Frequently Asked Questions

Portland Pay It Forward is a nonprofit food pantry in Portland, TN, that seeks to end hunger and food insecurity in our community. We have biweekly "Drive-Thru Pick Up" food giveaways, "Self-Serve" food giveaway days, and we provide food in emergency situations. 

Our food giveaways are biweekly from 10am-noon. Due to inclement weather and issues beyond our control, sometimes we have to postpone a giveaway. To hear an update about the next giveaway, call 615-812-3059 and listen to the out-going message. You can also view this month's schedule HERE or visit our Facebook Group page

No, you do not have to join or become a member to receive help. This is a free program. If you are struggling to get food for yourself and your family and live in or around the Portland, TN area, you are welcome to join in on our biweekly food giveaways. 

Our food giveaways are biweekly from 10am-noon. People begin lining up their cars down Reed St. (behind 5 Chefs) in Portland, TN, a little before 9am. A food box is brought to each car when that vehicle gets close to the giveaway tables. 

If you have an immediate food emergency and are not able to wait until the next food giveaway, please call us at 615-812-3059 and leave a message. Someone will return your call. 

Portland Pay It Forward is primarily a Food Pantry. However, we also provide Hygiene Products, Baby and Elder Care Supplies, and host a Facebook Group where residents can request and/or offer free items to each other. 

If you are in need of these types of supplies, you may either call or text Ashley Anderson, Executive Director, at 615-812-3059, and let her know what you need or stop by the PPIF House at 201 College Street, Portland, TN, 37148, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, or Sundays between 11:00am and 3:00pm to see if we have what you need. 

There are many ways to get involved with Portland Pay It Forward, such as volunteering, making a donation, and hosting a food drive at your place of business, church, or organization. To learn more, please visit our Donate Page.

Yes, we are a volunteer run organization that relies on the generosity of other volunteers to help us give out food during our biweekly food box giveaways and as needed during the week. If you or your group would like to volunteer to help PPIF, please take a moment to complete the Volunteer Form. One of our other volunteers will reach out to you. 

We are excited that you are interested in conducting a Food Drive. One of the best ways to help Portland Pay if Forward is to have family, friends, colleagues, and church groups, and others help collect food. Please take a moment to review the Food Drive webpage and follow the 4 basic steps to conducting a food drive at your organization. 

Unfortunately, we do not offer housing assistance. We recommend that you contact the Portland Housing Authority in Portland, TN. Their telephone number is 615-325-4559 or email ptldhsg@gmail.com.