🌿 Accessing Food & Nutrition Resources in Mecklenburg County
Introduction
At Charlotte Area Fund, we believe no one in our community should go hungry. This page is designed to help residents of Mecklenburg County find food and nutrition resources — especially during times of increased need or when federal benefits like SNAP are temporarily paused. A complete Charlotte Pantry List is available here.
Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, free groceries, or hot meals, you’ll find trusted local programs and partners here ready to help.
🥦 How SNAP & the Farmers Market Doubling Program Work
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — also known in North Carolina as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) — provides low-income residents with monthly funds to purchase groceries and certain household items.
Thanks to a partnership between the Charlotte Mecklenburg Food Policy Council and Mecklenburg County Public Health, SNAP users can double their spending power at local farmers markets through the SNAP Double Bucks Program.
Here’s how it works:
- Bring your EBT card to a participating market or farmstand.
- Receive tokens that double your SNAP purchases or get 50% off at participating farms — up to a $50 match per market visit.
- No separate enrollment required.
Participating Markets & Farmstands:
- Charlotte Regional Farmers Market – 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Charlotte
- Davidson Farmers Market – 120 S Main St, Davidson
- Deep Roots CPS Farm – 2401 Primm Rd, Charlotte
- Huntersville Growers Market – 201 Huntersville-Concord Rd, Huntersville
- Matthews Community Farmers Market – 188 N Trade St, Matthews
- North End Farmers Market – 1701 N Graham St, Charlotte
- North Meck Community Farmers Market – 21445 Catawba Ave, Cornelius
- Pascuales’ Farm – 11237 Plaza Rd Ext, Charlotte
- Small City Farm – 1401 Auten Rd, Charlotte
- South End Farmers Market – 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte
- Uptown Farmers Market – 300 S Davidson St, Charlotte
- CFT Pop-Up Market – 511 South Hoskins Rd, Charlotte
Special Update (November 2025):
During the federal SNAP funding pause, Mecklenburg County and five participating markets are offering a Special SNAP Incentive Contingency. Anyone presenting an EBT card will automatically receive $50 in SNAP tokens—no transaction or paperwork required.
📍Participating Markets: Davidson, Matthews, South End, Uptown, and Charlotte Regional Farmers Markets
💚 Learn more: charlottefoodpolicy.com and follow @cltfoodpolicy for updates.
🥕 Local Food & Nutrition Support Organizations
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
📍 500-B Spratt Street | 704-376-1785
Find partner pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile distributions across Mecklenburg County.
🔗 secondharvestmetrolina.org
Nourish Up (formerly Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays)
📍 Multiple locations | 704-523-4333
Emergency groceries, home deliveries, and pop-up food share events.
🔗 nourishup.org
Hope Street Food Pantry
📍 4100 Johnson Oehler Rd | 704-584-9073
A no-barrier pantry providing fresh and shelf-stable food with dignity.
🔗 hopestreetfoodpantry.com
Hearts & Hands Food Pantry
📍 Charlotte, NC | heartsandhandsfoodpantry.com
Emergency food support for individuals and families, serving 70,000+ people annually.
Senior Nutrition Program – Mecklenburg County
📞 704-432-1111 (home-delivered meals) | 704-336-3144 (Ensure nutrition support)
Free meals for residents 60+ — including home delivery and congregate dining.
🔗 cfas.mecknc.gov
📘 Download the full Charlotte Pantry List (PDF): Charlotte Pantry List – Second Harvest
💡 Tips & Things to Know
- Bring your EBT card and a reusable bag when shopping at markets.
- Always call ahead before visiting pantries to confirm hours.
- Some sites are appointment-only, while others accept walk-ins.
- Mobile pantries pop up around Mecklenburg County — check Second Harvest’s calendar for updates.
- Many sites have Spanish-speaking volunteers and bilingual signage.
- Senior residents can enroll in home-delivered meals through the county.
- For urgent needs, call United Way 2-1-1 anytime for referrals.
💕 Get Involved / Volunteer / Donate
Food access takes a community effort.
Here’s how you can help keep Charlotte fed:
- Volunteer at a local pantry or farmers market.
- Host a food drive at your church, workplace, or neighborhood.
- Donate funds to help organizations purchase fresh foods in bulk.
- Spread the word—share this page and encourage neighbors to check for updates.
Together, we can make sure no one in Charlotte goes hungry.
📰 Updates & News
Stay connected for local food access updates, new programs, and emergency relief resources.
We’ll post announcements here during major events like federal benefit pauses, seasonal distributions, or new market partnerships.
➡️ Follow @CharlotteAreaFund and @cltfoodpolicy on social media for real-time updates.