Community Food & Emergency Support Resources
We created this page to make it easier to find help quickly during periods of uncertainty, including possible service disruptions and government shutdowns. Share this page with neighbors, congregations, and partner groups.
Charlotte East Community Services Area
What it is: A hub that connects East Charlotte residents to local services and neighborhood partners.
Helps with: Food and resource locations, housing referrals, utilities, transportation, immigrant supports, legal aid, and community programs.
Twirl Assistance Program (TAP)
What it is: Emergency hardship grants from Twirl to the World Foundation for LGBTQ+ adults in the Charlotte area.
Helps with: Food, transportation, medical needs, mental health support, and short-term essentials.
Nourish Up Food Finder
What it is: A searchable tool for free or low-cost food across Mecklenburg County.
Helps with: Locating nearby pantries, mobile distributions, community meals, and hours of operation.
SNAP Double Bucks
What it is: A Charlotte-Mecklenburg program that matches SNAP/EBT purchases at participating farmers markets.
Helps with: Getting more fresh fruits and vegetables. Dollar-for-dollar match, typically up to a stated limit per visit.
Access: Bring your EBT card to a participating market and ask the market manager for Double Bucks tokens.
Find Help Resource Finder
What it is: A national, free online platform where individuals can search by ZIP code for services such as food assistance, housing, legal aid, childcare, job training, healthcare, and more.
Helps with: Connecting people to hundreds of thousands of verified programs across the U.S.
CLT Food not Bombs Free Food for Free People
What it is: Mutual Aid events at First Ward Park where community members help each other.
Helps with: Food, clothing, hygiene items, community.
NC 2-1-1
What it is: A free, confidential, and multilingual call center and online directory available 24/7 to all North Carolinians.
Helps with: Connecting you to verified local services including food, housing, utilities, healthcare, mental health support, disaster assistance, and more.
Access: Dial 2-1-1 (or 1-888-892-1162) or visit nc211.org. Available in dozens of languages and open every day, all year.
Know Your Rights and Access Tips
If you are undocumented, you still have the right to seek food and emergency support.
If a program requires eligibility documents, ask what alternatives they accept.
Keep a simple folder with key documents if you have them. Do not delay seeking help if you do not.
Want to Help?
Donate to the programs above to expand capacity.
Volunteer for distributions or translation support.
Share this page with your networks, schools, congregations, and neighborhood groups.
Stay Connected
If you have additional resources you think we should share with the community, or are interested in updates, additional resources, and community trainings, subscribe to our newsletter or contact us at info@fcsj.org.