Plentiful for Neighbors serves community members directly through an app that allows individuals to locate, register for, and make reservations at their local food pantry, soup kitchen, or other free food events. Through Plentiful, neighbors can search for food access points based on their location and personal preferences, register ahead of time, and schedule reservations that align with their schedule. Using Plentiful allows for a more dignified experience while finding accessible food. Plentiful is available via SMS, iPhone/iPad, Android, and web app in nine languages.

What is Plentiful for Neighbors?

<a href="https://app.plentifulapp.com/a/pantries" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a> to search the Plentiful map. You can make reservations at pantries that accept them. Line and registration pantries do not require reservations

How can I use Plentiful to get free food?

You must be logged into the app to make a reservation. Tip: Do you see your name in the top right corner? If not, please login to be able to make a reservation.
 
Visit <a href="https://app.plentifulapp.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">app.plentifulapp.com</a> to sign up online or download the free Plentiful app. 

 
 You will be asked to:
<ul><li>Enter your language</li> <li>Enter your email address and phone number</li> <li>Tip: Use the same phone number or email provided to pantries to avoid making another account.</li> <li>Tip: Every time you log in with your cell phone number Plentiful texts you an activation code and email log in requires you to enter your password.</li></ul>

How can I make a Reservation?

Plentiful is available in 9 different languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Urdu, Bengali, and Korean. 
 
You can select your preferred language when you sign in online.

Is Plentiful available in languages other than English?

Get Plentiful via Text
 
To get started with Plentiful via Text, text ‘FOOD’ to 'PANTRY' (726-879) Respond with ONLY the corresponding number. 
 
You will be given a list of pantry options, and you only need to text back the number next to the number. 
 
Respond with ONLY the corresponding number. You will be given a list of pantry options, and you only need to text back the number next to the number. 
 
For example, if you receive the following message:
<ol><li>Reservation Food Pantry 1 </li><li>Reservation Food Pantry 2 </li><li>Reservation Food Pantry 3</li></ol>
 
You will only respond “2” for “Reservation Food Pantry 2”. 
You will continue this process until you have made a Reservation at your favorite food pantries!

Plentiful via Text

If you wish to update your email or phone number please reach out to <a href="mailto:info@plentifulapp.com">info@plentifulapp.com</a>.

How can I change my phone number and email address?

Click on “Sign in” on your Plentiful account log in. Next, click “Forgot Password?” and follow the steps. <a href="https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/Can-I-reset-my-password--d5bb6ef78d1647ae9fcad9c3866986c7">Click here for a step-by-step guide</a>, and reach out to <a href="mailto:support@plentiful.com">support@plentiful.org</a> if you need further help.

Can I reset my password?

<ul><li>You'll start receiving messages from a pantry after your first visit. You can also subscribe to get updates from pantries you haven't visited yet.</li><li>Notifications can be sent by email, text, or in-app alerts. Login to the app anytime to update your notification preferences.</li></ul>

How can I sign up for updates and notifications from pantries?

At Plentiful, protecting the privacy and security of our users' data is our highest priority. Here’s how we ensure that:
<h3 dir="ltr">External Data Sharing:</h3>
  Consent-Based Sharing: Plentiful does not share sensitive user information with external parties without explicit consent from the user.
  Provider-Specific Data Sharing: The only data that may be shared between Providers is limited to the information necessary for providing services, and this data is only shared with Providers that the neighbor has visited.
  Provider Privacy: Any additional information recorded by a Provider remains private to that specific Provider unless the user chooses to share it with another Provider they visit.
  Visit History: A user's visit history to a Provider is never shared with other Providers outside of that Provider's expressly defined network. For example, a large organization with multiple sites might receive a report on visits across their locations, but this information is not shared with unaffiliated Providers.
<h3 dir="ltr">Data Protection and Security:</h3>
  Encryption in Transit and at Rest: Plentiful follows cybersecurity best practices by encrypting all data sent through Plentiful while it travels between your device and our servers (in transit) and while it is stored on Plentiful's secure servers (at rest). We use trusted industry standards for network, storage, and encryption. This keeps your information safe from being accessed by anyone other than the pantries you attend.
  Dedicated Security Team: Plentiful has a dedicated team of engineers who work tirelessly to maintain, improve, and enhance the security of our platform. They follow best practices and stay up-to-date with the latest security standards to prevent unauthorized access and protect against potential data breaches.
<h3 dir="ltr">Transparency and User Rights:</h3>
  Transparent Practices: At Plentiful, we are committed to being transparent about how we handle user data and the measures we take to safeguard it.
  User Empowerment: We believe that our users have the right to know how their information is being used and protected. Our goal is to empower our partner organizations to serve their communities effectively while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security.
<h3 dir="ltr">Additional Support:</h3>
  Contact Us: We encourage anyone with further questions or concerns about data privacy to reach out to us directly. Our team is always ready to provide additional information and address any specific inquiries.
  We value the trust that our partners and users place in us, and we will continue to work diligently to uphold that trust. Thank you for your interest in Plentiful and your commitment to protecting the privacy of the individuals and communities we serve together.

