With federal SNAP benefits potentially ending Friday, food pantries across Stark, Carroll and Tuscarawas counties are preparing to help families who may suddenly find themselves without assistance. Local officials and volunteers urge anyone in need to reach out before going hungry.
Below is a county-by-county list of area food pantries and resources compiled by JMN. Feel free to comment on the original Facebook post with other food pantries you know of. Hours and eligibility may change, so residents are encouraged to call ahead.
Stark County
• Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank – Stark County Campus Pantry, 1365 Cherry Ave. NE, Canton. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The pantry also offers additional resources such as job readiness and health screenings.
• Alliance Community Pantry, 215 E. Bowman St., Alliance. Serves residents of the Alliance City School District. Hours vary; call 330-913-7007 or visit alliancecommunitypantry.org.
• St. Benedict Catholic Church / St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2207 Third St. SE, Canton. Open the second Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Sherrick Road Church of God, 1121 Sherrick Road SE, Canton. Pantry open Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Registration by phone is required between 10 and 11:30 a.m. the same day (330-456-3660).
• Stark County Hunger Task Force maintains a directory of dozens of pantries across the county. Visit starkhunger.org or call 330-455-6667 for assistance.
Carroll County
• Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, 320 Moody Ave. SW, Carrollton. Call 330-627-3424. Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Clients are asked to arrive one hour before distribution begins to make a reservation. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis, and walk-up clients will be served along with those who have scheduled appointments.
• Malvern Christian Care Center, Malvern. Call 330-863-1303 for details on distribution days.
• Salvation Army – Minerva/Malvern Service Area, Minerva. Call 330-868-5808 for pantry hours or emergency food help.
• HARCATUS Family Support, 276 Second St. SW, Carrollton. Offers assistance with food and household resources. Call 330-627-4101.
Tuscarawas County
• Dover-New Philadelphia Food Pantry, 422 W. Third St., Dover. Open Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Call 234-801-8198.
• Salvation Army Dover–New Philadelphia Corps, 809 Emmet Ave. NW, New Philadelphia. Offers weekday meals and a food pantry. Call 330-364-3811.
• Lifeway Ministries Food Pantry, New Philadelphia. Provides groceries for Tuscarawas County residents; call 330-339-3737 for hours and documentation requirements.
• Twin City Food Pantry in Uhrichsville.. 109 N Water Street, 740-922-6276
What to Bring
Most pantries require a photo ID and proof of address. Some serve only residents within certain school districts or ZIP codes. First-time visitors may need to complete a short eligibility form.
Finding Help Fast
The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s “Find Help” tool lets residents search for open pantries by ZIP code. Visit akroncantonfoodbank.org/find-food or call 330-535-6900 for assistance.
Local leaders emphasize that no one should hesitate to seek help. “If SNAP ends, our doors will stay open,” one pantry volunteer said. “We’re here for anyone who needs food.”
