Pantry or food bank?
Decide which you are. A pantry distributes directly to families. A food bank is the warehouse behind many pantries. Most people starting out are opening a pantry.
The nonprofit part
You form a 501(c)(3) the usual way: incorporate, get an EIN, adopt bylaws, and file with the IRS. Our how-to-start guide and state guides cover it. Some pantries begin under a church or existing charity before forming their own entity.
Sourcing the food
You will not buy most of your food. Connect with your regional food bank (part of the Feeding America network), set up grocery rescue with local stores, run food drives, and look into USDA commodity programs like TEFAP through your state.
Food safety and storage
Follow your local health department's rules for storing and handling food, including refrigeration and safe-handling practices. Storage space is usually your biggest fixed cost. Food donors are generally protected from liability under the federal Good Samaritan food donation law, which encourages giving.
Volunteers and funding
Pantries run on volunteers, sorting, stocking, and distribution. Fund it through grants, food and fund drives, and local partners; see our fundraising ideas.