Louisville Pride Center Food Pantry

2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month | 5PM–7PM 1244 S 3rd Street, Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40203

The Louisville Pride Center is home to Louisville’s only LGBTQ-centered food pantry, operated in partnership with Dare to Care. Alongside our HIV services, social programming, and transgender and gender nonconforming services, the food pantry reflects our ongoing commitment to uplifting and supporting the full LGBTQIA+ community — providing essential food resources in a space where everyone is safe, welcome, and treated with dignity.

How Our Pantry Works

Choice-Centered Approach Neighbors select the items they need, based on their own dietary preferences and requirements. You know what you like — and this approach helps reduce food waste, too.

Non-Judgmental Support Food insecurity can mean eating once a day, scavenging for food, or not knowing where your next meal will come from. Whatever your situation, we’re here without judgment.

Inclusive and Safe Environment Many LGBTQIA+ individuals feel uncomfortable seeking help from food banks in religious institutions. Our partnership with Dare to Care offers an inclusive alternative where you don’t have to worry about how you’ll be perceived or whether you’ll be welcome. You will be.

What Is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity is the state of being without reliable access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious food. It’s not just about hunger — it’s the ongoing uncertainty of where the next meal will come from and whether it will be nutritious.

For LGBTQIA+ community members, food insecurity can be compounded by discrimination, stigma, and financial instability. Here are some common myths worth addressing:

“Food insecurity only affects people with low incomes.” — FALSE Factors like job loss, unexpected expenses, and health issues can create temporary or long-term food insecurity regardless of income level.

“People who use food pantries are lazy or unmotivated.” — FALSE People who seek help are often working multiple jobs, managing health issues, or navigating major life challenges. Seeking help is a sign of resourcefulness.

“Food assistance is only for families with children.” — FALSE Single adults, seniors, and couples without children are also in need, and our pantry serves all community members.

“You need to be a U.S. citizen to access food assistance.” — FALSE Many programs provide support regardless of immigration status. The Louisville Pride Center and Dare to Care do not collect or report any information that would jeopardize anyone’s immigration status.

Get Involved

Donate Goods Drop off donations at the Center between 2PM–7PM, Tuesday through Friday, or at any of our weekly events. If donating refrigerated or frozen goods, please call ahead so we can ensure proper storage.

You can also donate directly through our Amazon Gift Registry.

What to Donate

  • Canned goods: Low-sodium, low-sugar options — vegetables, beans, and fruits
  • Whole grains: Brown rice, whole grain pasta, oatmeal
  • Protein: Canned tuna, beans, lentils, nut butters
  • Dietary needs: Gluten-free and allergy-friendly items are especially helpful
  • Culturally relevant foods: Items reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those we serve
  • Personal care: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste — and menstruation products are especially needed
  • Cash donations: Allow us to purchase fresh produce and other items not always available through donated goods

Please ensure all food donations are unopened, within their expiration date, and shelf-stable where possible.

Volunteer

Business or Organization Inquiries Email jordan.mack@louprideky.org or call 502-498-4289.