Terms of Use
By using PantryFinder, you agree to the terms set out below. They are written in plain language because we expect ordinary people, not lawyers, to read them.
What PantryFinder is
PantryFinder is an informational directory of community food access locations and meal programs in the United States. It is provided "as is" for free public use. We are not a food pantry, a government agency, an emergency service, or a healthcare provider.
Accuracy disclaimer
We work hard to keep the directory accurate but we cannot guarantee every listing is current. Pantry hours, eligibility rules, services offered, and even open/closed status change frequently. Always call a pantry before driving over. We are not liable for wasted trips, missed services, or any harm resulting from reliance on directory information. If you discover stale information, please report it through the contact page so we can fix it for the next visitor.
No medical, legal, or financial advice
The guides on this site (SNAP, WIC, school meals, eligibility) are general informational summaries written for plain-language clarity. They are not legal advice, not benefits counseling, not a substitute for speaking with your state social services agency, and not guaranteed to reflect the most current federal or state rules. Before making major decisions about your benefits, consult the actual program agency or a licensed advocate.
Acceptable use
You may use PantryFinder freely for personal, educational, journalistic, and non-commercial purposes. You may not:
- Scrape the site at high request rates that affect other users (please email us if you'd like a data export)
- Republish the directory dataset commercially without permission
- Use the site to harass pantry operators, volunteers, or staff
- Submit false or malicious listings, corrections, or contact submissions
- Attempt to access systems, files, or data not intended for public use
Listing inclusion and removal
We compile the directory from public federal datasets and from verified user submissions. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement of any organization. Pantry operators who want their listing modified or removed should contact privacy@pantryfinder.example and we will act on verified requests within seven days.
Third-party links and advertising
The site contains links to third-party government, food bank, and resource websites. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content. Advertisements on PantryFinder are served by independent ad networks; we do not endorse any product or service that appears in an ad slot.
Intellectual property
The text content of PantryFinder (article guides, headlines, this terms page) is © PantryFinder and licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0 for non-commercial reuse with attribution. The underlying directory data is sourced from the United States Department of Agriculture and is in the public domain. The PantryFinder name, mark, and visual design are reserved.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, PantryFinder, its operators, contributors, and partners are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from use of this site or reliance on its content. Your sole remedy for dissatisfaction is to stop using the site.
Changes to these terms
We may revise these terms from time to time. Material changes will be posted on the home page for at least 30 days. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance.
Contact
Legal notices and questions about these terms should be sent to legal@pantryfinder.example.