North Carolina is home to a solid network of food banks dedicated to alleviating hunger across the state. With over a million residents facing food insecurity, these food banks play a crucial role in providing nutritious food to those in need. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina’s food banks work tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry. Whether you’re in need of assistance or looking to support your community, these food banks are ready to help. Below is a comprehensive list of food banks across the state.
Food Bank of the Albemarle
The Food Bank of the Albemarle is dedicated to fighting hunger across 15 counties in northeastern North Carolina. It works with local hunger relief partners to provide food through various programs, including mobile food pantries, produce distribution, and support for children in need. The organization collaborates with local farmers and growers to ensure fresh produce is available to those facing food insecurity.
- Location: 109 Tidewater Way, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
- Service Counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, Washington
- Contact Number: 252-335-4035
- Website: afoodbank.org
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina serves 34 counties, ensuring food security for individuals and families through food distribution, nutrition education, and advocacy. They operate a network of partner agencies to deliver fresh and non-perishable food items, helping to fight hunger in some of the most affected areas of the state.
- Location: 1924 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
- Service Counties: Brunswick, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Craven, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pender, Person, Pitt, Richmond, Sampson, Scotland, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, Wilson
- Contact Number: 919-875-0707
- Website: foodbankcenc.org
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, NC, committed to ending hunger by providing food, teaching self-sufficiency, and growing fresh produce. They distribute millions of pounds of food annually and offer programs like culinary job training, gardening education, and nutrition education. Their efforts are focused on empowering the community to overcome food insecurity.
- Location: 1001 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Service Counties: Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Nash, Orange, Wake, Wilson
- Contact Number: 919-250-0043
- Website: foodshuttle.org
MANNA FoodBank
MANNA FoodBank, located in Asheville, NC, works to end hunger in Western North Carolina by distributing food through a network of over 200 partner agencies. They serve 16 counties and the Qualla Boundary, providing meals and food resources to families and individuals in need. Their efforts include food distribution, nutritional education, and community outreach, all aimed at building a hunger-free region.
- Location: 627 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville, NC 28805-2445
- Service Counties: Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Swain, Transylvania, Yancey
- Contact Number: 828-299-3663
- Website: mannafoodbank.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is committed to ending hunger through the distribution of food and groceries across 14 counties in North Carolina. They work with over 800 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters, to ensure that food reaches those in need. Their programs focus on addressing hunger among children, seniors, and families, as well as offering resources for disaster relief.
- Location: 500-B Spratt Street, Charlotte, NC 28206
- Service Counties: Anson, Burke, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Union
- Contact Number: 704-376-1785
- Website: secondharvestmetrolina.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC serves 18 counties in northwest North Carolina, providing food and nutrition education to those in need. They work with a network of partner agencies to distribute millions of meals annually, addressing food insecurity in the region through various programs and initiatives.
- Location: 3655 Reed Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
- Service Counties: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin
- Contact Number: 336-784-5770
- Website: secondharvestnwnc.org
How North Carolina Food Banks Operate
North Carolina food banks operate by sourcing food from various partners, including grocery stores, food manufacturers, and community donations. This food is then distributed through a network of local agencies like food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. The food banks also engage in programs that focus on nutrition education, child hunger, and disaster relief. Their goal is to address food insecurity comprehensively, ensuring that people in need have access to healthy and nutritious meals.
How to Donate to Food Banks in North Carolina
- Monetary Donations: Provide financial support online through the food bank’s website.
- Food Donations: Drop off non-perishable food items at designated locations.
- Volunteer Your Time: Help with food sorting, packing, or distribution at local food banks.
- Host a Food Drive: Organize a food collection event in your community or workplace.
- Corporate Partnerships: Businesses can offer matching donations, sponsorships, or employee volunteer programs.
Importance of North Carolina Food Banks
North Carolina food banks play a crucial role in combating hunger and food insecurity across the state. They provide essential support to vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and low-income families. Beyond food distribution, these organizations also offer education and resources that empower communities to achieve long-term food security. By ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food, food banks contribute to the overall health and well-being of North Carolinians.