Community Food and Water Assistance
The ongoing Federal Government shutdown is causing a lapse in SNAP benefits beginning November 1. Several community partners have mobilized to provide support for residents in need. See resources below.
Food Assistance
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council Temporary SNAP Double Bucks Contingency Program in partnership with Mecklenburg County Public Health and five participating farmers markets, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council will launch a temporary SNAP Double Bucks Contingency Program on Saturday, November 1. This effort will help Mecklenburg County families maintain access to fresh, local food during the federal shutdown.How it works:
Bring your EBT card and photo ID (or an ID with proof of Mecklenburg County address) to a participating winter market.
Receive $50 in market tokens — no purchase transaction required.
Use tokens to purchase SNAP-eligible foods from local vendors.
Tokens are market-specific and may be saved for a future market day.
Participating Markets:
• Davidson Farmers Market
• Matthews Community Farmers Market
• South End Farmers Market
• Uptown Farmers Market
• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
This short-term program is supported by limited funding and will be available first-come, first-served for Mecklenburg County residents.
Mecklenburg County’s resource and information can be found here: https://news.mecknc.gov/mecklenburg-county-prepares-pause-snap-benefits-works-community-partners-offer-food-residents
Additional Food Assistance Resources
(not an exhaustive list)
• Camino Health Center – Food Farmacy
www.caminosalud.com
Provides a week’s worth of groceries tailored to dietary needs. Services available in English and Spanish.
• Senior Nutrition Program (Ages 60+)
cfas.mecknc.gov/programs/senior-citizen-nutrition-program
Offers free congregate meals, home-delivered meals, and a mobile market for older adults.
• Food Help Line
www.foodhelpline.org/regions/charlotte
Connects residents to nearby food pantries and free meal options in Charlotte.
• Heart & Hands Food Pantry
www.heartsandhandsfoodpantry.com
Pick-up and delivery available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Call or text 980-292-0357.
• Hope Street Food Pantry
hopestreetfoodpantry.com/get-help
No ID or referral required. Mobile pantry visits library parking lots most Tuesdays.
• Nourish Up
nourishup.org
Offers a large network of pantries and home grocery deliveries. Call 704-523-4333 for immediate help.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
secondharvestmetrolina.org/need-food/get-food-assistance
Search for local food pantries and soup kitchens.
• Marathon Health will be hosting a community mobile food pantry at its Albemarle Road clinic with non-perishable and perishable items on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at 9020 Albemarle Road. This is available to all employees regardless of medical plan election. No appointment is needed.
• NC 211 (United Way of North Carolina)
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162, or visit nc211.orgfor free, confidential assistance with food, housing, and other resources.
Water Bill Assistance
Regarding difficulties with water payments, contact Charlotte Water Cares for support.https://www.charlottenc.gov/water/Programs/Charlotte-Water-Cares or call 311 (ask to speak with the water Care Tea) or call 704-336-7600 to speak with a Customer Service Agent.
I hope these critical resources will be helpful during this challenging time.
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In Service,
