We found 24 food pantries listed for Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Call before you go to confirm hours and what to bring. You can also see Food banks in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
Salvation Army Food Pantry Locations
We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Cabarrus, North Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
Phone: (704) 788-2055
Address: 2901 Cloverleaf Pkwy, Kannapolis, NC 28083. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
Services provided :
- Drop Box
- Salvation Army Family Store
Appointments :
Call (704) 788-2055 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Salvation Army of Cabarrus County - Concord Corps
Phone: (704) 782-7822
Address: 216 Patterson Ave SE, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
At the heart of the Salvation Army is its Corps Community Centers that serve as both places of worship and service to their respective communities. The Salvation Army administers many programs and services designed to restore broken lives, to build healthy relationships, and to develop and encourage people of all ages. One of these programs is our food pantry. We provide food to individuals and families in need in our community. Our pantry is open every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday's, in addition to necessary food, we also provide clothing to our clients.
Documents Required:
• Photo ID/Identification for all household members
• Proof of Household Income
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (704) 782-7822 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Church Food Pantry Locations
We have located 6 Church Food Pantry locations in Cabarrus, North Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
Our Lady of Consolation Church
Address: 1235 Badger Ct, Charlotte, NC 28206. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 11:30 AM - 01:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
We are a Beacon of Hope, as an outreach ministry, to those who are in need of food in times of emergency. We also direct them to other agencies which may provide further assistance. The pantry is supported by generous donations from our church members, the Diocese of Charlotte and other Catholic churches. Food is distributed on Tuesdays and Fridays by appointment only.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
- Chester
- Gaston
- Iredell
- Lancaster
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- Rowan
- Union
- York
Charity Baptist Church
Phone: (704) 938-7664
Address: 2420 Brantley Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28083. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 09:15 AM - 10:30 AM
- Wed: 06:45 PM - 08:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Charity Baptist Church food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
Documents Required:
-Photo ID
-Proof of residency
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 938-7664 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Rowan
- Cabarrus
CFA Church
Phone: (704) 793-4740
Address: 280 Concord Pkwy S, STE 110-G, Concord, NC 28027. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 01:00 PM - 04:30 PM
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 11:00 AM - 02:30 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Crisis Distribution Center is an outreach of Concord First Assembly to those in need in our community who are hurting and struggling financially. This program serves families and individuals in the Cabarrus County area each week with emergency food assistance. Our food pantry provides food to meet basic nutritional needs for individuals and families in need. Our clients are children, adults or senior citizens with limited or no income, who simply have fallen on hard times or recently unemployed and simply need assistance to make ends meet.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 793-4740 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Concord Christian Church
Phone: (704) 788-4726
Address: 265 Manor Ave SW, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Our food pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry for food assistance. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 788-4726 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
West Point Baptist Church
Phone: (704) 933-2631
Address: 1100 Pine St, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Sun: Closed
Kannapolis Food Pantry is a Benevolent Ministry of West point baptist Church. The Kannapolis Food Pantry provides grocery items to those of our community who are in need.
Joseph's Closet provides clothing for our food pantry clients. Each client is given the opportunity to select clothing for themselves and their family members at no charge.
Documents required:
- ID- driver's license or ID card (USA issued only) or social security card
- Proof of address to show a Kannapolis residence (e.g. utility bill or rent receipt)
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (704) 933-2631 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kannapolis
Cooperative Christian Ministry - Westford United Methodist Church
Phone: (704) 782-1423
Address: Call for address
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Westford Untied Methodist Church operates the Cupboard of Love Food Pantry. Our food pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs food.
We limit our food distribution to 30 families or noon, whichever comes first.
Required Documents:
• ID
• proof of residency
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 782-1423 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
- Harrisburg
Helping Hands Food Pantry Locations
We have located 1 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Cabarrus, North Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
CCM - Helping Hands Food Pantry
Address: 1209 Opal St, Kannapolis, NC 28083. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
We, at CCM, have identified pockets of need in our community that have lead us to pursue a more efficient and effective model for fighting hunger in our neighborhoods and schools. We have ten satellite food pantries, eight of which are open to the public, in various parts of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. These allow clients closer proximity to food pantries in their area as well as several opportunities to receive food. Helping Hands Food Pantry: Mon & Thu - 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kannapolis
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Food Pantry Locations
We have located 15 Food Pantry locations in Cabarrus, North Carolina. You can also check your eligibility.
Mercy Matters
Phone: (704) 756-9539
Address: 300 Eagle Bend Dr, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Mercy Matters works to provide the mercy of fresh water, basic food, clothing, beds, and other necessities in North Carolina, South Carolina and abroad. Our goals are pretty simple. We try to go where God leads us and provide basic necessities. Our focus is on children and families. We work primarily around Charlotte, NC, Charleston, SC and Nicaragua.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- baby clothes
- clothing
- furniture
- supplies for school
- toys & gifts
Appointments :
Call (704) 756-9539 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
- Chester
- Gaston
- Iredell
- Lancaster
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- Rowan
- Union
- York
- Berkeley
- Charleston
- Dorchester
Cooperative Christian Ministry
Phone: (704) 786-4709
Address: 246 Country Club Dr NE, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Crisis Center food pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs. We serve everyone regardless of their race, color, or religion. The amount of food given depends on household size.
