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Cole County, Missouri

Free help in Cole County, Missouri

Find a food pantry open this week
Free help from local charities, food banks, and state and federal programs. Free to use, no sign-up. Every listing shows the day we checked it.

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Checked for youEach listing shows the day we checked it, so you do not drive to a closed door.

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42confirmed listings
4towns covered
30food pantries and meal programs
October 9last checked

This week

Food this week in Cole County

Pick a day to see which pantries are open and when. Times come from each pantry's confirmed schedule. Tap Call to reach them.

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Tap a numbered circle to zoom in. Pins are for orientation only: trust the address on each card.

BOONECALLAWAYMILLERMONITEAUOSAGE COLE COUNTY Jefferson CityTaosWardsvilleSt. MartinsSt. ThomasRussellvilleCentertownLohman
Missouri
42 places

    Some safety programs do not share an address, so they are not on the map. They are listed under Safety below.

    Food pantries and meals30

    Jefferson City

    Aging Best, Jefferson City

    Senior Box (60 and older, income limits apply), Free meals, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Senior Box (60 and older, income limits apply): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
    Address
    2027 Christy Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Boys & Girls Club Mobile Market (Cole County)

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    3rd Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
    Address
    1105 Lafayette St., Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Building Community Bridges

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Food pantry: Monday, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Food pantry: Monday, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    Address
    213 E. Ashley, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner. Serves Cole County. Only need a photo ID for easier sign up for pantry. If the new neighbor does not have a photo ID we can still serve them.

    Hours
    Food pantry: Monday and Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Food pantry: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
    Address
    1015 Edmonds, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    First Christian Church Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Food pantry: Tuesday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Food pantry: Tuesday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    Address
    327 E. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Belair Elementary

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    701 Belair Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Cedar Hill Elementary

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1510 Vieth Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Clarence "Lawson" Elementary

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1105 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Community Health Center of Central Missouri

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1511 Christy Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    East Elementary

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1229 E. McCarty, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Jefferson City Academic Center

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    501 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Jefferson City High School

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    609 Union Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Lewis & Clark Middle School

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    325 Lewis & Clark Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Little Explorers Discovery Center

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1002 Myrtle Ave., Jefferson City, MO 65109

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Moreau Heights Elementary

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1410 Hough Park Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Pioneer Trail Elementary

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    301 Pioneer Trail Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Salvation Army, Jefferson City

    Free meals, Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Free meals: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Food pantry: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Food pantry: Tuesday, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Friday, 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
    Address
    927 Jefferson St, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. No phone is listed for this site. Dial 2-1-1 for help reaching it.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Samaritan Center

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Food pantry: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Thursday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Food pantry: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Thursday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
    Address
    1310 E. McCarty St, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. No phone is listed for this site. Dial 2-1-1 for help reaching it.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    South Elementary

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    707 Linden Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Special Learning Center

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    905 Weathered Rock Road, Jefferson City, MO 65074

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update
    Jefferson City

    Thorpe Gordon STEM Academy

    Food pantry, a The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1101 Jackson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

    Call first. Hours come from the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri.Suggest an update

    See all 30 food listings in Cole County →

    Utility bills and rent help1

    Countywide

    Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA)

    Community action agency: help paying light and gas bills (LIHEAP, which Missouri calls Energy Assistance and ECIP), and, when funds allow, emergency rent help and other family programs. Call to ask what help is open now.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    800 N Providence Rd Ste 200, Columbia, MO 65203

    Call first. Hours are not listed. Call first to ask what help is open now and what to bring.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: Missouri DSS LIHEAP contracted agencies list.Suggest an update

    Housing1

    Jefferson City

    Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson

    Public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1040 Myrtle Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65109

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    Health and dental1

    Recovery and mental health help2

    Statewide

    988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor any time, for a mental health crisis, thoughts of suicide or a substance use crisis. It is free and confidential. Veterans can press 1.

    Hours
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    Veterans services2

    Statewide

    Veterans Crisis Line

    Dial 988, then press 1. Or text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Free and confidential. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care.

