Food Distribution Schedule and Guidelines
Please note: you may ONLY pick up for your family.
Important Updates:
September 22, 2025
A note to our recipients-
We are now using PantrySoft for both Tuesdays AND Thursdays! If you do not have an appointment OR are new to our food cupboard, you can still show up on either day and we will do our best to get you a same-day appointment.
If you are a recipient that has been to the cupboard and has had an appointment, the best way to make a future appointment is to login online with PantrySoft yourself. Click here to login!
—The SPFC Team
Getting Food at South Portland Food Cupboard
Tuesdays
Time: 9:45–11:30 AM
Location: 130 Thadeus Street, South Portland
All are welcome. You may come every Tuesday.
Scheduling Your Appointment
We now use PantrySoft to schedule all Tuesday visits.
Please note: your username is your email address.
If You Are a CURRENT Recipient
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Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
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When you check in, you can:
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Schedule your next week’s appointment, or
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Schedule online yourself whenever using PantrySoft.
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Appointments open one week in advance and fill up first-come, first-served.
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If you are already a recipient but not yet registered in PantrySoft, come to the front desk between 9:45–11:30 AM and we’ll help create your account.
Grace period: If you arrive more than 5 minutes late, you’ll be moved to the next available slot.
If You Are NEW to the Food Cupboard
You can come any Tuesday between 9:45 and 11:30 AM — no appointment needed for your first visit.
When you arrive, we will:
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Register you in PantrySoft and help set up your password.
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Give you an open time slot (for example, 11:00 AM).
You may leave and return at that time, and we’ll place you in line in order of arrival.
Accessibility
Early entry begins at 9:30 AM for neighbors with accessibility or mobility needs.
What to Bring
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Please bring reusable grocery bags.
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We provide shopping carts to help you carry groceries to your car.
Quick PantrySoft Tips
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Appointments are available one week in advance.
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You can sometimes book same-day appointments if space allows.
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Appointments fill first-come, first-served.
Thursdays
8:30 am – 11:00 am
Recipients may come once a month to this distribution
Distribution Process Overview
1. Check-In: Upon arrival, recipients should go to the Check-In Table. Our team will confirm the appointment, assist with any paperwork, help schedule future appointments if needed, and provide a menu to complete.
2. Fill Out Menu: At Check-In, recipients will receive a menu to select both perishable and non-perishable items.
3. Menu Submission: Once completed, return the menu to the Check-In Table.
4. Order Fulfillment: Volunteers will prepare orders based on the submitted menus.
5. Vehicle Pickup: When the order is ready, recipients will be directed to bring their vehicles to the Loading Area.
6. Loading Groceries: Volunteers will load the order directly into the recipient’s vehicle. Recipients should remain in their vehicles during this process.
*For NEW Recipients*
Please come to the food cupboard between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Thursdays.
We will:
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Register you in PantrySoft and create your account.
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Help you set up your password so you can schedule future appointments online or in person.
For your first day, we will give you an open time slot (Example: 11:00 AM). You may leave and return at your scheduled time. When you return, we’ll place you in line in order of arrival.
Important Reminders
Bring reusable bags for bonus shopping!
We provide a shopping cart for your groceries so you can bring them to your car.
Please note: For Thursday's food distribution, first-time recipients must complete two registration forms: a data sheet and a TEFAP form. To save time, you can fill these forms out in advance by clicking the links below, printing them, and bringing them to your first visit. If you prefer, you can also complete the forms on-site when you arrive.
*Social workers may complete these forms and pick up food on behalf of their clients.*
Click on the button to download a PDF:
1st Wednesday Evening of the Month
5:00 – 6:30 pm for recipients who work or are unable to come on Thursday.
2nd Wednesday of the Month Homebound Delivery
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South Portland residents only
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Must be screened in advance through the SPFC
Please contact Dwayne or Peter in the office by calling 207-874-0379 to begin the screen process
Transportation
We are able to provide complimentary transportation for South Portland residents who do not have access to their own. Each recipient may use up to four rides per month, with a ride to the Food Cupboard counting as one ride and a ride home counting as one ride. Transportation is available only during ood distribution times. All rides are direct between your home address and the South Portland Food Cupboard (130 Thadeus Street), with no other stops permitted. To schedule a ride, please call the SPFC at 207-874-0379 at least 24 hours in advance.
A special thank you to the South Portland Transportation Department and the City of South Portland for making this possible.
Food Safety Disclaimer
The South Portland Food Cupboard provides food including fresh, frozen, and perishable items. Once food has been distributed, it becomes the responsibility of the recipient to ensure proper handling, storage, and preparation. This includes, but is not limited to, safe refrigeration and freezing, appropriate thawing methods, and avoiding refreezing where unsafe.
By accepting food from the South Portland Food Cupboard, recipients acknowledge that they are responsible for following safe food handling practices and accept full liability for the use, storage, and consumption of these products. The South Portland Food Cupboard is not responsible for any issues, including illness or injury, that may result after food leaves our warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I come get food?
We have three main distribution times:
Tuesdays (weekly)
9:45 AM – 11:30 AM
You may come every week if you need food.
Thursdays (monthly)
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
You may come once a month.
Requires paperwork + qualifications.
1st Wednesday of each month
5:00 – 6:30 PM
For people who work or are unable to come on Thursday.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. We use PantrySoft for scheduling.
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If you already have an account, you can log in to PantrySoft and make your own appointments.
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If you don’t have one yet, come in person during open hours and we will set it up for you that day.
New recipients: You can come during open hours even without an appointment. We’ll help you register and give you a same-day time slot.
Do I am having trouble with signing up online for an appointment. Who can I contact?
Please contact us or send an email to support@southportlandfoodcupboard.org
How do I log in or sign up for PantrySoft?
Go to PantrySoft Login
Your username is your email address.
If you forget your password, click “Forgot Password” to reset it.
What should I bring?
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Reusable bags
What if I’m late for my appointment?
We allow a five-minute grace period.
After that, you’ll be added to the next available time slot.