Applications for food assistance are taken Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm and on Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. You may access our pantry once every 90 days.
You must be a resident of Cabarrus County or live within the Kannapolis city limits. A picture ID and proof of residence must be provided.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 786-4709 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Cabarrus Baptist Association
Phone: (704) 788-6507
Address: 117 Peachtree Ave NW, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Baptist Sharing House is a Christian based ministry of the Cabarrus Baptist Asosciation that has helped thousands of families with food and clothing.
Appointments are required for all returning clients. Walk-ins are welcomes for first time clients only.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
Appointments :
Call (704) 788-6507 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Cooperative Christian Ministry
Phone: (704) 782-6215
Address: 1281 Biscayne Dr, Concord, NC 28027. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
New Life Baptist Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs food.
Documents Required:
• photo ID
• proof of residency
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 782-6215 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Cooperative Christian Ministry
Phone: (704) 933-2125
Address: 312 Locust St, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
North Kannapolis Baptist Church Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs food.
Required Documents:
• ID
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 933-2125 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
- Rowan
Big Elm Ministries
Phone: (704) 933-5862
Address: 905 McKnight St, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: Closed
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Big Elm Ministries Food Pantry provides free food to feed families and individuals in need. We supply groceries for residents that do not have enough food because they lack the resources to purchase it. We serve everyone from low income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed individuals, disabled veterans, working poor, and anyone else that comes to the pantry that needs food.
Dates of the pantry change every month. Please call for dates. Families and individuals also need to call ahead of time and sign up with us.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 933-5862 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
- Rowan
Hearts and Hands Food Pantry
Phone: (704) 885-5828ext
Address: 202 S Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: 03:00 PM - 06:00 PM EST
- Fri: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
The Hearts and Hands Food Pantry exists to provide temporary and emergency food aid to individuals and families in Huntersville and the greater Charlotte area. We not only provide for food needs, but to also stock personal care items and baby care items which tend to be sacrificed first in financial crisis.
If you cannot make regular service hours, you can call to make an appointment.
Services provided :
- emergency food
- food pantry
- baby supplies
- personal care items
Appointments :
Call (704) 885-5828ext to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
- Chester
- Gaston
- Iredell
- Lancaster
- Lincoln
- Mecklenburg
- Rowan
- Union
- York
Walking in the Harvest
Phone: (704) 784-2581
Address: 212 Broad Dr SW, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Listed hours, call to confirm:
- Mon: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Walking in the Harvest operates the Harriet B. Stafford Operation Breadbasket program. The Breadbasket provides food and clothing to many families, including those in crisis and to those who do not have the financial resources to feed their families.
We serve to create a community where the lost and hurting can find help and hope through God’s work and His people. We also connect members of our community to resources to survive difficult times, physically and spiritually through healthier minds and bodies.
Services provided :
- food pantry
- clothing
- navigating the system
- spiritual support
Appointments :
Call (704) 784-2581 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Harriet B. Stafford Operation Breadbasket
Phone: (704) 784-2581
Address: 212 Broad Dr Sw, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Breadbasket provides food and clothing to over 75 families per week including those in crisis and to those who do not have the financial resources to feed their families. The center also serves as a distribution site for toys to children in need during the Christmas season. Operation Breadbasket Hours of Operation are M, W, F from 10:00 am -11:45 am.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 784-2581 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
CCM - Cupboard of Love Food Pantry
Phone: (704) 782-1423
Address: 273 Hwy 49 S, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We, at CCM, have identified pockets of need in our community that have lead us to pursue a more efficient and effective model for fighting hunger in our neighborhoods and schools. We have ten satellite food pantries, eight of which are open to the public, in various parts of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. These allow clients closer proximity to food pantries in their area as well as several opportunities to receive food. Cupboard of Love Food Pantry: Sat only 9am - 12 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 782-1423 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
CCM - DHS Food Pantry
Address: 1307 S Cannon Blvd, Kannapolis, NC 28083. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
We, at CCM, have identified pockets of need in our community that have lead us to pursue a more efficient and effective model for fighting hunger in our neighborhoods and schools. We have ten satellite food pantries, eight of which are open to the public, in various parts of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. These allow clients closer proximity to food pantries in their area as well as several opportunities to receive food. DHS Food Pantry: Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Kannapolis
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
Mt. Pleasant Food Ministry
Phone: (980) 621-8634
Address: 8615 Park Dr Mt, Pleasant, NC 28124. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
The Mt. Pleasant Food Ministry serves families in need in the Mt. Pleasant School District and Community. Since May 2005 we have increased our number of clients each year. Currently we average serving approx 150 families and 450 individuals per month. We are thankful for the support of 16 local churches, and many businesses and individuals in the community.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (980) 621-8634 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Pleasant
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
CCM - Feed the Souls Pantry
Address: 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC 28107. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
