FAQ
Do I qualify for food assistance?
The pantry is run for the benefit of those without the means to meet their family’s current food needs. Clients are asked to confirm that their income falls below 185% of the federal poverty level, but no proof of income is currently required. Please refer to the Income Eligibility Guidelines to see if you qualify for food assistance.
| Household Size Tamaño del Hogar |
Maximum Monthly Gross Income Ingreso Bruto Máximo Mensual |
|---|---|
| 1 | $ 1,815 |
| 2 | $ 2,456 |
| 3 | $ 3,097 |
| 4 | $ 3,739 |
| 5 | $ 4,380 |
| 6 | $ 5,021 |
| 7 | $ 5,663 |
| 8 | $ 6,304 |
For each additional family member, add: $641
Por cada miembro adicional en la familia, añada: $641
How often can I visit?
You may visit our Evening Pantry at Wesley once a month and our Parkland Pantry in Champaign twice a month. Only one member from your household may visit the pantry.
Can I choose my own food? Does the food ever run out?
We use the Client Choice model for our pantry. You are welcome to choose the food items that best suit your family needs. Certain items may be limited but you will always have a choice as to what to select. No one has ever left the pantry without food. Individual items will sometimes run short, but we’ve always had enough to supply a variety of items for every family.
Does it help to come early?
Not really. We use a lottery system in which clients are given random numbers, and then called in that order. At this point, we think that’s the fairest system. Clients at the front of the line may wait a few minutes or more than an hour. Those arriving later (but before 7:30 p.m.) are more likely to have shorter waits, though a few items may not be available when they go through the lines.
Can I bring my children if coming to get food?
Yes, children are welcome, but note that we do not provide child care, though we often have activities for children early in the evening. Parents are expected to keep their children with them when in the building and when shopping.
