Find food, meals, and help with grocery costs in Union County
Having enough food shouldn’t have to be a daily worry. Whether you need a meal today, groceries for your household, or ongoing help paying for food, these local resources are a place to start.
Before visiting a pantry: Check its website or call about hours, eligibility, appointments, and anything you need to bring. Let the organization know if transportation, a disability, or a special dietary need makes getting food difficult.
Need Food Today?
Community Shelter of Union County — Free Meals
The shelter’s soup kitchen serves three meals each day to people who need food. No certification is required.
- Breakfast: 8–9 a.m.
- Lunch: Noon–1 p.m.
- Supper: 6–7 p.m.
- Location: 160 Meadow Street, Monroe
- Call: 704-289-5300
The shelter also offers a monthly drive-through food pantry on the third Tuesday, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
View Meals and Pantry Information →
Operation Reach-Out — Lunch and Emergency Groceries
Operation Reach-Out provides free lunch and operates Joseph’s Food Pantry, offering emergency food boxes and monthly food assistance for older adults. Call to ask about current meal times and pantry arrangements.
Location: 1308 Miller Street, Monroe
Call: 704-289-4237
Find Groceries and Food Pantries
Common Heart — Traditional and Mobile Pantries
Common Heart provides groceries through evening food pantries and mobile distributions at locations around Union County. Check the current schedule and eligibility information to find an option near you.
Call: 980-443-3841
Find Common Heart Food Pantries →
Food for Families NC
Food for Families NC helps households needing supplemental food. Complete its “Need Food” contact form, and a staff member will follow up about your request. The contact form begins the process; it is not the food assistance application.
Call: 704-620-6391
Request Food Assistance Information →
Loaves and Fishes of Union County
This community pantry provides free groceries to Union County residents who have been certified by a referring agency. Assistance is available up to three times in a 12-month period. Contact the pantry to ask how to obtain a referral.
Call: 704-960-1486
Email: loavesandfishesofunionco@gmail.com
Learn About Loaves and Fishes →
Matthews HELP Center
Matthews HELP Center provides supplemental groceries and basic household items to eligible households in 28079, 28104, 28105, 28211, 28226, and 28270.
Food assistance is available by appointment. Start with the client inquiry form linked on its food assistance page.
Call: 704-847-8383
View Matthews HELP Center Food Assistance →
Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry
The ministry’s services include food and personal care assistance for households facing a crisis. Call to ask what help is currently available and how to request it.
Call: 704-225-0440
Visit Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry →
Can’t Get to a Food Pantry?
Common Cupboard — Grocery Delivery
Common Heart may be able to deliver groceries to Union County residents who cannot attend an evening pantry because of transportation difficulties, disability, caregiving responsibilities, work schedules, or another significant barrier.
Recipients must be available to receive groceries on Saturday mornings. Contact the program to discuss eligibility and availability.
Call: 980-443-3841
Email: cupboardally@commonheart.org
Get Help Paying for Food
Food and Nutrition Services — SNAP/Food Stamps
North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services program, also called SNAP or food stamps, helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Apply online through ePASS, or contact Union County Social Services for application assistance.
Call: 704-296-4300
Office: 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe
View Union County Benefits Information →
Apply Through ePASS →
More In My Basket — Help With SNAP Applications
Not sure whether you qualify or how to apply? More In My Basket offers help understanding SNAP/FNS, checking potential eligibility, and completing an application.
English: 855-240-1451
Español: 888-382-7105
Food Help for Children and Families
WIC — Women, Infants, and Children
WIC provides nutrition support for eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children younger than five. Contact Union County WIC to ask about eligibility and appointments.
Call: 704-296-4893
Location: 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe
Learn About Union County WIC →
School Breakfast and Lunch
Union County Public Schools provides information about school meals and applications for free or reduced-price meals. Some schools provide free meals to all enrolled students without an application.
Visit the district’s nutrition page for current instructions. If you need help applying, ask your child’s school or School Nutrition Services.
Call: 704-296-3000
View School Meal Information and Applications →
Food Help for Older Adults
Union County Senior Nutrition
Senior Nutrition offers group dining and home-delivered meals for eligible Union County residents age 60 and older. Home delivery is intended for people who cannot obtain food or prepare meals and do not have someone able to help.
Contact the program about eligibility, dining locations, transportation, and any waiting list.
Call: 704-292-2567
Email: seniornutrition@unioncountync.gov
Explore Senior Nutrition Services →
Community Shelter — Senior Food Boxes
The Community Shelter offers food boxes for low-income residents age 60 and older. Its website currently directs applicants to join a waiting list.
Call about senior food boxes: 980-220-9488
View Senior Food Box Information →
Thanksgiving Food Assistance
Common Heart — Great Turkey Countdown
Common Heart’s annual Great Turkey Countdown delivers Thanksgiving food to local families in need. Contact Common Heart about the current year’s request process and availability.
Call: 704-218-9060
View Great Turkey Countdown Information →
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Services, schedules, and availability can change. Each organization determines eligibility for its programs.