Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If you're hungry or worried about feeding your family, I'm really glad you picked this up. There is food help all over North Carolina, and you deserve to use it.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211 for a pantry or hot meal near you today. Then apply for Food and Nutrition Services on ePASS. We'll walk through the rest together.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each pantry sets its own days, hours and rules. Call ahead when you can.
- Getting food help is nothing to be ashamed of. It's there for you.
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is North Carolina's name for SNAP. NCDHHS says benefits go on an EBT card, which works like a debit card at grocery stores and many markets.
You can apply on ePASS, or at your county DSS.
NCDHHS says federal law changed SNAP rules in 2025, with expanded work requirements for some adults starting December 1, 2025, and new rules for some non-citizens. Ask your county DSS how they apply to you.
For help with your EBT card, call the NC EBT Call Center at 866.719.0141.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps
How to apply for Food Assistance, step by step
- Go to ePASS on a phone or computer, or visit your county DSS office.
- Fill in the application. You can apply for other programs at the same time.
- Watch for a call or letter about your interview. Don't miss it.
- Send any papers they ask for, by the date they give you.
- Once you're approved, your benefits go on your EBT card.
What to say at your interview
"I'm applying for Food Assistance for (number) people."
"Here is what we earn each month, and here are our bills."
"Can you tell me what else I need to send, and by when?"
Food today, while you wait
Applying takes time. Dial 211 for a pantry or hot meal today, so you don't have to wait to eat.
How do I find a food pantry or a hot meal?
NC 211 can help you find pantries, hot meals and food programs near you. Food banks also have Find Food maps on their websites.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina serves the Charlotte area, the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina serves the Triangle and the east, MANNA FoodBank serves Western North Carolina, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina serves the Winston-Salem area. Each pantry sets its own days, hours and rules.
Sources: https://nc211.org/ and https://www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/ and https://foodbankcenc.org/ and https://www.mannafoodbank.org/ and https://www.secondharvestnwnc.org/
What is WIC?
WIC helps pregnant women, new moms, babies and children under 5 with healthy food and support. Ask your local health department about WIC, or call NCDHHS at 800.662.7030.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ncwic
Things that help at a food pantry
What if I don't have a kitchen?
Tell the pantry. Many can give you ready to eat foods, like canned goods with pull tabs, peanut butter, bread and fruit.
Hot meal sites and day centers are another good choice. Ask 211 where they are.
Say you just moved to Wilmington with two kids
You could dial 211 today for a pantry near you, and apply for Food and Nutrition Services on ePASS tonight. If you're pregnant or have a child under 5, you'd ask about WIC too. Food today, and help for the weeks ahead.
Questions people ask a lot
Can I get Food and Nutrition Services if I don't have an address?
Yes, you can still apply. Tell your county DSS where you can get mail.
Can I get Food Assistance if I work?
Yes, many working people do. It depends on your income and household.
Will using a pantry hurt my benefits?
No. Pantries and Food Assistance are separate.
What if my EBT card is lost or stolen?
Report it right away by calling 866.719.0141, and ask for a new card.
You deserve to eat well
Taking care of yourself and your family is a good thing to do. I'm proud of you for reaching out.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
- Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across North Carolina, then food help in the biggest counties, then a county DSS list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal and national help
Here are some places to start.
Summer meals for kids (text line)
What it offers During the summer months, a text line helps families find no cost summer meal sites for children.
How to reach Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304304.
Source https://fuquayvarinams.wcpss.net/page-detail/~board/family-resources/post/food-and-housing-resources
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
North Carolina
Here are some places to start.
NC ePASS: apply for benefits online
What it offers North Carolina's online application for Food and Nutrition Services (North Carolina's name for SNAP), Medicaid and energy help. On the form, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance. You'll need an NCID account to start.
How to reach Apply at https://epass.nc.gov/ You can also apply through your county Department of Social Services (see the county sections below).
Source https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/apply and https://dcr.mecknc.gov/Apply-for-Benefits
Last checked October 22, 2026
NC 211 (United Way of North Carolina)
What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, bills, health care and more. Open 24/7, in most languages.
How to reach Dial 211 or call 888.892.1162. Search or chat at https://nc211.org/
Source https://nc211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
More in My Basket
What it offers No cost help applying for Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), in English and Spanish.
How to reach Call 855.240.1451.
Source https://fuquayvarinams.wcpss.net/page-detail/~board/family-resources/post/food-and-housing-resources
Last checked October 22, 2026
NCDHHS Customer Service Center and county social services
What it offers Each of North Carolina's 100 counties has a local Department of Social Services (DSS). That is where Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First, energy help and Medicaid are handled. You can also apply online at ePASS.
How to reach Call the NCDHHS Customer Service Center at 800.662.7030, or use the Local DSS Directory to find your county office. Apply online at https://epass.nc.gov/
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
Here are some places to start.
Mecklenburg County: apply for benefits
What it offers Apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Medicaid, Work First and energy help.
How to reach Online at https://epass.nc.gov/ or https://allaccess.mecknc.gov/ By phone (or to get a paper form mailed to you): 704.336.3000. Pick up and return paper forms at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center, 430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213, or the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208. Each location has a 24 hour drop box. Fax: 704.353.1325.
