Where to Find Food Pantries and Community Meals Near Elberton

If your family is feeling the pinch with SNAP funding on hold, you’re not alone — and Elberton is full of organizations ready to help. We’ve rounded up local resources where you can find free groceries, community meals, and other programs to make things a little easier.

Please be sure to call ahead or check websites and/or Facebook pages for updated hours, offerings and resident requirements! Everything in this article has been double checked as of today, but things can change at the drop of a hat.

Our communities have really been showing up in the past few weeks to help boost local food banks and ensure that everyone in the area is well provided for, so I'm seeing new pantries and other resources pop up daily! I'll keep this article updated as I am able to include all the additional information flooding the Facebook groups and community chats.

Elberton

Elbert County (UMC) Food Ministry

• 2515 Harmony Rd., Elberton, GA
  • 3rd Saturday of the Month
    • Elbert County Residents only
    • Drive-Thru
    • 6am - 10am (while supplies last)

Salvation Army of Elberton

• 26 N. McIntosh St., Elberton, GA 30635
  • Monday - Friday
    • Elbert County Residents only
    • 8:30am - 4:30pm
• 706-283-1804
• Facebook Page

Safehouse Ministries

• 435 Elbert St., Elberton, GA 30635
  • Wednesdays
    • 10am - 1pm
  • Fridays
    • 10am - 1pm
• 706-213-7657
• Email
• Facebook Page

Dewy Rose | 8 Minutes Away

Deep Creek Assistance Ministry

• 2335 Nickville Rd., Dewy Rose, GA 30634
  • Monthly Food Truck
    • 3rd Monday of Every Month
      • 3pm
• 706-283-9093
• Facebook Page

Carlton | 16 Minutes Away

Burt's UMC

• 229 Veribest-Enterprise Rd., Carlton, GA 30627
  • 3rd Wednesday of the Month
    • 10am - 12pm
• Facebook Page

Bowman | 15 Minutes Away

Bowman Food Pantry

**Update 11/9/2025**

The Bowman Food Pantry, operated by Sharing and Caring Ministries, has announced that they will be relocating to the Blackwell Memorial Historic Gym! The press release also noted that the pantry is definitely scheduled to serve the community as usual on November 12, 2025.

As of the writing of this article, it appears that this pantry is looking for a new home, as its current location is being listed for sale. However, the City of Bowman is still showing that food distribution is scheduled as usual.

• Blackwell Memorial Historic Gym (*New Location*)
  • 390 Mill St., Elberton, GA 30635
    • 2nd Tuesday of Every Month
      • 4pm - 5pm

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

2537 Pleasant Grove Rd., Bowman, GA | 706-245-5429

• Northeast Georgia Food Bank
  • 3rd Thursday of Every Month
    • 3pm - 5pm
    • Photo ID required
• Golden Harvest Food Bank
  • 3rd Tuesday of Every Month
    • 3pm - 5pm

Hartwell | 21 Minutes Away

Ninth District Opportunity - Hart County Community Res

• 500 N. Richardson St., Hartwell, GA 30643
• 706-376-4150
• Email

Hart County Food Pantry

• 130 E. Howell St., Hartwell, GA
• Hart County Residents Only | Proof of Residency Required
• Photo ID Required
• Recipients may claim groceries once every other month.
  • Mondays
    • 9:30am - 1pm
  • Wednesdays
    • 9:30am - 1pm
  • Thursdays
    • 9:30am - 1pm
  • Fridays
    • 9:30am - 1pm
• Senior Food Program
  • 65+ Hart County Residents Only
  • Apply  at the pantry in person on Mondays from 9:30am - 1pm.
  • Groceries available for pickup on 3rd Tuesday of Each Month
• 706-376-2022

Christian Worship Assembly

• 3874 Royston Hwy., Hartwell, GA
• 706-376-7707
• One box per family, per month.
• Call ahead on Monday or Tuesday with your name and number.
• Bring ID to pick up.
• Food Pantry
  • Every Wednesday
    • 4pm - 6pm
  • Every Friday
    • 9am - 11am
• Quarterly Mobile Food Pantry
• 1st Saturday of Every Month
  • 9am - 11:45am

