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We are here to help

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake is more than a food pantry, we are a Family Stability Center.

WELLNESS - through healthy foods

COLLABORATION - and a holistic approach

INDEPENDENCE - through empowerment

HOPE - through dignity, kindness and compassion

What We Offer

  • Pantry Services
  • Case Management Services
  • Emergency Referrals
  • Counseling Referrals
  • School Break Food Program
  • SNAP Benefits Assistance
  • Educational Programs
  • Health Care Referrals
  • Pantry Hours
  • Become A Client

Become a Client

Client Services Schedule

Monday
Closed
Tue, Wed, Fri
-
Thursday
-
Sat - Sun
Closed

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake (TNC) believes no one should go hungry. Many people know us as a food pantry. Although it is our largest program, we are more than a food pantry, we are a Family Stability Center, employing a holistic approach to ending hunger through dedicated case management, providing an abundant variety of resources, and securing strong community partnerships. All services we provide are offered at no charge to our registered clients on a first come first serve basis. No appointments are made.

OUR SERVICES

Pantry Services

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake pantry services are available to current clients Tuesday through Friday of each week. Clients may choose from a selection of healthy and fresh foods including Fruits, Vegetables, Meats, Grains, Dairy, and Breads. We are a designated Healthy Food Pantry which means 80% of all food distributed is fresh, unprocessed, or minimally processed.


Pantry staples such as canned goods, shelf-stable milk, pastries, snacks, and hygiene products are offered weekly.


Grocery selections will vary based on food availability and the food donations we receive.


To ensure every client receives a balanced diet and selection of the best quality food available, Food availability alternates on a set weekly schedule. Some quantities may be restricted to ensure all clients have the opportunity to choose.

Food Availability by Week of the Month

  • First Week: Meats, Dairy, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Grains, Bread, Pantry Staples, Dry Goods
  • Second Week: Bread, Grains, Pantry Staples, Dry Goods, Fresh Fruits, and Vegetables
  • Third Week: Meats, Dairy, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Grains, Bread, Pantry Staples, Dry Goods
  • Fourth Week: Bread, Grains, Pantry Staples, Dry Goods, Fresh Fruits, and Vegetables

The Center depends upon the generosity of our donors, and grocery partners. Food choices may vary from day to day.

All groceries distributed are based on availability and freshness. Some items may not be readily available or in short supply.

School Break Food Program

Schools are closed for breaks and extended holidays, which total 14 weeks each year. Clients with school-aged children may receive additional food for their school-aged children through this program. School Break groceries include 10 meals and five snacks per school-aged child for each break week.


Distributions will occur in the week before the school break is to occur.


To be eligible for the School Break Food Program

  • You must be a current client of the Neighborhood Center of South Lake
  • Client(s) must have a school-aged child(ren) living full-time in your household
  • If there are any allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us at least four weeks before a school break period.

Case Management

SNAP Benefits Assistance

Organizational partners and volunteers are available on select days to assist clients with pre-screening and applications for SNAP Benefits. Meeting with our onsite representative helps clients save time and provides easier access to the processing status, answers to questions, and finding information and referrals to other services. Check with our case manager for a current schedule.

Emergency Referrals

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake partners with a variety of community and government agencies to assist clients with their needs. Clients may receive referrals to the appropriate partners and agencies to seek the help they need. The Neighborhood Center DOES NOT provide financial assistance.


Referrals to Partner Agencies may include:

  • Housing
  • Safe Housing
  • Rent and Utilities Assistance
  • Legal Assistance
  • Health Clinic Referrals
  • Letters of Charitable Support (maximum 2 per Year)
  • Counseling
  • Government Agencies


As TNC continues to connect and expand its network- additional services may be made available.


Please Note: The Neighborhood Center DOES NOT provide financial assistance.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake believes in providing the necessary resources to assist clients in creating self-sufficiency and sustainable life choices. We partner with volunteers and organizations that provide the following classes:

Nutrition Classes

Learn how to use the food selections available at the food pantry to make delicious and healthy foods. Attendees will learn new and delicious recipes their families will love. Nutrition Classes are scheduled once every month. Clients must pre-register to attend, Class sizes are limited and offered on a first come first serve basis.

