What to expect when you visit the Food and Clothing Pantry
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You must register with Share each year to shop in the Food and Clothing Pantry. Registration also makes you eligible to participate in the Back-to-School and Holiday Programs.
All clients will be expected to behave in accordance with Share’s “Client Rights and Responsibilities.”
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Pantry Hours
Share’s Food and Clothing Pantry is located at Door # 8 of the McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road. Pantry hours are:
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Wednesdays and Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
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First and Third Thursdays of each month for clients over age 55: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Please note that the pantry is closed on certain days. Before visiting, review the calendar on our website: www.shareofmclean.org/calendar
Clients may visit the pantry up to twice per month.
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1. Getting a Number
At 9:00 a.m. on pantry opening days, the pantry supervisor will meet clients at Share’s main entrance (Door #8) to distribute numbers using a random number generator. This lottery system ensures that all clients have an equal chance at entry order without needing to arrive before 9:00 a.m.
A volunteer will provide you with your assigned number — please keep it with you, as you will need it to enter the pantry.
If you do not want to wait, please return your number to a Share volunteer.
If you arrive after 9:00 a.m., you will be given the next available number.
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2. Signing In
Clients are admitted in order, beginning with number 1. When entering, please show your photo ID to the registrar or greeter at the front desk.
Clients will need to register for Share services every year.
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Registered Clients: If you have registered for the year, the registrar will give you a number and a color-coded card that identifies your family size.
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New or Non-registered Clients: If you have not yet registered for the year, you will be asked to complete a registration form and provide proof of address for yourself and each family member that lives with you. (See How to Register for detail). Please note: Non-registered clients may receive food once. After that, registration and address verification are required to continue visiting the pantry.
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3. Shopping in the Food Room
After signing in and receiving your color-coded card and number, please take a seat until your number is called. When called, you will proceed downstairs to the chairs at the end of the hall outside the food room. A volunteer will call your number and you will enter the food room and use a shopping cart to collect your food, produce, and bread.
Your color-coded card shows how many of each item you may select, based on your family size. These limits are also posted on the shelves for your reference. A volunteer will collect both your color-coded card and the number from you when you enter and guide you through the food room.
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4. Getting additional supplies from the Diaper Room
After finishing in the food room:
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Pick up your meat selections from the freezers outside the food room.
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Proceed to the Diaper Room for diapers (if applicable) and other items such as detergent and cooking oil.
You will be asked to show your photo ID again — please keep it handy.
Please note: Diapers are available to clients twice per month, while other items, such as detergent and cooking oil, are available once per month.
Once you’ve shopped in the food and diaper rooms, a volunteer will help you place your items in a wagon near the front entry. Your wagon will have the same number as the one assigned to you when you signed in.
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Visiting the Clothing/Linens and Household Goods Room
Clients must complete shopping in the Food and Diaper Rooms before visiting the Clothing and Household Goods Rooms. Volunteers will be available to assist with selections.
5. After you’ve finished shopping
Once you’ve completed your shopping in the food, clothing, and household goods rooms, please take your wagon to your car to load your items. When you’re finished, return the wagon to the front entrance and give your number back to the registrar.
Thank you for visiting Share of McLean!