Accessing nutritious food is a fundamental need, and for residents of Topeka, Kansas, several food pantries are available to provide support. This guide, updated as of August 2024, offers a comprehensive list of food pantries in Shawnee County, ensuring you have the most current information to access assistance or contribute to these vital community resources. Please note that hours and locations can change, and it’s always recommended to contact the food pantry directly for the most up-to-date details.
Food Pantries in Topeka – Client Track Access
These food pantries generally require some form of identification or documentation to access their services. This may include a picture ID, Social Security card, or proof of address. It is best to check the specific requirements of each pantry before visiting.
Breadbasket Food Pantry (Formerly Fellowship & Faith Ministry) (Client Track)
- Address: 708 SE Lime St., Topeka, KS
- Phone: 785-354-7262
- Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Requirements: Picture ID for applicant and some form of ID for all other persons in the household.
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas (Client Track)
- Address: 234 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 233-6300
- Pantry Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Requirements: Picture ID Required.
Doorstep (Client Track)
- Address: 1119 SW 10th, Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 357-5341
- Hours: (Food Intake) Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Clothing by appointment only)
- Requirements: Social Security card for each person in the home.
I Care (Client Track)
- Address: 2914 SE Michigan, Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 267-5910
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Service Area: Serving those living south of 6th St. & east of Kansas Ave.
- Requirements: Current piece of mail with date showing current address, Social Security Card for each person in the household.
Let’s Help (Client Track)
- New Address: 245 SW MacVicar, Topeka, KS
- Phone: 785-234-6208
- Website: letshelpinc.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sack Lunches (Community Lunch Hours): Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Pantry Hours: 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Clothing Bank Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Career Closet Hours: Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m.
- Requirements: Picture ID, Social Security card for each person in household.
Salvation Army (Client Track)
- Address: 1320 SE 6th, Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 233-9648
- Pantry Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Food for about 2 days)
- TEFAP Distribution: Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Ideally enough food to last 30 days, available every 30 days.)
- Requirements: Picture ID.
Topeka Rescue Mission Distribution Center (Client Track)
- Address: 401 NW Norris, Topeka, KS (Drive-thru at the NW end of the building)
- Food Boxes Distribution: Tuesday & Thursday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Requirements: Picture ID, Social Security card for each person in household.
Food Pantries in Topeka – Open Access & Community Support
These pantries may have fewer or no requirements to access their services, focusing on serving specific communities or offering open access to anyone in need of food assistance in Topeka.
Angel Wings – New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church
- Address: 2801 SE Indiana St, Topeka, KS
- Phone: 785-554-9046 (PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM HOURS)
- Hours: 3rd Thursdays, 4-6pm
Be Filled of South Topeka
- Address: 200 Airport Rd. Bldg. 818 S1, Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 861-0766 (PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM HOURS)
- Hours: Tuesday – weekly of each month 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday – weekly of each month 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM; (Closed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday & Monday)
- Description: An indoor/outdoor site where you select or receive groceries & or household items to take home.
Bods Feeding Bods – Washburn University
- Location: Kuehne Hall, Room 101, Washburn University Campus, Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 670-1950 (LinC Office – Benton Hall 208)
- Hours (Fall and Spring Semester): Monday – Saturday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm (Closed Sundays, university breaks, and closures).
- Eligibility: Available to any member of the Washburn University community with an active i-Card.
Community Action CSFP – Commodity Supplemental Food Program
- Phone: (785) 836-4500
- Description: Monthly Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) distribution to participants who live in Shawnee county and Maple Hill in Wabaunsee county who are 60 years or older and meet income requirements. Application and documentation are required. Distribution dates and locations vary. Call for information.
East Topeka Senior Center CSFP
- Address: 432 SE Norwood St., Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 232- 7765
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – noon.
- Program: CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) – Must submit application & be approved; 60+ years of age and income limits apply.
Elwanda’s Food Pantry – New Hope United Methodist Church
- Address: 2915 SW 8th Ave, Topeka, KS
- Phone: 785-233-0166
- Hours: 3rd Thursday of the month, Noon – 2 p.m.
Family of God Church- Randel Ministries
- Address: 1231 NW Eugene St., Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 234-1111
- Hours: 2nd & 4th Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Visit Limit: 1 visit every thirty days.
Highland Crest HOPE Food Pantry
- Address: 3225 SE Adams, Topeka, KS (use rear door)
- Phone: (785) 266-5537
- Hours: 3rd Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; 3rd & 4th Wednesday, 6:00p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Requirements: Annual application, ID, SS card for each member of the household, one visit per month.
Hope House Ministries – Oakland Church of the Nazarene
- Address: 939 NE Oakland, Topeka, KS
- Phone: 785-232-0142 (Church leave message) or (785) 217-5190
- Community Meal: Every Sunday free pancakes to anyone 9:10 a.m. -10:30 a.m. (Food pantry services likely available – call to confirm).
Inward Faith Outreach Ministries
- Address: 625 Polk Street, Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 234-2332
- Hours: 4th Friday of the month, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
New Hope Baptist Church – Food Pantry
- Address: 404 SW Polk, Topeka, KS
- Phone: (785) 220-1123
- Hours: 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; 2nd and 4th Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Visit Limit: May go twice per month.
- Requirements: Photo I.D. required at each visit, SS cards required for each person in the home.
Open Arms Outreach Ministries: The House That Will Built
- Address: 2401 SE 11th St., Topeka, KS
- Hours: 4th Saturday of the month, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Southside Filling Station – Everyone Welcome! Client Choice Pantry
- Address: 455 SE Golf Park Ave., Topeka, KS (CLOSED DEC. 23, 2024 – JAN. 3 2025)
- Hours: Tuesday 9:30-11:30am; Wednesday noon – 2pm; Thursday 3:30-7:30pm (Weekly, 50 family daily limit – come early!)
- Description: Provides Fresh produce, Dairy products, Eggs, Meat, Canned & Packaged foods and Staples, Spices, Hygiene and Cleaning products, non-perishable pantry items. No proof of income required. No limits on monthly visits. Volunteers needed! Volunteer Link
- Nutrition Classes: KSRE SNAP-Ed Nutrition Classes offered free. Earn free kitchen equipment by attending all 6 classes. Class Sign-up Link
Topeka Public Schools Community Cupboard
- Description: A food, clothing, and hygiene pantry for all students and families in the USD 501 school district.
- Access: Contact your student’s school counselor or social worker.
Stay Hydrated in Topeka
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during warmer months. Look for these hydration stations in Topeka to refill your water bottles and stay refreshed.
How to Support Topeka Food Pantries
Food pantries rely heavily on community donations to continue their essential work. Here’s how you can help support these organizations in Topeka:
- Donate Food Items: Contact your local food pantry to inquire about their most needed items and donation guidelines. Consider donating items from the lists below.
- Financial Contributions: Monetary donations are always welcomed and allow food pantries to purchase exactly what they need in bulk and manage operational costs.
- Volunteer Your Time: Many food pantries depend on volunteers to sort donations, pack food boxes, and assist with distribution. Contact pantries directly to ask about volunteer opportunities.
When donating food, consider these helpful lists for nutritious and needed items:
For more information on safe food donation practices, refer to the Donating Safe and Nutritious Food to Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens guide.
By utilizing this guide, you can find the food assistance you need in Topeka or contribute to supporting your neighbors through local food pantries. Remember to always confirm hours and requirements with the specific pantry before visiting.
