Through food assistance programs, we strive to meet the nourishment needs of Macon County, NC residents who are unable to provide for themselves due to crisis. We show the love of Jesus to our clients, attend to their emotional and spiritual needs, help to preserve their dignity, and nurture their potential. Our efforts are targeted at those for whom government or other forms of food assistance is not available. With the support of churches, local agencies, businesses and individuals, we aspire to be a central location to better serve the needs of the community without duplication of services. Operating weekly (M-F) from 10am-1pm, the CareNet Choice Food Pantry resembles that of a small grocery store with fresh produce displays. Products are displayed on shelving in the pantry, with aisles labeled for the product type and amount for which guests may choose from. Guests are then provided 2 complimentary reusable grocery totes for carrying their items home. All guests are asked to return with their totes and/or an approved alternative for receiving groceries at their next visit. Client choice food pantries provide great benefits to not only the guests being served, but also the ministry! Choosing their own food gives guests a sense of control and decision making, rather than helplessness of being provided a "made-to-order" box of items. Since many guests tend to not take food they won't use, relatively little of what a client-choice food pantry distributes goes to waste. In conserving foods that typically would otherwise be disposed of, the ministry saves in overall food costs and can be sure that what goes out is of use to the families being served. Food resource for low-income families. Operates Monday - Friday from 10AM - 1PM. Food. Fellowship. Family. These three words embody the service provided through the CareNet Soup Cafe. Lunch is served weekly (M-F) 10am-1pm for guests visiting CareNet for assistance. The Cafe serves those who are homeless, five days a week.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (828) 369-2642 to book your appointment.
Address :
130 Bidwell St,
Franklin, NC 28734.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Franklin
Help Residents of Counties:
- Macon
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (828) 369-2642 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
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.
Many 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.
It's just your 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 and Infant 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?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages 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 edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.