Is my data safe with Plentiful?

<ul><li>TEFAP is a USDA food program. Food pantries are required to ask visitors questions about benefit program eligibility.</li><li>We’ve added these questions to your Plentiful Profile so you can complete your TEFAP form by updating your benefit program participation information directly in the app in certain states —no need for a face-to-face interview with a pantry worker. It’s a quick and secure way to update your information before visiting a pantry.</li><li>You can retake the questions anytime. Doing so will not affect your ability to receive food.</li><li>Please let us know if you have any questions.</li></ul>

What is TEFAP Certification?

Plentiful for Providers is a free, web-based app that can be used on any device, designed to support local charitable food access points, such as pantries and soup kitchens. Plentiful enhances the food access experience through:
<ol><li>Improved line management through registrations or reservations, giving providers the flexibility to create services that match their scheduling needs</li><li>Neighbor information management</li><li>Direct messaging communication with Neighbors</li><li>Access to reports and data insights about service impact</li><li>Increasing visibility to service schedules and availability </li></ol><div>Plentiful Providers works with a wide variety of food access points, including food pantries, soup kitchens, mobile food distributors, and more. Providers may operate independently or be affiliated with a food bank or other organization. All food access points with the intent of serving community members are eligible to use Plentiful.
 
Plentiful is offered to Providers at no cost, and there is no contract or long-term commitment required to join the platform. Plentiful supports Providers through one-on-one onboarding sessions, staff and volunteer training, and ongoing account management and support.</div>

What is Plentiful for Providers?

Plentiful makes it easier for Neighbors to find and access food with dignity. By connecting people to nearby food programs, Plentiful helps them choose locations and times that work best for their schedule. Neighbors can make reservations where available, communicate with pantries directly, and spend less time waiting in line—making the process simpler, faster, and more respectful.

How does Plentiful help my community?

At this time, Plentiful for Providers is available in English. Plentiful for Neighbors is available via SMS, iPhone/iPad, Android, and web in nine languages:
<ol><li dir="ltr">English</li><li dir="ltr">Spanish</li><li dir="ltr">Chinese</li><li dir="ltr">Russian</li><li dir="ltr">Arabic</li><li dir="ltr">Haitian Creole</li><li dir="ltr">Urdu</li><li dir="ltr">Bengali</li><li dir="ltr">Korean</li></ol>

Is Plentiful available in multiple languages?

Provider staff and volunteers can log into Plentiful for Providers on any computer, tablet, or mobile device that can surf the web. Most of our providers prefer Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browsers on a lightweight laptop, tablet, or cell phone. It works the same on any device, just formatted differently! Internet access is necessary to use Plentiful and required at the visitor check-in location. If you’re concerned about not having the proper resources to support Plentiful, please contact support@plentiful.org.

What equipment do I need to use Plentiful Providers?

Yes. Neighbors can schedule and manage their own reservations through the Plentiful for Neighbors app or the text messaging flow. Plentiful empowers Neighbors to find accessible food and time slots that best suit their needs and schedules, restoring dignity to the experience and ultimately saving time during check-in. Reservations are not required, and Neighbors who prefer first-come, first-serve can select a service that does not ask for an advance reservation. Providers can create schedules that best suit their organization, including walk-ups, day-of reservations, and advance reservations. Depending on the provider’s need, they can use one reservation style or choose a different style for each service. 
 
