Announcements:

  • If Council Bluffs schools are closed due to bad weather, then both locations of Care and Share House are closed that day.
  • Care and Share House is always in need of plastic grocery bags for our food pantries and the free stores. Please drop off plastic grocery bags at either location during our open hours.
  • Due to the variable schedules of our volunteers, Care and Share House is in need of new volunteers to help with a variety of tasks. Volunteers with basic computer skills are needed to welcome and complete intake procedures for clients. Volunteers are needed to sort and display clothing and items in the free stores, and volunteers are needed to fill pantries for clients as well. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in becoming involved at Care and Share House.
  • Trained service animals welcome but no pets or emotional support animals allowed inside store. 

How to apply for food stamps/snap benefits:

Click on the button to the right to visit the Iowa Department of Human Services website to apply for Food Stamps/SNAP Benefits.
You may also call the Iowa SNAP Assistance Hotline at 855-944-3663. The assistance hotline guides clients through the application process over the phone and submits your application directly to HHS. They can also offer advice on how to ensure that the entire process is completed in a timely manner. 
Care and Share House receives a portion of our food from the USDA through the Emergency Food Assistance Program, also known as TEFAP. No ID or additional information is required to receive TEFAP food(s) if the household meets one of the following eligibility requirements:  Household income is under the monthly gross income limits, someone in the household receives SNAP food stamp benefits, or child/children in the household receive(s) free/reduced school lunch.

Other food pantries in Council Bluffs:

COMMUNITY OF CHRIST
17 North 2nd Street
(712) 328-8122
Call for Appointment
Monday-Friday from 9:00-11:00am
PHILIP'S CUPBOARD
11 South 1st Street
(712) 322-2291
Walk-ins Welcome!
Monday from Noon-2:00pm
Wednesday from 4:00-6:00pm
Friday from Noon-2:00pm
NON-FOOD PANTRY for cleaning and grooming items
FIRST BAPTIST
540 1st Avenue
(712) 322-2569
Walk-ins Welcome!
Tuesday from 9am-Noon
SOUTHSIDE PANTRY
1919 South 10th Street
(712) 322-8122
Call between 8:30-10:00am for appointment 
Wednesday & Friday from 9:00-10:30am