Free Food Pantry Command Center
Most pantries run on a few volunteers, a clipboard, and someone's memory. This workbook puts it in one place: what is out or low on the shelves, who still needs a thank-you, which tasks are overdue, and your monthly totals for the food bank report. Use the Excel workbook or a Google Sheets copy your team can share. Free. No email required.
Download the example (Excel) to see a made-up pantry filled in first
Works in Excel, Numbers, and Google Sheets.
What it tracks
Start Here: what is urgent and what is due soon, in one line, plus the next three tasks
Inventory: items that are out, low, or need a recount, at the reorder number you pick
Donations In: what came in, from whom, and who still needs a thank-you
Families Served: counts only, one row per open day. No names.
Last month's totals for your food bank report: household visits, people, children, seniors, new households, and days open
Volunteers: roles, usual shifts, orientation, and anyone you have not seen in 60 days
To Do: food orders, food bank deadlines, building issues, and follow-ups, with an owner and a due date
How to start
Open Start Here and add your pantry name, hours, coordinator, and partner food bank.
Add what is on your shelves on Inventory.
After each open day, add one row on Families Served.
Check Start Here once a week. How to Use is a 3-minute read.
Sharing with your team
The Google Sheets copy is the easy way for several volunteers to work from one list. Make your copy, then share it by email with your team. Avoid "Anyone with the link."
Privacy and your food bank's rules
Count households; do not store client names, addresses, or ID numbers. This is a record-keeping aid only. Your partner food bank sets food safety, eligibility, and reporting rules, so use its forms for official reports. If your food bank asks for unduplicated households, use your sign-in sheet for that number.
Help keep this accurate
If something is confusing, broken, or missing, send me a note. Include the tool name and what to change. Please never include client names or personal details.
Version 2.0. October 2026.
The fine print
This is an unofficial organizing tool. Mission-Ready Tools is not affiliated with Feeding America, USDA (including TEFAP), or any food bank or government agency. Free to use, copy, and adapt for your pantry. Please do not sell it.
More free tools
Built by Brian Mongold, retired Chief Master Sergeant. Families you serve may need more help than food: share the free Family Benefits Checklist. See more Everyday Life tools or all free tools.