Cornerstone Baptist

• 1543 Anderson Hwy., Hartwell, GA
• Behind the church
• 3rd Thursday of Every Month
  • 9:30am (until food is gone)
  • Short form to complete with name while in car line.
• 706-376-2029

Oak Bower Baptist

• 1598 Old Hwy. 29, Hartwell, GA
  • 2nd Saturday of Every Month
    • 8am (until food is gone)

Colbert | 24 Minutes Away

Moon's Grove Baptist Church

• 1985 Moons Grove Church Rd., Colbert, GA 30628
  • 4th Wednesday of the Month
    • 10am - 12pm
• Facebook Page

South Carolina | 26 Minutes Away

First Baptist Church of Iva | 16 Miles from Elberton

• 9536 Hwy 81 South, Iva, SC 29655
  • 3rd Tuesday of the Month
    • 3pm - 5pm
• 864-348-2602
• Facebook Page

Royston | 27 Minutes Away

The Rainbow Pantry of Royston

I contacted this pantry directly on Facebook and they responded within 24 hours. While their website states that distribution begins at 10 am, I was advised personally that they begin at 9am and go until they run out of supplies, which is reflected below. They said also that they serve the Franklin, Hart & Madison County areas. 

• 191 Campbell St., Royston, GA 30662
  • 2nd Tuesday of Every Month
    • 9am (until supplies run out)
  • 4th Tuesday of Every Month
    • 9am (until supplies run out)
• 706-245-0965
• Email
• Facebook Page

Bowersville

Outsider's Farm: Walt's World (Vegan Food Pantry)

This pantry is unique in that I found it while searching for pet food pantries. It turns out that not only do they offer assistance to local pet communities, due to the current SNAP situation, they are also broadening their "Human Food Assistance" to a larger audience. The form linked below does ask for information about pets, family members, food allergies and more. They aim to keep the whole family fed, pets and humans alike! They also specialize in only plant-based pantry items, so if you need specific foods for health or other reasons, they've got you covered!

• Pantry Assistance Application Form

Rayle | 34 Minutes Away

Clifford Grove Baptist Church

• 2741 Callaway Rd, Rayle, GA 30660
  • Every 3rd Wednesday
    • 9am - 12pm
  • Every 3rd Saturday
    • 1pm - 3pm
• 706-274-3742

Lavonia | 38 Minutes Away

Lavonia Church of God

• 107 Bear Creek Rd., Lavonia, GA
  • Mobile Food Pantry
    • 2nd Thursday of Every Month
      • 8am - 9:30am
      • Fill out sheet with name while in car line.
• 706-356-4472

Free Formula Exchange

This site connects those in need of formula for their little ones with folks who are able to provide it!

You can sign up on their website.

The Baby Pantry

• 1580 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • **Happy Tummies Program

**I have not been able to verify if residents of Elberton are considered 'based in the area' for this program, but it is a useful mention just in case!

Outsiders Farm & Sanctuary | Bowersville

This application is the same one linked above for human food - there is only one form and it also applies for pet food and pet supplies through their Walt's World Assistance Program. 

• Community Pantry Assistance Application

Athens Area Humane Society

I'm currently waiting to hear back as to whether or not Elbert County residents qualify as well. Their site indicates that they serve up to 17 different counties under this program, so I'm hoping Elbert is one of them.

• 1030 Mitchell Bridge Rd., Athens, GA 30606
  • Full Bellies Food Bowl Program
    • 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the Month
      • 9am - 1pm
    • Drive-Thru
• 706-769-9155

MOAS (Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter)

• 1888 Colbert-Danielsville Rd., Danielsville, GA 30633
• Community Pet Food Bank
  • Madison & Oglethorpe County Residents Only
  • Pick up available once a month
  • Animals must be spayed/neutered or undergo the surgery within 3 months of receiving food (Check out their Spay it Forward Program for free or low-cost procedures.)
• 706-795-2868

BeBop's Bakery and Bistro

• 980 Church St., Royston, GA 30662
  • November 27, 2025
    • 12pm - 4pm

Bridging Faith Gaps

• Blackwell Memorial Gym
  • 390 Mills St., Elberton, GA 30635
    • November 16, 2025
      • 10:30am - 11:30am (Worship Service)
      • 12:30pm - 3pm (Meal)
    • Toys for Kids who Attend
    • Mobile Resource Trailer
    • Narcan Training

Want to Volunteer? Click here!

