Category: Food Banks + Food Resources

United Way’s 211 is the most comprehensive source of human and social services information in the country. Our teams of compassionate, highly trained specialists are available 24/7 to connect you with the best services available in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. United Way’s 211 provides information about:

-supplemental food & nutrition programs
-clothing, shelter & housing options
-financial assistance
-emergency information & natural disaster relief
-health care services
-child, adolescent & adult mental health services
-substance use prevention & rehabilitation programs
-support groups for individuals with mental illnesses & special needs
-a safe, confidential path out of physical or emotional domestic abuse
-adult, child, family & elder services
-services for individuals with disabilities

Feeding Tampa Bay, part of the national Feeding America network, focuses on providing food to the hundreds of thousands of food insecure families in the 10-county area of West Central Florida, including Polk County. Through a partner food pantry network and Feeding Tampa Bay’s distribution programs, families can collect free groceries for the week at multiple mobile pantry sites each week in Polk County. Visit the Feeding Tampa Bay website to learn more.

VOLUNTEER – Just one hour of volunteer work generates exponential meals to feed our neighbors in need. When you give your time, you’re directly contributing to the livelihood of your neighbors. From sorting non-perishable goods in our warehouse to serving meals and groceries, with every volunteer opportunity, you make a direct impact on the wellbeing of our community.

kidsPACK is a nonprofit organization with a simple mission – to feed kids. Join the volunteers, community leaders, corporate sponsors, churches and concerned citizens that work with us to ensure no child goes to sleep hungry. Volunteers are needed weekly, as well as donations. $25 will feed a child every weekend for a month, $300 will feed a child for the full year.

Lighthouse Ministries serves the community by providing needed products and clothing at reasonable prices at our stores. You can contribute by donating goods to be resold. Stop by one of our stores to drop off any of the accepted goods listed on our website including clothing, electronics, furniture, shoes, linen, books.

The Mission of the Mulberry Community Service Center is to create financially stable households through financial management education.
What We Offer:
Money Management Education
Free Tax Preparation
Utility Bill Assistance
Rent/Mortgage Assistance
Food Boxes
Clothing/Thrift Store
Medical Assistance
Special Support to Laid Off Workers
School Uniforms/Backpacks/Supplies
Participation in Local Angel Trees
Thanksgiving Meals/Christmas Baskets

Visit the thrift store featuring seasonal decor, household items and more. All proceeds from the thrift store support the community center and the food bank. Accepting food and clothing donations. Clothing donations should be washed and food items should be in date.

Additional opportunities – Volunteer your time. Sort food/clothing, stock shelves, pack and distribute Christmas baskets. Be a Money Coach for families in our Personal Finance Center.

One More Child provides aid to foster children, hungry children, single moms, sex trafficking victims and struggling families. One More Child’s Family Support Program in Lakeland connects struggling families with the resources and they need to thrive. We offer customized family support plans, training and supportive community network for parents, connections to available resources and services, and access to tangible resources for the family such as food, diapers, clothing, and basic household essentials.

The community can also support One More Child through donations and volunteer opportunities. Donations needed include children’s clothing, toys, books, bedding, women’s clothing, diapers, household items, kitchen supplies, food, and financial donations.

Talbot House provides help to the homeless and hungry of Polk County through food, shelter, medical and dental care. Volunteers are welcome as well as physical and monetary donations, visit the Talbot House website to see a list of current needs.

The Dream Center of Lakeland operates a community co-op that provides non-perishable food, clothing, and home goods to those they serve, at no charge. Donations can also be made at the Outreach Center at 704 W. 5th Street, Lakeland. Contact the Dream Center or check the website calendar for hours.

Those struggling to make ends meet will find a helping hand to move them back toward self-sufficiency. During times of disaster, we provide accommodations and a hot meal. Families going through difficult times discover spiritual help from caring Corps Officers and loving support from a community of believers. Whether it’s a warm blanket, a safe place to stay, The Salvation Army stands ready to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: Emergency Financial Assistance, Food Pantry, Disaster Services, Youth Character Building, Worship Services, Holiday Assistance

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Social Services Office Assistance, Food Pantry, Disaster Services, Red Kettle Campaign, Holiday Donations

Donations are welcome – needed items include new and gently used linens, school supplies, clothes and shoes, and hygiene items.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have recently been pregnant, infants & children under age 5. WIC provides the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support
referrals to health care, immunizations, and community services. Visit the website or call 1-800-765-5942 to see if you qualify. Visit the Polk Health Department website for WIC office locations.