Coming to a food bank can be a big step for many of our neighbors. Many in our Lancaster community face difficult decisions between paying rent and buying groceries, and it’s important for us to make sure everyone who’s visiting Water Street’s food bank in Lancaster feel comfortable as they shop for their families.
Here’s a step-by-step guide of how the shopping experience at our food bank works:
What to remember when checking In
Water Street Mission‘s food bank in Lancaster is located at 210 South Prince Street on the corner of Conestoga and South Prince Street, and we’re open three days each week. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, we ask that our community members present ID when they check in to shop. On Fridays, no ID is needed.
As it tends to get busy at our food bank, we do ask that you don’t come earlier than two hours ahead our opening hours, especially during the winter season when temperatures are low and the line to shop at our food bank is formed outdoors.
Stations at our food bank in Lancaster
Once inside our food bank, you will find various stations where you can pick out food. Stations include produce, baked goods, canned food, dairy products, meat, and more. Rather than handing out pre-made boxes of food, we want all individuals and families who come to have the choice of deciding what food they’d like for their families. We all have different preferences and we’d love for you to be able to get the food that works well for you.
Community building at Water Street’s Outreach Center
Our food bank in Lancaster is more than just food, though. It’s part of our Outreach Center where we take the opportunity to pray or build community with every individual who comes through our doors. It’s a point of connection and encouragement. This community aspect is something we continually work on building and if you have any questions or would like to learn more about us, we’d love to chat. Feel free to stop by during our opening hours or give us a call at (717) 393-7709.
Other resources for food assistance in Lancaster, PA: https://www.pa211.org/get-help/food/food-pantries/, www.foodpantries.org/ci/pa-lancaster , www.lancastercountybhds.org/352/Food-Resources.
