Food Pantries & Resources
West Central Food Pantries: Together, We Can Help Fight Hunger
West Central’s food pantries in Raymore and Appleton City provide essential groceries to over 800 neighbors in need EVERY MONTH—and demand is rising sharply. With your help, we can keep shelves full and families fed.
Our pantries tell a powerful story: stocked and ready one day, empty the next. After each distribution, we must collect, purchase, and restock to prepare for the next wave of need. This cycle never stops—and neither can we.
We can’t do it alone. Your support matters. Every donation—whether food or funds—helps ensure that no child, senior, or family goes hungry. Together, we can make sure our shelves never go bare.
Contact us today: FACES@wcmcaa.org
Be the reason a family eats tonight.
West Central has two food pantries, one in Cass County/Raymore at our northern Hub, and one in St. Clair County/Appleton City at Central office.
- Raymore Pantry: Every Tuesday, 9 AM–12 PM (closed on the 5th Tuesday)
- Appleton City Pantry: 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 9 AM–11 am and 1 PM–4PM
Emergency Food: Available anytime for families in crisis
Can’t make it during these hours? Families can designate a proxy to pick up their monthly allotment. No one is turned away. If you need food, we will serve you.
Eligibility requirements may vary between locations – income guidelines for West Central food pantries may be viewed at the bottom of this page.
Information for additional food pantries is available via the Harvesters website, https://www.harvesters.org/get-food-assistance/food-locator.
Please contact us with additional questions at: info@wcmcaa.org
Yes, You CAN Help – Donate TODAY to a Food Pantry near you!
Why Monetary Donations Matter
- Stretch Your Dollar Further: Your financial gift allows us to purchase food at significantly lower costs through our partners—making your donation go farther.
- Greater Impact: Monetary contributions help us buy exactly what’s needed, ensuring balanced and nutritious options for families.
- Feeding Missouri Power: Every $1 donated can provide up to 3 meals through Missouri food banks thanks to bulk purchasing power.
Give today: https://wcmcaa.org/donate/
Food Donations Are Always Welcome
We deeply appreciate physical food donations—they are a true blessing! Our pantries serve both seniors and families with children. Here are items we can always use:
Shelf-Stable Foods for Seniors | Shelf-Stable Foods for Children |
Low-sodium canned vegetables | Applesauce cups (unsweetened) |
Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, salmon) | Low-sugar cereal |
Nut butters (peanut or almond) | Granola bars and healthy snacks |
Whole grains (brown rice, oats, quinoa) | Mac & cheese (boxed) |
Shelf-stable milk or powdered milk | Pasta and pasta sauce |
Soups and stews (low-sodium) | Rice mixes |
Canned fruit in juice (not syrup) | Shelf-stable milk (plant-based options) |
Cheese block or shelf-stable cheese | Nut or seed butter |
Fruit juices (100% juice options) | Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries) |
Ensure / Boost nutrition drinks | Whole grain crackers |
Most Needed Items:
Tuna or other canned meats | Peanut butter |
Boxed meals, rice, and pasta | Beans, soups, or stews |
Cereal | Canned fruits and vegetables |
Drop-Off Locations
Raymore Food Pantry – 208 W. Walnut, Raymore, MO
Appleton City Food Pantry – 112 W. 4th Street, Appleton City, MO
⏰ Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–12 PM & 1–5 PM
📞 Calling ahead is not required but is always appreciated!
Volunteer and Make a Difference!
Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your community and support neighbors in need. Right now, our food pantries need dedicated volunteers to help meet growing demand.
Whether you’re sorting donations, stocking shelves, or serving families, your time and compassion make a real difference.
To get started: contact FACES@wcmcaa.org
Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Host a fund or food drive
- Connect with the Pantry and/or Partner Organization
- Confirm Needs: Ask what food items and monetary support are most needed.
- Understand Guidelines: Clarify donation requirements for food and how funds should be collected (e.g., checks, online platforms).
- Plan the Drive
- Set Goals: Decide on food (items or pounds) and fund ($) targets.
- Choose Format:
- Food Drive: Physical collection points.
- Fund Drive: Online page, pledge forms, or QR codes.
- Set Timeline: 2–4 weeks is ideal for most drives.
- Build Your Team
- Assign roles for collection, promotion, and delivery.
- Designate someone to track funds and issue receipts.
- Promote the Drives
- Use flyers, social media, and email campaigns with the theme “Donate Food or Funds!”
- Share impact stories—how both food and funds help the pantry serve more families.
- Include QR codes or links for online donations on all promotional materials.
- Collect and Manage
- Food: Provide sturdy, labeled bins and schedule drop-offs.
- Funds: Track donations securely, issue receipts, and consider matching gifts to encourage giving.
- Deliver and Report
- Coordinate food delivery with the pantry and transfer funds promptly.
- Share combined results: pounds of food + total funds raised.
- Thank donors publicly and explain the impact (e.g., “Your support provided X meals!”).
Extra Tips
- Offer themed days (e.g., “Protein Tuesday” or “Dollar Friday”) to boost engagement.
- Include non-food essentials if the pantry accepts them.
- For funds, consider setting up a transparent progress tracker (thermometer graphic or live updates).
Engage in Community Care
Start with a Little Free Pantry
Food insecurity can exist on any block. One simple way to help is through a Little Free Pantry—a neighbor-powered cabinet where people “Take what they need, give what they can.” These 24/7, zero-barrier pantries offer food and dignity without paperwork or judgment.
How You Can Help:
· Stock one nearby: Add canned proteins, pasta, peanut butter, or hygiene items.
· Think seasonally: Sunscreen in summer, warm socks in winter.
· Build your own:
o Choose a safe, accessible location (yard, school, church, etc.)
o Use free build guides from Little Free Pantry (even no-build options!)
o Engage neighbors, scout troops, or school groups to help.
Keep it sustainable:
· Restock irregularly to maintain privacy.
· Encourage shared ownership—30 neighbors each taking one day a month can keep it full.
· Provide culturally appropriate foods and personal care items.
Little Free Pantries are about more than food—they’re about trust, dignity, and solidarity. When you support one, you help create a community where neighbors care for neighbors, and no one faces hunger alone.
Learn more: www.littlefoodpantry.org
Our farmers feed the world, but many Missourians are hungry.
Some are “food insecure” and do not qualify for food assistance programs.
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA. It’s when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. It’s a big problem in the United States, where 47 million people, including 13 million children, experience food insecurity annually. However, many more people, including millions who do not meet the definition of food insecure—turn to the charitable food sector for support.
- Hunger affects 1 in 7 Missourians and 1 in 6 children.
- Your donation helps us fight hunger and bring hope to families in need.
- Every dollar and every can counts!
Learn more about food insecurity in your area. Visit Feeding America’s MAP THE GAP and click on your county for state and local information.
You can also view the Missouri Hunger Atlas, compiled by the University of Missouri, for detailed information about your county.
