community Pantry support, often called an “emergency food hamper.” When a resident of Cambridge or North Dumfries is in immediate need of food, we can provide them with 3-5 days’ worth of food up to 12 times per year (once per calendar month). The quantity of the Food Basket depends on the number of people in the household, and can include a mix of canned, boxed, fresh, and frozen foods. Baby food, formula, and diapers are also offered to households with an infant, when available.

People who come in for a Food Basket are often surprised by the welcoming and individualized experience. Helpful volunteers will assist you in the Community Pantry room and help you to find the items that work best for you and your family. When possible, we also help to adapt the selection for special diets, such as people who are vegetarian, have a food allergy, or have religious dietary restrictions.

Food Baskets can be picked up at our Ainslie Street or off-site locations during our opening hours (listed below). Please bring a piece of ID and a document proving your Cambridge address for your registration.  We also ask that you bring along some reusable shopping bags to carry your items out.

December Hamper: Please bring identification and bags to collect your December Hamper, which includes holiday items, during regular business hours. If you are not yet registered with the Cambridge Food Bank, you can register on-site by providing proof of ID and address showing you live in either Cambridge or North Dumfries—either printed documents or photos on your phone are acceptable. If you are registered with the Cambridge Firefighters for their Christmas Hamper, your hamper from us will include the regular December visit items.  For any additional information, please email info@cambridgefoodbank.org or call 519-622-6550