Frequently Asked Questions

First, the household must be in what we call the “Columbus metro area.” In Colorado county, Weimar and Eagle Lake have their own food pantries so residents of those cities should go to their local pantry. Everyone else in between are welcome to come to the Columbus Food Pantry. Second, if a household already qualifies for benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, they automatically qualify for food. If not, it is based off the government poverty guidelines of household size and income. To receive food, a person just needs to come through the distribution line and we can quickly fill out the form on the spot. If a recipient can’t make it every month, they can also designate a person to pick their food up for them when filling out the form.

At Columbus Food Pantry, we are dedicated to ending hunger and food insecurity in our community. We do have a few requirements for individuals and families to receive distribution:

1. Sign up by filling out required paperwork. Fill out the required form found on this website or from the volunteers on distribution day. This form must be filled out before receiving distribution and must be filled out on an annual basis in December for the next year. On this form you must state your income and the number in your family. 

2. Live within the Columbus area. Those that reside in Eagle Lake, Weimar, Schulenburg are encouraged to receive food at their local food pantry. 

3. Show up once in person per year. You can send someone to pick up to pick up your food but you will need to show up in person at least once a year. 

Required Form Here

Yes. Please fill out the form found HERE. 

This form is required to be on file and returned in person to the Food Pantry. 

An updated form is required once a year before the December distribution.

Columbus Food Pantry provides a variety of nutritious food, including fresh produce, dairy, meat, and non-perishable items like canned goods and pasta.

The Columbus Food Pantry operates out of the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center located at 419 Washington Street, Columbus, Texas 78934.

You can find a map of this location and how to line up for distribution HERE. 

People who live in the Columbus area except people within the Weimar and Eagle Lake areas. These cities have their own food pantries so residents of those cities should go to their local pantry.

Our funds come solely from donations from local people, businesses, and the occasional grant. It is run completely by volunteers; relying on local churches to send volunteers each month in addition to all of the regular people who are there each and every month. The food is purchased from the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent in Victoria Texas for $0.19/lb – no matter what it is, jars of peanut butter or boxes of cereal. Due to this purchasing power, we strongly recommend monetary donations over food. We also receive free product when they have an abundance of a particular item. The Food Pantry also makes purchases locally from Brookshire Brothers and HEB for items we can’t get from the Food Bank. Both stores plus Walmart also donate excess food product to us. The Navidad Valley Cattlewomen Association and Erbe Ranch have donated many pounds of meat and we receive extra produce and eggs from local people as well.

Help comes via donations or volunteering. See How to Help page for more information. 

The need has been increasing year over year but current average is 300 families per month. 

Yes, the Columbus Food Pantry is a recognized 501c3. 

The Columbus Food Pantry is audited each year by the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, making sure we adhere to all of the rules and regulations set forth by Feeding America, Feeding Texas, USDA, and more. We have a few volunteers and board members take Food Safety and Handling and Civil Rights training courses to stay in compliance.