The Belmont County food banks, soup kitchens, and free pantries are good at providing food for families who are having difficulty getting enough to eat. Many of the clients of the centers are charities that help the working poor, the elderly, the unemployed, single moms and others. A food pantry is a place where people can go to get free groceries and other household items like personal hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Some food pantries also offer other services like help with applying for food stamps or other government assistance programs. Other food programs and referrals can be found at the bottom of the page.
The goal is to help people who are hungry or in need. If one of the food pantries is out of food, or has a stricter policy for applicants, then the person will be referred to another food pantry. Most families in need can get help. You can get food like cereal, pasta and sauce, baby formula, frozen meat or vegetables, and much more from a grocery store. Some restaurants in Belmont County offer free Thanksgiving or Christmas meals, or toys for kids. They also operate a free Meals on Wheels Service.
The Barnesville St. Vincent DePaul Society food pantry is open on Thursdays only. The main phone number is 740-425-9438. There are many things in the boxes such as groceries, baby formula, and referrals to financial aid programs.
The St. Clairsville Food Pantry is located at 102 Patrick Alley in StClairsville, OH. Dial 740-695-1734 or (304) 233-6300 for hours of operation, which are Thursday: 1pm – 3pm. The St. Clairsville School District only provides help to families that live in the district.
Shadyside Fellowship United Methodist Church has a food pantry that is open on Tuesdays from 5pm to 7pm and Wednesdays from 9am to 11am. For more information, you can call the church at 740-671-5866.
The Salvation Army provides social services such as a food bank, soup kitchen, and Adopt a Family Christmas meal and gift program. They also help with food stamp applications, offer shelter, and even rent or energy bill help.
The Daily Bread Center Location: 418 Walnut St PO Box 416 Martins Ferry, OH 43935 Main phone – 740-609-3063 The hours are 2nd & 4th Saturday 10am – 12pm as well as Tuesday: 10am – 12pm. The food bank is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 10am until noon, as well as on Tuesdays from 10am until noon. The food bank will be open on Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm on the following dates: 1st, 3rd, 5th.
The Bridgeport Council of Churches provides food for those in need, including during Christmas and Thanksgiving. The hours are Monday, Thursday and Wednesday.
The Yorkville United Methodist Church food pantry is open on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from noon to close. Canned and perishable food like fruits and vegetables are given out. There are also personal hygiene items for women, diapers for newborns, and more items.
This food bank only helps residents of Belmont County that live within a 10 mile radius.
The Flushing Ministerial Association provides assistance to low income families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet. They offer a variety of services such as food assistance, financial assistance, and other resources. They are located in Flushing, Ohio and their service area is north of I-70 in ULSD.
The Epworth Center is a food pantry in Bethesda, Ohio. They can be contacted at 740-484-4705.
The Community Kitchen at Living Bread is open five days per week to help those in need. Monday through Friday from 11am to 1pm. Cereal, baby formula, local Meals on Wheels, and holiday food baskets/meals are served.
Other free food and meal programs in Belmont County
There are other sources of help for low income households. Call the referral number at 614.277.3663 for locations of other food pantries near you that are open today. You can also find information about government benefit programs such as SNAP food stamps or WIC vouchers (for baby formula).