Frequently Asked Questions

How can we help?

Find answers about pantry hours, food pickup, donations, volunteering, delivery, and Shepherdstown Shares community programs.

Need Food Soon?

Food Pantry Information

The pantry is located in the chapel and is easily accessible from Church Street.

Location

200 W. German Street
Shepherdstown, WV

Hours

Monday: 3:30–5:30 PM
Thursday: 3:00–5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM–Noon

Food Pantry

Food Pantry Basics

Where is the pantry located?

The pantry is located at 200 W. German Street in Shepherdstown. The pantry itself is located in the chapel and is easily accessible from Church Street.

What hours are you open?

The pantry is open Monday from 3:30–5:30 PM, Thursday from 3:00–5:30 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM–Noon.

What food is available?

Our selection varies from week to week. Generally, we have milk, eggs, bread, proteins such as chicken, beef, and fish, fresh fruits and vegetables in season, and canned goods. We also try to stock a limited amount of cat and dog food, toiletries, and personal hygiene products.

Can I pick up food more than once per week?

Since we are only open three days per week and the number of individuals and families served has risen significantly, clients are limited to one pickup per week.

Pickup

Eligibility & Pickup

How does Shepherdstown Shares determine who gets food?

While we do not want to withhold food distribution from anyone, we focus on those unable to purchase adequate amounts of essential proteins, vegetables, and starches on a regular basis. For that reason, we are a supplementary source of those items and should not be relied upon as the primary source of food products.

To qualify for weekly distribution, individuals are first asked to complete a standard form and, if qualified, can receive food immediately.

I am encountering a period of difficulty. Can I get food at the pantry?

In extreme circumstances, such as loss of job, family emergency, or a temporary setback, we may forgo the application process and provide available food until the individual or family can once again provide for themselves.

Since this is situational, Shepherdstown Shares reserves the right to determine when distribution is no longer permitted. Because we have a limited amount of items on hand at any given time, this helps us continue to provide for those individuals and families being served regularly.

May I select what I want from what is available?

When arriving at the pantry on your pickup day, there will be a posting of what is available that day. You will be given a sheet to complete, and a volunteer will fill your request.

We ask that you limit requesting everything that is available, such as multiple types of bread or multiple proteins, since we serve a large number of families. This allows those arriving later on their pickup day to receive essentially an equal amount of items as those arriving earlier. Shepherdstown Shares reserves the right to limit what is distributed on any pickup day.

Can I pick up food for someone else?

Generally, no. However, if a client is unable to get to the pantry as they otherwise would, we may allow another person to make their pickup for that week.

Shepherdstown Shares will assess the situation on a weekly basis and reserves the right to require individuals to once again make their own pickups once they are able.

Special Circumstances

Delivery & Additional Needs

I am unable to get to the pantry. Is it possible to arrange a delivery?

Yes. However, since our drivers are volunteers and have a limited number of households to which they can deliver, you must show proof that you are physically unable to leave your house, have no transportation, or have another valid reason that getting to the pantry is not possible.

In some instances, we may be able to coordinate assistance beyond our organization for additional support.

I have pets. Is food available for them, too?

Yes. We have a limited amount of dog and cat food in stock. However, our supplies vary, so distribution is determined by the pantry weekly.

Support the Pantry

Donations & Volunteering

Do you accept food donations from individuals?

We gladly accept food donations from individuals. However, we request that this is arranged through our pantry coordinator. Our stock varies almost daily, so while we do not want to turn away food donations, we also do not want to accept donations that may not be used in a reasonable amount of time.

Do you accept other donations besides food?

Currently, we can only accept food. If you have items besides food to donate, feel free to contact us. We collaborate with other nonprofits in the area and may be able to direct you to the appropriate source.

I would like to volunteer at the pantry. How do I sign up?

To volunteer, please email help@shepherdstownshares.org with your name, contact information, and what you might like to do to help our community.

We honor the generosity of all our volunteers and have many opportunities to serve.

Our Mission

About Shepherdstown Shares

Is Shepherdstown Shares just a food pantry?

Shepherdstown Shares began in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. The idea was to assist anyone unable to fully provide food for themselves or their family due to loss of a job, illness, or prolonged difficult circumstances.

It has since grown into a very viable entity in Shepherdstown, primarily easing the burden of providing food for those finding it difficult to purchase nutritional, necessary items for themselves and their families.

In addition to the pantry, we have recently expanded our Seniors Program as an outreach for our elderly neighbors, sponsor ongoing activities to support our community, and hold the People’s Ball each New Year’s Eve as an opportunity to celebrate and mingle with our friends and neighbors.

Join the Work

Shepherdstown is stronger when neighbors show up for one another.

Whether you need support, want to volunteer, or would like to make a donation, there is a place for you in this work.