Food pantries are programs that provide a limited amount of food for individuals or families during times of personal crisis, or for people who have no food or cannot afford to purchase food at retail costs.  In 2009, emergency food assistance was the second highest documented need of 2-1-1 callers.

Call 2-1-1 or check out the 2-1-1 online database for information about food pantries in our area.  This link will take you to a search of all food pantries with a 30-mile radius of downtown Asheville.  You can view the resources on a map, learn details about each program (such as hours of operation, intake procedure, etc.) and even have the website send the program information to you by email or text message.

"Food stamps" is a federally-funded program administered locally by each county that enables low-income households to obtain electronic benefit transfer (EBT) debit-style cards which can be used to purchase food.

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is the new name of the food stamp program in North Carolina.  To learn more about who is eligible and how to apply, visit this FNS4NC outreach website or visit this visit this NC Division of Social Services website or contact your local Department of Social Services. 

Know of any area food resources we're missing from our list or want to update a listing?  Please let us know by emailing our 2-1-1 Data Manager.