Source https://dcr.mecknc.gov/Apply-for-Benefits
Last checked October 22, 2026
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina: Find Food Near You
What it offers An online finder for food pantries and soup kitchens across Mecklenburg and nearby counties. Filter by ZIP code, county or distance, and check upcoming food distributions.
How to reach https://www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/need-food/get-food-assistance Main line: 704.376.1785.
Source https://www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/need-food/get-food-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Roof Above Day Services Center
What it offers Basic services for people experiencing homelessness, including lunch, showers and laundry.
How to reach 945 N. College St., Charlotte, NC 28206. Call 704.347.0278.
Source https://cit.mecknc.gov/resources/Homeless-Crisis/Roof-Above-Urban-Ministries
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Wake County (Raleigh)
Here are some places to start.
Wake County: apply for Food and Nutrition Services
What it offers Apply for monthly grocery help online, by mail, by fax, by email or in person.
How to reach Online at https://epass.nc.gov/ Email foodandnutrition@wake.gov. Mail: Wake County Health and Human Services, Attn: Box 58, P.O. Box 46833, Raleigh, NC 27620. Drop off at county sites, including 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh, NC 27610 and 5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616. Questions: 866.719.0141.
Source https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/health-human-services/programs-assistance/food-and-nutrition-services/how-apply-food-and-nutrition-services and https://fuquayvarinams.wcpss.net/page-detail/~board/family-resources/post/food-and-housing-resources
Last checked October 22, 2026
Food finders and food help in Wake County
What it offers The Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC Food Finder searches by ZIP code. The Wake County Food Security Program lists meal sites and food distributions that don't require ID. Wake County Urban Ministries offers food help. Wake County WIC helps pregnant people, new parents and young children.
How to reach Wake County Urban Ministries: 919.836.1642. Wake County WIC: 919.250.4720. Links to both finders are on the source page.
Source https://fuquayvarinams.wcpss.net/page-detail/~board/family-resources/post/food-and-housing-resources
Last checked October 22, 2026
No cost and low cost meals in Raleigh
What it offers Meal sites listed by the City of Raleigh. Call ahead, since schedules change.
How to reach A Place At The Table (pay as you can cafe): 300 W. Hargett St., Suite 50, Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am to 2 pm, 919.307.8914. Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen: 121 Hillsborough St., lunch Monday to Friday, 11 am to noon, 919.831.2010. Salvation Army: 1863 Capital Blvd., dinner Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 6 pm, 919.834.6733. Oak City Cares: weekend meals Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm, 984.344.9599. Women's Center of Wake County (women experiencing homelessness): 2200 New Bern Ave., lunch Monday to Friday, noon to 1 pm, 919.829.3711.
Source https://raleighnc.gov/housing/resources-housing-crises-and-homelessness
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county DSS)
Here are some places to start.
Alamance County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Alamance County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217. Call 336.570.6532. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/alamance-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Brunswick County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Brunswick County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 60 Government Center Drive NE, Building B, Bolivia, NC 28422. Call 910.253.2077. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/brunswick-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Buncombe County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Buncombe County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28802. Call 828.250.5500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/buncombe-county-health-human-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cabarrus County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cabarrus County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083. Call 704.920.1400. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cabarrus-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Catawba County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Catawba County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 3030 11th Ave. Drive, S.E., Hickory, NC 28602. Call 828.695.5600. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/catawba-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Cumberland County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301. Call 910.323.1540. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/cumberland-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Davidson County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Davidson County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 913 Greensboro St., Lexington, NC 27292. Call 336.242.2500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/davidson-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Durham County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Durham County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 414 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27702. Call 919.560.8000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/durham-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Forsyth County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Forsyth County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 741 North Highland Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Call 336.703.3800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/forsyth-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gaston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Gaston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052. Call 704.862.7500. Call ahead for hours.
Last checked October 22, 2026
Guilford County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Guilford County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1203 Maple St., Greensboro, NC 27405. Call 336.641.3000. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/guilford-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Iredell County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Iredell County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 549 Eastside Drive, Statesville, NC 28625. Call 704.873.5631. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/iredell-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Johnston County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Johnston County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 714 North St., Smithfield, NC 27577. Call 919.989.5300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/johnston-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
New Hanover County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for New Hanover County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1650 Greenfield St., Wilmington, NC 28401. Call 910.798.3500. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/new-hanover-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Onslow County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Onslow County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 612 College St., Jacksonville, NC 28540. Call 910.455.4145. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/onslow-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Orange County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Orange County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 113 Mayo St., Hillsborough, NC 27278. Call 919.245.2800. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/orange-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Pitt County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Pitt County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1717 W. Fifth St., Greenville, NC 27834. Call 252.902.1110. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/pitt-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Rowan County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Rowan County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1813 E. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28146. Call 704.216.8330. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/rowan-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Union County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Union County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110. Call 704.296.4300. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/union-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Wayne County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county social services office for Wayne County. Ask here about Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP), Work First cash help, energy help, Medicaid and child care help.
How to reach 1560 Clingman St., Goldsboro, NC 27534. Call 919.580.4034. Call ahead for hours.
Source https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/wayne-county-department-social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Things that help at a food pantry
My food plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Food near me
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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