New November SNAP funds are not being loaded onto EBT cards, and there is no confirmed date for when funding will be restored. Local food pantries, ministries, and non-profits are immediately mobilizing their resources to fill this critical gap.
ACTION STEP: Dial 2-1-1 for Immediate Help
For anyone in immediate need of food, housing, utility, or other social services, the NC 2-1-1 Helpline is the most crucial resource. You can call or text 2-1-1 at any time, 24/7, to be connected directly with local organizations and the most up-to-date schedules for food distribution in your neighborhood.
New State & Private Funds Bolstering Local Relief
In a swift effort to support organizations on the front lines, Governor Josh Stein announced a grant of $10 million to North Carolina's food banks, supplemented by an additional nearly $8 million in private and foundation contributions. This combined funding—approximately $18 million—is being channeled through regional networks like MANNA FoodBank (which serves Haywood County) to buy and distribute essential food.
This means the local organizations listed below are receiving extra resources to meet the immediate and surging demand from affected residents.
Immediate Local Resources Available in Haywood County
Please note: All local organizations are experiencing extremely high demand. Residents are strongly encouraged to call ahead to confirm operating hours and service limitations, as times may change daily to prioritize emergency need. All phone numbers are (828) unless noted otherwise.
Haywood County Food Resources
I. Full-Service Food Pantries & Ministries (Food Boxes & Groceries)
Haywood Christian Ministry
Service: Full-Choice Food Pantry (Community Market), Emergency Food Bags, Pet Food, Baby Supplies.
Address: 150 Branner Ave, Waynesville, NC
Phone: 456-4838
Typical Hours (Call to Confirm): Mon, Wed, Fri (call for exact pantry hours); Office: Mon-Fri 9 AM – 4 PM for general assistance.
The Community Kitchen
Service: Food Boxes, Prepared Dinners.
Address: Temporary Location: Rockwood UMC, 288 Crabtree Mountain Rd, Canton, NC
Phone: 648-0014
Typical Hours (Call to Confirm): Food Boxes: T/Th 10 AM-2 PM; Dinner: 7 days/wk, 5 PM-6 PM.
The Salvation Army
Service: Emergency Food Assistance (Food Boxes).
Address: 290 Pigeon St, Waynesville, NC
Phone: 456-7111
Typical Hours (Call to Confirm): Mon, Wed, Fri 10 AM - 2 PM (Food); Office: M-F 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.
Feeding the Multitudes / Rose of Sharon
Service: Food Boxes (Drive-thru distribution).
Address: 50 Azalea Dr, Canton, NC
Phone: 276-6375
Typical Hours (Call to Confirm): Mon-Thurs 11 AM - 1 PM.
Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry
Service: Food Pantry and Produce Market.
Address: 394 N Haywood St, Waynesville, NC
Phone: 456-6029
Typical Hours (Call to Confirm): Mon-Fri 10 AM - 11 AM.
Maggie Valley United Methodist Church
Service: Food Pantry.
Address: 4192 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley, NC
Phone: 926-8036
Typical Hours (Call to Confirm): Mon & Wed 10 AM - 12 PM.
II. Prepared Meal Services
Haywood Pathways Center
Service: Free Dinner (Open to the public).
Address: 179 Hemlock St, Waynesville, NC
Phone: 246-0332
Typical Hours (Call to Confirm): Served 7 days a week, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM.
The Open Door
Service: Prepared Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on certain days).
Address: 32 Commerce St, Waynesville, NC
Phone: 452-3846
Holy Cow Food Truck
Service: Mobile Hot Meals (Free).
Address: Location Varies Daily (Check Haywood Pathways Center website/Facebook).
Phone: 246-0332
III. Emergency & Essential Assistance Programs
NC 2-1-1 Helpline
Service: The most crucial resource. Connects you to local food, housing, utility, and other social services 24/7.
Phone: Dial 2-1-1 (Call or Text)
Website: nc211.org
MANNA Food Helpline (Regional Food Bank)
Service: Assistance with SNAP applications/recertifications and direct referrals to local pantries.
Phone: 290-9749 (Call or Text)
Website: mannafoodbank.org/where-to-get-help/
Haywood Co. Health & Human Services (FNS/WIC)
Service: FNS (SNAP/EBT): Continue to apply/renew here. WIC: Supplemental nutrition for women, infants, and children (WIC is currently funded, but monitored).
Address: 157 Paragon Pkwy, Clyde, NC
Phone: 452-6620 (Option 3 for FNS)
Haywood County Outdoor Pantries (24/7 Access)
Service: Small, non-staffed pantries for immediate, emergency needs.
Locations: 384 Jones Cove Rd, Clyde (near Head Start) AND 489 Pigeon St, Waynesville
WNCTimes
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