Flat Shoals Baptist Church

• Church Gym - Drive-Thru
  • 2999 Bowersville Hwy., Bowersville, GA 30516
    • November 19th, 2025
      • 6pm - 7pm
    • Donations welcome
    • Text 'THANKSGIVING' to 706-971-7312 to Reserve Your Plate

If you would like to volunteer or donate, please message them here! They are expecting an overwhelming response this year.

Elbert Memorial Hospital

• Elberton Civic Center
  • 148 College Ave., Elberton, GA 30635
    • December 21, 2025
      • 11am - 1pm

Safehouse Ministries

• Safehouse Ministries Resource Center
  • 1333 Washington Hwy., Elberton, GA
    • November 25, 2025
      • 9am - 12pm

These small, take-what-you-need spots are stocked by neighbors and are open 24/7. 

Mercy Market

• Unity Baptist Church
  • 3936 Hwy. 17 South, Royston, GA 30662
    • "Take what you need and leave what you can!"

Community Cupboard

• First Presbyterian
  • 41 S. Carter St., Hartwell, GA
    • Leave food or take what you need

If your family is in a position to give back, many of these groups welcome donations or volunteers. A few cans of soup, a bag of rice, or a few minutes helping stock shelves can make a real difference.

Something to keep in mind are items that are not commonly donated, but which make a world of difference! I've put together a list of often overlooked categories and items that are gratefully accepted by most food banks.

Fresh Produce

Always check with your food bank first, because some of the smaller ones may welcome food donations, but some of the larger ones who have connections can actually stretch the $1 you donate in cash to buy $11 in food! Sometimes your money can go farther than if you donate something you found a good deal on at the store.

Baby Supplies

Some of these items are generally available under the WIC program, but since funding is currently uncertain or unavailable, it can't hurt to donate them!

• Baby Formula
• Baby Food
• Baby Snacks
• Applesauce
• Diapers
• Wipes

Pet Food

When times are tough, pets are often forgotten when it comes to food donations. You can even donate specifically to pet food banks like the Sanctuary at Outsider Farms or the Athens Area Humane Society if you prefer! A little goes such a long way for our furry friends.

Personal Care

The basics are not always available, but they are still essential. Shampoo and feminine hygiene products in particular are always winners! 

• Soap
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Shampoo
• Laundry Detergent
• Dish Soap
• Deodorant
• Feminine Hygiene Products

Spices

There's nothing like a little seasoning to spice up a meal, especially when times are hard and food may be fairly basic. Consider tossing in a few inexpensive spices, even just a salt shaker or two makes a huge difference!

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• And anything else you think of!

United Way Northeast Georgia

• Call 211 or visit 211.org for up-to-date information on food, housing, and family resources in Elberton. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 to receive information for nearby listings in different assistance categories like housing, food and more.

Feeding America

• Find additional food pantries at FeedingAmerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank.

Feeding Georgia

• Locate your area's food bank - for Elberton, ours is the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia.

Find Help

• This site offers a comprehensive searchable database of food pantries as well as assistance available for multiple other categories including healthcare costs, housing needs and legal help.

I Serve Ministries | Athens 

Macaroni Kid Athens

If you happen to be in or nearer to Athens, their publisher Jessica has put together a great resource guide for that area!

• Where Families Can Find Food Resources in Athens, GA

Macaroni KID Elberton is here to support local families — whether it’s finding fun things to do or helping when times are tough. Because being part of Elberton means showing up for each other — and we’re always here to help you find what your family needs.

If you know of a food resource, mobile pantry, blessing box or anything else we missed, please let us know!