Food benefits you can apply for, the food banks serving each county, and places to get a meal or groceries near you.
Apply online with ePASS, or apply in person at your county DSS office. Benefits start from the date the state receives your application, so apply as soon as you can.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Contact the WIC program in your county (use the county directory) or fill out the NC WIC Referral Form. You will meet with a nutritionist or health professional as part of signing up.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Kids can get free meals at summer meal sites (see the NC summer meals site finder). SUN Bucks gives $120 per eligible child on an EBT card; most families on FNS and similar programs are enrolled automatically, and others can apply online.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Ask your child's school or district for a free and reduced-price meal application, or check whether the school serves free meals to all students under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Families on FNS are usually approved automatically.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Adults 60+ (and sometimes their spouses or people with disabilities) can eat at group meal sites, or get meals at home if they are frail or homebound. Contact the local provider listed in the state directories to sign up.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Emergency groceries reach households through the regional food banks and their partner pantries. Use your food bank's food finder (see food_bank_network) or call 211 to find a pantry near you.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
LIEAP is a once-a-year payment toward heating bills; CIP helps households in or near a heating or cooling crisis. Apply through your county DSS office.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Use NCHFA's "Find Rent Assistance" page for help paying rent and its rental search for affordable homes; homeowners behind on a mortgage can use the foreclosure-prevention page. Call 211 for local rent help.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-888-892-1162) any time, or search nc211.org, to find food pantries, meals, shelter, and other help. Free, confidential, 24/7, in most languages.
Last checked Oct 18, 2026 · Source
Food banks supply the pantries and meal programs in their area. Their websites list partner pantries by county.
In North Carolina, any person or business (including farmers, grocers, and restaurants) that donates food to a nonprofit for use or distribution is not liable for civil damages or criminal penalties caused by the nature, age, condition, or packaging of the food, unless an injury is caused by gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Nonprofits that use or hand out donated food get the same protection. Federal law (the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act) also applies. This is general information, not legal advice.
The federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act also protects donors who give in good faith. This is general information, not legal advice.
Start with Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) - North Carolina's name for SNAP/food stamps. Each program above has plain steps and a link to the official application. If you'd like help applying, call or text 211.
Pick your county above for food pantries, free meals, community fridges and senior meals, with hours and phone numbers.
It depends on the pantry. Many ask for nothing at all; some ask for an ID or proof of address. Each listing shows who can come, and calling ahead is always fine.
In North Carolina, any person or business (including farmers, grocers, and restaurants) that donates food to a nonprofit for use or distribution is not liable for civil damages or criminal penalties caused by the nature, age, condition, or packaging of the food, unless an injury is caused by gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. Nonprofits that use or hand out donated food get the same protection. Federal law (the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act) also applies. This is general information, not legal advice.