The Vermillion Food Pantry provides one week of supplemental food, based on household size, once-a-month to those in need in Clay County, South Dakota. The Vermillion Food Pantry is a client-choice pantry in a grocery store setting. Guests can choose foods for themselves and their families that fit their health and nutrition need.

Food Pantry Hours

Monday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tuesday 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Wednesday 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Thursday 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

 The Vermillion Food Pantry is part of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provides food assistance based on household size and income.

Senior Citizen Food Boxes

Senior Citizens at least 60 years of age wishing to receive a monthly box of food can apply for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) at the Community Connection Center.

Senior Citizen food boxes with an average of 25-27 pounds of food that contain a at minimum:

  • 2 pound block of cheese

  • Juice

  • Shelf stable or powdered milk

  • Cereal

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned vegetables

  • Pasta or rice

  • A canned meat or entree such as beef stew or chili

Senior Citizen boxes and shopping is available on the 3rd Friday of each month from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Food Pantry Resources

  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides food assistance based on household size and income. Programs that utilize TEFAP funding, such as Feeding Vermillion, receive specific foods that ensure food insecure citizens are eating nutritious, high-quality foods.

    To learn more about TEFAP, click here

  • The steps for utilizing the Vermillion Food Pantry are as follows:

    1. Upon your first visit, you must fill out 3 forms. The forms include a Release of Information, a Policy Acknowledgement, and a Self-Declaration Form. These forms must be turned in to the front desk at the Community Connection Center.

    2. Once you have completed the appropriate paperwork, you will check in at the front desk for each visit. You will need a photo form of identification and 2 pieces of U.S. Postal Service Mail. If you need assistance with obtaining a photo I.D., please contact the CCC or ask the front desk before your intended food pantry visit.

      The receptionist will confirm that your household number is correct, have you sign in, and hand you a card that lists the number of items you may receive. 

    3. The Food Pantry is set up like a grocery store with isles of food. Following the arrows on the floor, you will see items on the shelves along with labels that notify you of the limit of each item that can be taken.

    The card given to you when you checked in will state how many items you may take. There are volunteers that can help explain how the item limits work as well. 

    1. After going through the Food Pantry, a volunteer will help move your items into a box or bag.

      The volunteers are there to help you maximize your usage of the Food Pantry by helping you navigate the limited items and free items. Volunteers may help you get the most of your visit by reminding you of the “free” items and ensuring that visitors stay within the limits of their household numbers.

    2. Upon check out, you may leave the CCC with your items and enjoy fresh and nutritious food.

  • Visits at the Vermillion Food Pantry are once-a-month, however, you may come back a second time in the month to receive limited item only, subject to availability. Items typically available for the second visit of the month includes bread, pastries, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

    To return for the second visit, you will need to check in at the front desk and go through a similar process as the first visit.  

  • Senior Food Box Forms are available in paper form only. Please stop by the front desk to obtain this form.

    Release of Information

    Head of Household Policy Acknowledgement Form

    TEFAP Self-Declaration Form (English)

    TEFAP Self-Declaration Form (Spanish)

    TEFAP Proxy Form

    Senior Citizen Food Box Delivery Application (Golden Share)

    All forms are available at the front desk. You may also visit the Vermillion Public Library to print forms if needed.