METHODOLOGY

How we verify information

Every hour, address, phone number and requirement on PantryGNV comes from a published source, and you can see which one.

Last updated

Where information comes from

In order of how much weight we give them:

  1. The organization’s own website, calendar or data feed.
  2. The organization’s official Facebook Page, where Meta allows access.
  3. Government, library, university and food bank listings.
  4. Trusted community organizations.
  5. Other public sources, used only to flag something for review.

Newer isn’t automatically better. We also look at how specific a source is, whether it describes this exact date, and whether it says it replaces earlier information. The current list is on the sources page.

What the labels mean

Recently confirmed
A published source confirmed this within the last 30 days.
Confirmed over 30 days ago
The source is trusted, but we haven’t seen a fresh confirmation in 30 to 90 days.
Needs verification / Check before going
The newest confirmation is more than 90 days old, the source has stopped responding, or it lists dates that have already passed.
Conflicting information
Two trusted sources disagree. We keep both and don’t pick one until the organization clarifies.
Not confirmed
The source didn’t say either way. This is different from “not required.” The ID filters only match places where a source explicitly says no ID is needed.

How checking works

Automated checks revisit each configured source on its own schedule, as often as every six hours, and reload the RTS bus timetable nightly. They record what changed and keep the evidence. If a source fails or suddenly comes back empty, we keep the last good information, mark it as aging, and eventually warn you instead of deleting it.

Text is read with fixed rules, not guesswork. “Saturday morning” doesn’t become 9 AM. A one-day cancellation changes that one date without rewriting the regular schedule. Anything ambiguous goes to a person for review.

What we can’t promise

Food runs out, volunteers get sick and buildings close for holidays. Even recently confirmed information can change the same day. When it matters, call before you travel. Each listing’s “Verify before you go” panel has the organization’s published phone number and website.

Corrections

Corrections are made by a protected operator and are recorded with a reason and the evidence behind them. See our editorial policy and how to report a problem.