While some Providers prefer a line-based service over reservations, we’ve found that Providers who offer reservations serve Neighbors 88% quicker. If your organization is interested in transitioning to a reservation-based service on Plentiful, our team will support you with one-on-one training sessions, printable flyers to share with your Neighbors, message templates to share with your community, and more.
<ul><li dir="ltr">While not required we know that providers that offer reservations serve Neighbor 88% quicker, this is how we can support you (1:1 guidance, custom flyers, message prompts) </li></ul>

Does Plentiful allow Neighbors to make reservations?

We encourage all providers to update or cancel their service hours when applicable. <a href="https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/Editing-or-Deleting-Services-in-Plentiful-0923c5be47bb456288c1194797e5bbee">Follow the steps linked here</a> to edit or remove your scheduled service. If you need additional support, please reach out to our team at support@plentiful.org.

Sometimes we have to cancel a pantry service, such as holidays. What should we do when our pantry has to close?

Absolutely! Plentiful offers virtual training sessions for anyone using Plentiful at your organization. During your onboarding session with the Plentiful team, we’ll work with you to create a plan to ensure that your full team is ready to use Plentiful.

Will Plentiful help me train my staff and volunteers?

Yes! We offer free pdf Plentiful brochures, posters, registration cards, and other resources in multiple languages that you can print and post or distribute. Below, you can find a few links to online resources. <a href="https://pantry.plentifulapp.com/files/plentiful_qr_code_wic.pdf">QR Code for Neighbors</a>
<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGhhIx9nTE/TQy9rDNAdofq1P0XI_xo0g/view?utm_content=DAGhhIx9nTE&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h7ccf56c79b">Plentiful on WhatsApp for Neighbors</a>
<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGedR3AwTs/VYagfvmf_iCyf2l6yinftQ/view?utm_content=DAGedR3AwTs&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h6154a25952">How to Make A Plentiful Neighbor Profile</a>
<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_-9W_tuw/cK56tJkvXA0IRc2ZKyS58w/view?utm_content=DAF_-9W_tuw&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h7bdaf8b38b">Accessing a Neighbor’s Plenti-Pass</a>
<a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGF9oOXGkE/s3xtb9zHXIkrq_aK_iagmQ/view?utm_content=DAGF9oOXGkE&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=h363b44264b">How to Download the Plentiful App as a Neighbor</a>

Do you have anything to help me tell my Neighbors about Plentiful?

When a Neighbor has a profile in Plentiful, it allows Providers to more quickly and easily find their account when they’re attending a service. It saves both the Neighbor and the Provider time during check in because the Neighbor’s information is already filled in. Having a profile also enables Neighbors to access and visit other Providers using Plentiful.

Why should my Neighbor create a profile in Plentiful?

Neighbors can visit our <a href="https://plentifulapp.com/">Neighbor FAQ page</a> or contact the Plentiful team at support@plentiful.org.

One of our Neighbors needs help using Plentiful. Who can they contact?

No.
 
A phone number makes Plentiful much easier to use while carrying over a lot of perks! It allows clients and pantries to communicate and fully take advantage of our Reservation features. It also helps to find a client based on their cell phone, which is very unique compared to a first or last name.
 
Clients greatly benefit if they provide an accurate cell phone number . Client's will receive a text message from Plentiful. Clients can use the SMS feature from Plentiful to easily find food pantries in their neighborhood.
 
If your clients have any questions, or are having issues with the SMS or Android features, you can download our <a href="https://pantry.plentifulapp.com/files/client_usage.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Client Usage Guide here</a> which can give them more information on how to utilize Plentiful.

Does Plentiful require a Neighbor to provide a phone number?

Adding Neighbors in Plentiful allows you to maintain an updated, accurate list of your Neighbors served. <a href="https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/Adding-Vistors-to-a-Service-on-Plentiful--Step-by-Step-Instructions-3fd78963b34547eb954ba63767520b15">Follow the steps linked here</a> to add new Neighbors to your client list. If you need additional support, please reach out to our team at support@plentiful.org.

