First United Methodist Church of Haines City - House Blest
The church has an onsite food pantry. It can distribute emergency food, groceries, and meals to the needy. Other resources for Polk County families include guidance, referrals, and information on such services as clothing or shelters.
114 South Second Street
Haines City, Florida 33844
Phone – (863) 421-9115
Salvation Army - Social Services (Lakeland)
Social services and programs include Soup Kitchens, Congregate Meals/Nutrition Sites, Food Pantries, Holiday Programs, Outreach and more. While very limited, cash can be offered on a limited basis for expenses such as utilities, rent, mortgage, and other public assistance.
830 Massachusetts Avenue N
Lakeland, Florida 33801
Phone – (863) 682-8179
Family Emergency Services of Winter Haven
If you are faced with a crisis, then apply for Temporary Financial Assistance. This can help people pay for bills including food, meals, and groceries. Polk County residents can also meet with a social worker to apply for WIC or SNAP food stamps. A number of low income programs are run.
320 Avenue T, N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone – (863) 294-1939
First Love Church Of God In Christ
An emergency pantry is on site. Depending on donations, there may be boxes of groceries, baby formula, hygiene items, and even delivered meals to senior citizens.
4140 Church St.
Bartow Florida 33831
Phone – (863) 646-8517
Central Baptist Community Ministries - Emergency Services
Programs and resources offered in Polk County include Furniture, Appliances, Clothing, and Food Pantries. Also get information on both federal and state of Florida government assistance.
815 S Central Ave
Lakeland, Florida 33815
Phone – (863) 802-4673
Redeemer Lutheran Church
For access the pantry and services offered. Volunteers at the church can also refer people to local non-profits and charity type organizations.
390 E Parker Ave
Bartow, FL 33830
Phone – (863) 533-6054
Wave Ministry
Whether it is a box of food for a low income family or clothing or paper goods, assistance is available. There are also holiday food boxes available from time to time from the charity.
3406 Swindell Rd.
Lakeland FL 33810
Phone – (813)716-1541
Davenport Church of God
A food bank is run. Perishable items, fruits, breads, and other items are offered.
308 South Blvd W
Davenport, Florida 33837
Phone – (863) 422-2274
Mulberry Community Service Center
Food pantries can provide Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, free new or gently used clothing, and financial help. May also have government surplus food.
301 NE 5th Street
Mulberry, FL 33860
Phone – (863) 425-1523
First United Methodist Church of Haines City
21 S. Second StreetHaines City, Florida 33844
Phone – (863) 422-1290
Viste
A food bank is run. Perishable items, fruits, breads, and other items are offered.
1232 E. Magnolia
Lakeland Florida 33801
Phone – (863)-284-0828
Eligibility Rules
Individuals must pass all eligibility rules to get food assistance benefits.
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Identity – Individuals must show proof they are the person they claim to be. Applicants must provide proof of their identity.
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Work Rules – FAQs – Healthy adults, 18 to 50 years of age, who do not have dependent children or are not pregnant, can only get food assistance benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period if they are not working or participating in a work or workfare program.
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Income and Deductions – Most households must pass a gross income limit less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with a member disqualified for breaking Food Assistance Program rules, felony drug trafficking, running away from a felony warrant, or not participating in a work program must have gross income less than or equal to 130% of the FPL. Households with a disqualified member must have net income less than 100% of the FPL. Households with people who are age 60 or older, or disabled, must only meet the net monthly income limit. Some household expenses may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget. The budget may subtract for shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, and earned income deduction.
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Residency – Individuals must live in the state of Florida.
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Citizenship – Individuals must be a U.S. citizen or have a qualified noncitizen status.
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SSN – Individuals must provide a Social Security Number or proof they have applied for one.
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Child Support Cooperation – Certain individuals must cooperate with the state’s child support enforcement agency to prove a child’s legal relationship to their parent and to get the court to order child support payments.
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Assets – Most food assistance households may have assets such as vehicles, bank accounts, or property and still get help. Households with a disqualified member must meet an asset limit of $2,250 or $3,250 effective October 1, 2014 (if the household contains an elderly or disabled member).
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Change Reporting – Households must report when the total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size and when work hours of able bodied adults fall below 20 hours per week when averaged monthly. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.
