More than 138,500 residents in Mecklenburg County rely on SNAP benefits.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Text STUFFTHETRUCK to 50155 to donate to Nourish Up to help our neighbors in need right now or bring non-perishable donations on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to Holy Comforter Episcopal Church (2701 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209).
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is affecting thousands of families in Mecklenburg County who rely on SNAP benefits. WCNC Charlotte is taking action to help those impacted by that loss.
Destiny Richards spoke to community leaders on Wednesday about what area leaders are doing to combat the loss.
“The need for food and nutrition assistance in Mecklenburg County is still immense,” County Manager Mike Bryant told Destiny Richards. “Despite having the largest number of SNAP recipients in North Carolina, we’re not permitted — nor are we financially able — to supplement the cost of the federal program.”
Mecklenburg County has allocated $740,000 in emergency funding to expand food resources for residents in need. That includes 28,000 additional weekly food boxes distributed by Nourish Up.
Mecklenburg County’s Community Resource Centers are also being stocked up with additional food:
- Valerie C. Woodard CRC (3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208)
- Ella B. Scarborough CRC (430 Stitt Road, Charlotte, NC 28213)
More than 138,500 residents in Mecklenburg County rely on SNAP benefits. With payments currently on hold, county leaders say local support is a lifeline, but it cannot replace federal assistance.
Officials are also calling on the community to help. Donation boxes are set up at several Charlotte Mecklenburg libraries and recreation centers:
- Eastway Regional Recreation Center (3150 Eastway Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28213)
- Northern Regional Recreation Center (18121 Old Statesville Road, Cornelius, NC 28031)
- Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library (2412 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216)
- University City Regional Library (5528 Waters Edge Village Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262)
- South County Regional Library (5801 Rea Road, Charlotte, NC 28277)
Volunteers say every contribution counts as demand continues to grow each day.
Nourish Up is accepting donations of canned meats, fruits, vegetables, cereal, and pasta. Monetary donations can be made online through the new portal at NourishUp.org/Meck-Cares.
Vanessa Ruffes was at a drive-thru distribution on Thursday at Eastern Hills Baptist Church (4855 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28205) from 2 to 3 p.m.
Just like at a Nourish Up food pantry, those who show up will need a referral. Find out how to get one here or by calling Nourish Up at 704-523-4333.
Larry Sprinkle will be at Nourish Up’s Stuff the Truck Emergency Food Drive on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church (2701 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209) where church volunteers will be filling Nourish Up’s truck with donations.
There are also food resources at Charlotte area food pantries like Hearts & Hands Food Pantry, Hope Street Food Pantry. Find more information about these resources and how to access them here.
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