If you or your family needs a helping hand with food, there are several organizations in the Charlotte area that regularly distribute food. We’re creating a list of some organizations that might be able to help you. This list will include both scheduled food distribution events and food pantries.
Make sure to follow the links so that you can see the organization’s website. That’s where you’ll be able to get the answers to your questions and to see their most current schedule.
Jump to a day by day list of upcoming food distributions.
Some organizations require recipients to have a referral to qualify to receive food, but some don’t.
If you are involved in an organization that has a food distribution program you’d like to see on this list, please fill out this form.
Also, if you’re in a position to donate food or funds, please contact one of these organizations. Help will surely be welcome.
Food Distribution Events
Hope Street Food Pantry
Hope Street Food Pantry distributes food several times a week at multiple locations. You do not need a referral, appointment or ID to receive food. The giveaways are always first come, first served.
This is the schedule at the time of this post, but it’s subject to change, so check with Hope Street Food Pantry.
Thursdays
4 to 7 p.m.
Hope Street Food Pantry
4100 Johnston Oehler Road
Charlotte, NC 28269
Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Various Charlotte Mecklenburg Library locations
See schedule here
The Bulb
The Bulb provides fresh produce, as well as health and wellness education, to food insecure neighborhoods.
The markets operate under a “take what you need, give what you can” model. Recommended pricing is listed, but The Bulb understands that it’s not always within an individual or family’s budget to cover the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables.
In addition, The Bulb accepts EBT and participates in the Double Up program, which doubles the value of federal nutrition benefits.
Please email info@thebulbgallery.org with questions.
Feeding Kannapolis Hunger
Feeding Kannapolis Hunger hosts free produce drive-through events at Second Presbyterian Church, 1578 Dale Earnhardt Blvd, Kannapolis, North Carolina. Visit feedingkannapolishunger.org to see when it’s happening next.
Food for Families NC
Food for Families mainly serves Anson and Union Counties. It holds free mobile food distributions, as well as home deliveries and more. Find out more about Food for Families NC.
Food Pantries and Food/Meal Delivery
We are not attempting to list every food pantry, because there are so many, and details can change. But Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is an excellent resource for finding the current list.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina maintains a large list of food pantries and soup kitchens.
Use this page to peruse both lists (in English and Spanish) and a map of food resources.
Want to help? You can help by giving food, or giving money, or giving time.
Mecklenburg County Food Security
Mecklenburg County Government also lists a number of organizations that provide food assistance in Mecklenburg County. Find that list at health.mecknc.gov/population-health/chronic-disease-policy-and-prevention/food-security.
Nourish Up
Loaves & Fishes and Friendship Trays joined forces to create Nourish Up. It offers Meals on Wheels and grocery delivery. You need to apply to receive groceries and/or meals. Volunteers are needed.
Catholic Charities — Diocese of Charlotte
Operates a food pantry at 1123 S Church Street, Charlotte, NC. Call for appointment at least 24 hours in advance. 704-370-3262. More info here.
NC 211
You can find food pantries as well as many other resources at nc211.org. Just type in what you’re looking for, your zip code or city, and click “Get Help.”
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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