    Hours
    Open 24 hours a day, every day
    Statewide

    VA national phone lines

    VA benefits: 800-827-1000. VA health benefits: 877-222-8387. Homeless veterans, open 24 hours: 877-424-3838. MyVA411, the main VA line, open 24 hours: 800-698-2411.

    Hours
    Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern

    Safety and crisis help1

    Statewide

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free, confidential help for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner or family member: safety planning, shelter referrals and someone to talk to. Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at TheHotline.org. In an emergency, call 911.

    Hours
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    Government offices3

    How HelpByState works

    Checked, dated and corrected by neighbors

    1. 1

      Matched to the source

      A listing goes up only after its phone and its address or hours match the organization's own page, or an official list.

    2. 2

      Dated on every card

      Each card shows the day we checked it. If sources disagree, we say call first instead of guessing.

    3. 3

      Fixed by the community

      See something wrong, or know a place we missed? Send it in. Nothing changes until we have checked it.

    Neighbors helping neighbors

    Help is closer than you think in Cole County

    A volunteer hands a bag of fresh groceries to a mother holding her daughter's hand
    Free groceriesFood banks and pantries give food to anyone who needs it.
    A helper smiles as she helps an older man fill out a form
    Someone to help you applyState offices and local programs help with food stamps, bills and more.
    Kids laughing together over a free meal with a grandmother at a community center
    Meals and care for kidsFree meals, clinics and family programs, close to home.

    Questions people ask

    Where can I get free food in Cole County, Missouri?

    We have confirmed 30 places that can help in Cole County: Aging Best, Jefferson City (Senior Box 60 and older, income limits apply: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM), (573) 443-5823, call first; Boys & Girls Club Mobile Market (Cole County) in Jefferson City (3rd Wednesday, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM), (573) 474-1020, call first; Building Community Bridges in Jefferson City (Food pantry: Monday, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM), (573) 616-2845, call first. 27 more are listed on this page. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get help paying rent or a utility bill in Cole County, Missouri?

    We have confirmed one place that can help in Cole County: Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA), (573) 200-6655. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get housing help in Cole County, Missouri?

    We have confirmed one place that can help in Cole County: Housing Authority of the City of Jefferson in Jefferson City, (573) 635-6163. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I find a free or low-cost clinic in Cole County, Missouri?

    We have confirmed one place that can help in Cole County: Community Health Center of Central Missouri, Christy Drive in Jefferson City, (573) 632-2777. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get help with addiction or mental health in Cole County, Missouri?

    We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Cole County: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), 988; SAMHSA National Helpline (Open 24 hours a day, every day), (800) 662-4357. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get help with veterans benefits in Cole County, Missouri?

    We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Cole County: Veterans Crisis Line (Open 24 hours a day, every day), 988; VA national phone lines (Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern), (800) 827-1000. A veteran in crisis can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

    Where can I get free legal help in Cole County, Missouri?

    We have confirmed one place that can help in Cole County: Mid-Missouri Legal Services, (573) 442-0116. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Is HelpByState free to use?

    Yes. There is nothing to sign up for and nothing to pay. Every listing is free, and so is adding or correcting one.

    Why do some listings say call first?

    Church and community pantries often change days, move, or close for a holiday. When the sources we checked disagree, or an organization does not publish its hours, we say so instead of guessing. A quick call saves a trip.

    I run a pantry or a program. How do I get listed or fix our hours?

    Use the Add a listing or Suggest an update form. We confirm it against your own page or contact you, then change the listing. It is free.

    Is this the same as 2-1-1?

    No. 2-1-1 is a statewide phone line and database run by the state network. HelpByState is an independent, county-by-county directory that shows the date each listing was checked. If you want to talk to a person, dial 2-1-1.

    Where do the hours and phone numbers come from?

    From each organization's own website or page, official sources such as housing authority and WIC clinic lists, and the public Find Food map of the The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri. We list the source on every card.

    Something missing, or out of date?

    If you run a pantry or program, or you saw a listing that is wrong, tell us. We check every message against the organization's own page before anything changes.