Food Banks and Pantries in Asheville, NC

How to Get Free Food in Asheville

Asheville is the largest city in western North Carolina and is served by MANNA FoodBank, headquartered in Asheville. MANNA distributes food to over 200 partner agencies across 16 counties. The city faces food insecurity challenges particularly in the Hillcrest and Pisgah View neighborhoods. Tourism-driven housing costs have increased need among working families.

Regional Food Bank: MANNA FoodBank

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Asheville, NC area. It distributes food to an estimated 90 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across 16 counties in western North Carolina including Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, and the Qualla Boundary.

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Asheville

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

The Salvation Army Asheville operates a daily hot meal program. ABCCM runs a crisis ministry that includes food and meal services. Haywood Street Congregation serves a free community lunch on Wednesdays. Western Carolina Rescue Ministries provides meals and shelter for homeless individuals. Several churches host community meals on rotating days.

Mobile Pantry Program

MANNA FoodBank operates mobile pantry distributions across western North Carolina, including Buncombe County and Asheville. Mobile distributions bring fresh produce and groceries to underserved rural and urban communities. The MANNA food helpline at 828-290-9749 can help locate the nearest mobile distribution. Check mannafoodbank.org for the schedule.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

MANNA FoodBank provides SNAP application assistance through their outreach team. North Carolina uses ePass (epass.nc.gov) for online SNAP applications. ABCCM and Eblen Charities also offer SNAP enrollment help. Call 211 for referrals to local outreach workers.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Asheville

Call 211 to find the nearest pantry. Visit mannafoodbank.org for a pantry locator and mobile schedule. ABCCM at 130 Coxe Ave is a key downtown resource. Call the MANNA food helpline at 828-290-9749 for immediate help.

More Food & Benefits Guides

• SNAP / Food Stamps guide (general)
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
• EBT card guide -- how it works
• Free meals & community kitchens
• P-EBT & Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Frequently Asked Questions