Household Budgeting

Managing one's finances can be a scary task. Learn how to create and use an efficient household budget. Understand the basics of a bank account, how to avoid incurring fees, and how to save for a rainy day.

Computer Training

Computers are an essential part of everything we do in today’s society, from finding a job to completing school assignments and staying up to date with family and friends. Novice and intermediate users, learn how to navigate and complete online forms and use Microsoft Office products, like Word, to create quality resumes, cover letters, or complete school assignments.


All Class Topics are based on the availability of instructors, and space.

BECOME A CLIENT

Not a Client Yet?

If you live in South Lake County, we can help.

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake serves the following zip codes:

34711, 34714, 34715, 34729, 34736, 34737,

Parts of 34748, 34753, 34755, 34756, 34762

See Boundary Map Here

New clients of The Neighborhood Center of South Lake can register during the first hour of each client service day. Days and Hours to register:

Monday
Closed
Tue, Wed, Fri
-
Thursday
-
Sat - Sun
Closed

How to apply

  • All new clients must complete an application and meet with our case manager prior to receiving services.
  • All new clients must register during the first hour of a client service day.
  • All new clients will go home with nourishing food the same day they register.
  • To expedite the process, please complete the initial application and click submit.


APPLY NOW



Don’t live in South Lake County and need help?

If you don't live in our service area, or, need additional help, there are some resources you can reach out to:

Feeding America has a site that can direct you to a food pantry closest to where you live.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank.

Find the United Way nearest you at United Way and review the resources available. You can also dial 211, a helpline that can provide you with a list of agencies in your local area for support.

Monday
Closed
Tue, Wed, Fri
-
Thursday
-
Sat - Sun
Closed

First Time? What to Expect

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake (TNC) believes no one should go hungry. We also know that asking for help takes courage.

We Believe: 

  • Nutritious food is a human right
  • Healthy foods reduces illness and improves learning capacity
  • In empowering families to become self-sufficient
  • In providing resources and choices, dignity and hope


We are a Family Stability Center, employing a holistic approach to ending hunger through dedicated case management, providing an abundant variety of resources, and securing strong community partnerships.

All services we provide are offered at no charge to our registered clients on a first come first serve basis. No appointments are made.

We Ask

We understand that lines can sometimes become long and the wait frustrating, however, we ask that each client respect our process, our rules and the position and needs of others who are at TNC to receive the same services you are. 

Sign in at the front desk.


If you have not been to the Center before and feel you are in need of our services, bring in any information regarding any government services you are receiving, and an estimate of your monthly income.

See if you qualify.


You must live in our service area

If you live in South Lake County, we can help. 

The Neighborhood Center of South Lake serves the following zip codes-


34711, 34714, 34715, 34729, 34736, 34737, 

Parts of 34748,

34753, 34755, 34756, 34762


See Boundary Map Here


Please bring proof of address with you:


When you arrive on your first visit

Check in at our host station.  You will be provided the form(s) to complete.


  • Our volunteer registration staff will ask you some questions about your family and your family's  needs.
  • You will meet with our case manager to discuss any emergency needs.
  • You will place your food order.
  • You will be instructed on how the process works.
  • You will receive your groceries before you leave that day.


Note your food restrictions.


If you have food restrictions due to allergies or other medical conditions, make sure you notify the front desk volunteer so your restrictions are properly recorded.

Receive services!


Once you are signed up as a client, you will be offered services on your first visit!

Returning Clients

Sign in at the front desk.

Once you are established as a client, you only need to check-in at the front desk to receive services on future visits.

Food Orders: Hang tight! We will put your order together in the pantry.

If you are receiving food on your visit, a Food Order is transmitted to our Pantry, where your order will be assembled.

Donations will vary.

Please note that the volume and type of food you receive may vary according to our donations.

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