How do I add a new Neighbor in Plentiful?

Plentiful makes it easy for you to update Neighbor information such as contact info, address, household size, benefits, and preferences. <a href="https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/How-to-Update-or-Correct-Information-on-a-Neighbor-s-Profile-d2200d3782fb421c91f4437e0d66da56">Follow the steps linked here</a> to update a Neighbor’s information. If you need additional support, please reach out to our team at support@plentiful.org.

How do I update or correct a Neighbor's information?

Plentiful allows you to communicate directly with any Neighbor who has opted into messages and has used your services in the past 90 days. You can send direct messages to individual Neighbors, or send a mass message to all of your Neighbors. This is a great way to reach your Neighbors to provide updates on service schedules, policy reminders, special events, surveys, and more. Log in to your provider account and choose “Messages” on the left panel. Choose your selected recipients and compose the message. <a href="https://app.tango.us/app/workflow/How-to-use-Plentiful-Messaging-to-communicate-with-my-neighbors-d95d62933cb14d88a2ff7ff3f3d741f8">Follow the steps linked here</a> for detailed instructions, and reach out to our team at <a href="mailto:support@plentiful.com">support@plentiful.org</a> for additional help.

How can I use Plentiful to communicate with Neighbors?

Yes! Here are some tips on how to fully maximize Plentiful messaging:
1) Proofread ALL of your messages before you hit Send!
     Typos can confuse your Neighbors and lead to disruptions in provider services due to misinformative messages.
2) Always check to ensure you are sending your messages to the appropriate groups.
     If you are messaging your Neighbors who have a Reservation about tomorrow's service, it might be easier to text "Clients With An Upcoming           Reservation" instead of “All Clients” or "Active Clients."
3) Refrain from sending confidential information, such as passwords, phone numbers, and Neighbor names.
     Instead, feel free to share an office or Google Voice number that your Neighbors can reach YOU.
4) Only send service-related messages to your Neighbors.
     Some ideas on service-related messages include: reminders of services, extra food announcements, a quick list of items you will distribute,             and changes to your operations.
5) The best time to message your Neighbors is between 10 am - 7 pm.
     Sending messages outside of these hours may lead to an increase in unsubscribed visitors, as many visitors will be frustrated to receive                   messages during their own personal downtime.
6) Don't forget to update your Neighbor's languages.
     Updating your Neighbor's preferred language makes it easier for them to understand your messages about your organization's updates and           announcements.
7) Instead of sending messages about when your location will be open, switch to Reservations and let us update them every week!                                Switching to Reservations means reminders to Neighbors are sent automatically, letting them know when to come in to avoid the line.

Do you have any tips on Messaging?

Plentiful supports volunteer management in a few different ways:
<ul><li dir="ltr">Volunteers can have their own account on your provider profile, allowing them to help check Neighbors in as they arrive</li><li dir="ltr">Volunteers with a Plentiful account will be marked as “volunteers,” allowing you to use the messaging feature to contact them directly through Plentiful</li><li dir="ltr">Volunteer profiles can be isolated in your reporting</li></ul>
For further assistance on using Plentiful to support your volunteers, contact support@plentiful.org

Can I use Plentiful to manage volunteers?

Yes, Plentiful allows providers to easily add a pick-up representative to a Neighbor’s profile if the Neighbor is not able to pick up their own food.

Does Plentiful allow Neighbors to designate a representative to pick up their food?

No.
We value a Neighbor’s right to privacy and designed Plentiful to work best with just their name. If a Neighbor chooses, they may include their phone number, zip code, household size, and birthday in their account. This information is safely stored away in our secure database and can only be found if you have the Neighbor's name or phone number. We keep Neighbor information hidden unless you have added them to your service, and providers cannot see Neighbors’ visits to other providers. Besides the information above, any other information that you choose to collect is kept private and accessible only to administrators at your organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plentiful for Neighbors

Our Support Team is available for all additional questions: support@plentiful.org

Plentiful for Providers