Have questions?
We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you. For any questions not answered below, please call 856.662.4884 or email info@foodbanksj.org.
Food Assistance
Volunteering
Donations
Food Assistance
The Food Bank of South Jersey provides food through our regional network of pantry partners located in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Please use our zip code locator to find a pantry in your community near you.
How do I know if I qualify for food assistance?
To receive assistance from a pantry, please bring proof of New Jersey residency. This can be state-issued ID, a utility bill, etc. that includes your name and address on it (that you didn’t write yourself). Most of the food at our pantries comes from the USDA, which means you will need to qualify.
You qualify for this federal food if you are in one of the following programs TANF, SSI, WIC, SNAP (food stamps), or Medicaid OR you are at or below 185% of the federal poverty level OR you have been affected by a disaster or special circumstance. You will need to share information about how you qualify with the pantry staff/ volunteer, but you do not need to bring any paperwork with you. Most pantries will have other items you can receive if you do not qualify for federal food.
Do I have to live in the town that the food pantry/food distribution is located?
No. As long as you are a New Jersey resident, you can get food from one of our pantries, soup kitchens, or mobile sites.
Do I have to live in the town where the food pantry/food distribution is located?
No. All New Jersey residents can get food from one of our pantries, soup kitchens, or mobile sites.
What kind of documentation do I need to bring?
Just proof of New Jersey residency! Anything that has your name and address on it (that you didn’t write yourself) qualifies as proof. This can be state issued ID, a utility bill, etc. Other information will be collected from you verbally.
Should I bring anything else with me?
No, although you may find it helpful to bring a shopping cart or wagon if the pantry is not using a drive-thru model. You can always call the pantry in advance (using the phone number on our zip code locator) to ask how they set up their distributions.
What if a food distribution is cancelled?
We keep the zip code locator on our website as up-to-date as possible. There is always the possibility that a pantry could close and not inform us though, so we recommend that you call the location to double-check that it will be open during its posted operating hours. At many pantries, you may need to leave a message and wait for a call back.
Yes, it is OK to receive food assistance more than one time. You are allowed to receive food as many times as you need to. You do not need to do anything differently but should continue to bring your proof of NJ residency each time.
Yes, it is OK to receive food assistance more than one time. You are allowed to receive food as many times as you need to. You do not need to do anything differently but should continue to bring your proof of NJ residency each time.
I don’t need food assistance, but I know someone who does, can I get food assistance for them?
Yes. Please bring proof of NJ residency for the person you are picking up for (the other person’s state issued ID or a piece of mail with their name and address on it like a utility bill).
What should I expect when visiting a food distribution?
You should expect to show your proof of New Jersey residency and to verbally provide some information about yourself such as your name and address, number of adults and children in your household, and other programs you participate in (or what brought you to the pantry today). You will receive food in the order that you are registered, and pantry staff/volunteers will direct you where to go.
I am a senior citizen, are there programs for me?
Yes. We offer a senior feeding program for older adults who are age and income qualified. The Senior Nutrition Resource Supplement (SNRS) program provides a box of shelf-stable items, a box of fresh produce, and frozen protein once a month to qualified seniors. Seniors who qualify must be over 60 years of age, provide proof of New Jersey residency and self-declared need. You can apply for this program by contacting the Food Bank of South Jersey for a listing of open sites available for distribution. If your organization would like to become a program partner and host a distribution, please contact the Food Bank of South Jersey for further details.
Pantry or Hope Mobile, which is right for me?
Either! You should choose a pantry or Hope Mobile based on the location or distribution time that works best for you.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteers are needed to assist the Food Bank of South Jersey in a variety of projects, from sorting donated food and packing emergency food boxes to food distribution at our mobile distributions.
Please visit the Volunteer page to learn more about volunteer opportunities or contact the Volunteer Manager at 856-662-4884 x 160 or volunteers@foodbanksj.org.
What kind of projects need volunteer assistance?
Here are a few ways volunteers are needed:
- Emergency food box packing
- Sorting donated food
- Food box distribution
Donating
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from donors. If you still need support, reach out to our Donor Relations team at donations@foodbanksj.org and we will follow up as soon as possible. The team is available Monday through Friday from 8:30AM – 4:30PM at ext. 170.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Food Bank of South Jersey is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization (EIN: 22-2623089) and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your donation receipt as your official record. As always, consult your tax advisor for the specific tax implications of any charitable giving.
What percentage of my donation goes to the cause?
More than 93% of every donation goes directly to our hunger-relief programs and services.
How will I receive acknowledgement for my donation?
If you donate online, an email receipt is sent immediately after your donation is processed. If you do not see it, please check your spam, junk, or promotions folder. You can also view and download receipts in the Donor Portal under the “Receipts” tab.
Mailed donations receive a tax receipt via USPS to the address included with the donation. Donations made by mail are deposited within 72 hours of receipt, and we strive to mail out gift acknowledgments within 3 business days after your gift has been deposited. During busy times, such as end of the calendar year, it can take a bit longer. We appreciate your patience and generosity.
Why am I being charged fees for my donation?
You may be asked if you would like to cover the fees when making an online donation. You, as the donor, are never responsible for these fees. Many donors wish to cover the fees associated with their gift, but this is optional and appreciated. Your full contribution always goes directly toward supporting our mission, and the fees are absorbed by our organization as part of the cost of doing business.
When donations are made by credit card, all payment processors assess a standard fee of approximately 2–3.5% depending on the payment type. In addition, Fundraise Up, our donation platform, applies a 3% fee, which covers the cost of the platform itself. This platform provides you with a secure Donor Portal and the ability to manage your account, download receipts, and change your payment date or amount at any time.
What is the most cost-effective way to give?
Paying by check or ACH typically incurs minimal bank fees. Payments through digital wallets (ApplePay, Google Pay) are assessed for fees based on the payment method connected to the digital wallet. Please see the chart below for estimated fees as of 12/2025.
How do I change my recurring online donation?
You can update, pause, or cancel your recurring donation at any time by logging into our Donor Portal at give.foodbanksj.org. It will prompt you to log in with the email address associated with your recurring donation. Once logged in, select “Manage My Donation” to make changes.
How do I make my donation in honor or memory of someone?
On the donation page, check the box next to where it says: Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone. If your honoree has an active email address, you may include it there to send an optional message to your honoree.
Can you remove me from your mailing list?
We understand how frustrating too much mail can be! If you requested to be removed from our mailing list, kindly allow 6-8 weeks to fully stop receiving mail, as there may be mail pieces currently in production when your request was made.
What is Food Bank of South Jersey’s charitable tax ID number? I need it for my taxes.
Our tax ID number or EIN is 22-2623089 and is included in all gift acknowledgments. FBSJ is recognized by Charity Navigator as a 4-Star charity organization, and FBSJ is part of the Feeding America network of food banks across the country.
Where can I mail a check donation to?
Please send it to:
Fund Development
Food Bank of South Jersey
1501 John Tipton Blvd.
Pennsauken, NJ 08110
I want to ensure my donation is credited to this tax year, what do I have to do?
Donations must be made online by 11:59 PM on 12/31 or mailed donations must be postmarked by the USPS on or before 12/31, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publication 526 governing charitable deductions that all nonprofits must adhere to.
What percentage of my donation goes towards the Food Bank’s mission versus administrative costs?
More than 93 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to our hunger-relief efforts and Health and Wellness programs.