Queen City Kitchen

Who Can Visit?

Queen City Kitchen welcomes everyone who needs food. No one is turned away — it does not matter where you live or what your situation is. If you are hungry, you are welcome here.

You will need to show your ID when you arrive.

Good to Know

When you get to the pantry, you can enjoy something to eat and drink while you wait. The pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Arrive early — one reviewer noted that they only take the first 45 people, so it helps to get there before the line fills up.

The kitchen also serves hot meals five times a week:

• Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday — Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Saturday — Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Sunday — Early Dinner: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Note that the pantry may close for about two weeks during the holiday season in late December.

The location is easy to reach by public transit. Metro Routes 1, 11, and 31 all have stops nearby.

How Often You Can Visit?

You can visit the pantry up to twice a month.

Food & Essentials

The pantry offers a mix of items you pick yourself and items that are pre-bagged for you.

At a long self-serve table, you can pick from free produce, bread, and other items that may vary by visit. In the main pantry area, you choose your own groceries. Staff will also hand you a pre-packed bag that includes items like meat, milk, butter, and eggs.

The pantry's donations wishlist gives a good picture of what kinds of food cycle through:

• Canned goods: tuna, soups, vegetables, fruits, and beans
• Pasta and sauces
• Fruit juices and juice boxes
• Peanut butter and alternatives (almond butter, sun butter)
• Jelly, jam, or preserves
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Breads, cakes, and desserts
• Condiments like mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise
• Salad dressings
• Fresh produce (distributed immediately)
• Baby formula

How to Pick Up

Queen City Kitchen runs a choice pantry — you walk through and pick exactly what your family needs from the shelves. Staff will also give you a pre-packed bag with items like meat, milk, butter, or eggs. The pantry is open:

• Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Facilities

In addition to the pantry, Queen City Kitchen operates a soup kitchen that serves hot meals five times a week (see hours above in Good to Know). Racks of free clothing are also available on-site, including shoes, coats, and clothes for the winter.

Ways to Give

Queen City Kitchen accepts food donations, household item donations, clothing donations, and online monetary gifts. All donated clothing must be clean, repaired, and ready to wear.

Food donations needed: nonperishable canned goods, peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, baby formula, fresh produce, breads, and more.

Household & personal care items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, period supplies, diapers, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and more.

Clothing: warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, underwear, socks, shoes, and children's clothing from infant to teen sizes.

To drop off donations, you can schedule a time at queencitykitchen.org/drop-off-scheduling. To give online, visit donorbox.org/donate-and-nourish-2-2. Queen City Kitchen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.

You can also reach them directly at (513) 961-1983 or info@queencitykitchen.org.

How to Join the Team?

Queen City Kitchen is a small nonprofit that depends on volunteers to make everything happen. You can volunteer as an individual or bring a group — churches, faith communities, schools, and social service organizations are all welcome.

Kitchen volunteer roles: prepare food, serve meals, clean up, and help guests get their meal.

Pantry volunteer roles: assist guests, source health and personal care products, and organize donations.

Outreach volunteer roles: help with holiday activities, assist with grant writing and fundraising, and build relationships with local institutions and neighborhoods.

If you have skills in marketing, administrative work, or another area, reach out and share your background.

To sign up, fill out the contact form at queencitykitchen.org/contact-1, or contact the team directly:

• Phone: (513) 961-1983
• Email: info@queencitykitchen.org