We, at CCM, have identified pockets of need in our community that have lead us to pursue a more efficient and effective model for fighting hunger in our neighborhoods and schools. We have ten satellite food pantries, eight of which are open to the public, in various parts of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. These allow clients closer proximity to food pantries in their area as well as several opportunities to receive food. Feed the Souls Pantry: 2nd Saturday of each month 9am to 12noon
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Midland
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
CCM - Christian Hearts Food Pantry
Address: 5340 Flowes Store Rd, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Hours: Hours not listed
We, at CCM, have identified pockets of need in our community that have lead us to pursue a more efficient and effective model for fighting hunger in our neighborhoods and schools. We have ten satellite food pantries, eight of which are open to the public, in various parts of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. These allow clients closer proximity to food pantries in their area as well as several opportunities to receive food. Christian Hearts Food Pantry: Tue 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
CCM - Crisis Center Food Pantry
Phone: (704) 786-4709
Address: 246 Country Club Dr, Concord, NC 28025. Get Directions
Hours: Call for hours
We, at CCM, have identified pockets of need in our community that have lead us to pursue a more efficient and effective model for fighting hunger in our neighborhoods and schools. We have ten satellite food pantries, eight of which are open to the public, in various parts of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis. These allow clients closer proximity to food pantries in their area as well as several opportunities to receive food. Crisis Center Food Pantry: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9am - 4pm, Wed 9am - 12pm.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
Call (704) 786-4709 to ask about hours, whether you need an appointment, and what to bring.
Help Residents of Cities:
- Concord
Help Residents of Counties:
- Cabarrus
A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Cabarrus, North Carolina distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army offers free food help through local centers. Contact the branch nearest Cabarrus, North Carolina to confirm hours and requirements. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Cabarrus, North Carolina have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Church pantries often rely on food donations gathered through food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to older adults who are unable to drive to a nearby community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by Catholic Charities organizations can include help with food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charities centers for help.
Catholic Charities locations in and around Cabarrus, North Carolina may offer groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal. Hours and walk-in rules vary, so call before you go.
Some of these food pantries work like grocery stores, letting clients choose the items they need from the groceries available on site.
First-time clients may need to fill out a short application with basic household information.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Some independent food pantries use the Helping Hands name. Any Helping Hands pantries we have listed around Cabarrus, North Carolina appear on this page.
Food supplies, hours, and services differ from one pantry to the next, so call before you go.
These pantries often rely on donations and volunteers from their local communities.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
Mobile Food Pantry
Mobile food pantries bring free food directly to families in need in communities around Cabarrus, North Carolina, often during large one-day distributions.
Some mobile pantries hand out pre-packed boxes, while others let you shop market-style.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2026
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantries often visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes, so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
Some St. Vincent de Paul food pantries around Cabarrus, North Carolina may operate much like a grocery store, where people in need can choose their own food.
Services vary by location, so call the pantry near you to ask what is available.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Some food banks run delivery programs that bring food and other products to partner agencies in more remote areas. Ask a food pantry around Cabarrus, North Carolina whether delivery is available near you.
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Drive-thru food pantries are a convenient and efficient way to distribute food to neighbors in need. Many are open to anyone who needs help with food, but rules vary by location, so call ahead if you can.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are generally open to anyone who needs help getting food. Requirements vary, so check with the pantry before you go.
You may be asked to provide:
- Your zip code, and
- Number of people in your household.
You usually do not need an appointment. Drive-thru pantries are generally first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early because lines can fill quickly and popular items may run out.
How do drive-thru pantries work?
Volunteers and staff manage the distribution line. Here is how most drive-thru pantries operate:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the distribution area.
Visitors pull up in their car and are guided into a clearly marked queue. Staff move cars forward to keep the line moving quickly.
Check-in.
You may be asked about your zip code, household size or income for the pantry's records.
Food is loaded into your car.
Pre-packed bags of food — typically including shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit, and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats — are loaded by volunteers directly into your trunk.
Pet Food Pantry
Some pet owners give up their pets because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet food pantries help fill a gap left by assistance programs such as SNAP, which cannot be used to buy pet food.
Pet food pantries may provide free pet food for a limited time to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Cabarrus, North Carolina.
Who is eligible for a pet food pantry?
Rules vary by pantry, but many help people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Some food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
This is often a photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Food pantries typically provide shelf-stable items such as:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to a food pantry?
Rules vary by food pantry. Many ask only that you say you need help, while others may ask for ID, proof of address, income information, or a referral. Call ahead to find out what to bring.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry often provides food packages meant to last a few days to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food banks acquire large donations of food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Those organizations then provide this food directly to families in need.