Food insecurity affects thousands of households across the Triangle, but Raleigh, Durham, and Cary are home to a strong network of food pantries, community meal programs, and mobile markets ready to help. Whether you need a one-time grocery box or ongoing support, here’s where to turn — and how to make sure you show up prepared.
Before you go: Schedules, hours, and appointment requirements can change, so it’s always a good idea to confirm details with the organization before visiting.
Free Food Assistance in Raleigh
Urban Ministries of Wake County offers weekly food assistance to any Wake County resident facing food insecurity — no referral required.
- Location: 1390 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh
- Hours: Monday–Thursday, starting at 8:30 a.m. until supplies run out
- Learn more: Urban Ministries of Wake County Food Pantry
Free Food and Community Meals in Durham
Urban Ministries of Durham provides both grocery assistance and hot meals for anyone in need.
- Location: 410 Liberty Street, Durham
- Food Pantry: umdurham.org/food-pantry
- Community Café: Serves three meals daily, open to anyone who needs a meal — umdurham.org/cafe
For a broader look at Durham County resources, the Durham Area Food Resources Map is an interactive tool covering food pantries, kids’ summer meal sites, and grocery stores that accept SNAP/WIC.
- Explore the map: Durham Area Food Resources Map
Free Groceries in Cary, Apex & Southwestern Wake County
NeighborUp runs a choice-based food pantry model, letting approved shoppers select the groceries that work best for their household.
- Location: 193 High House Road, Cary
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, by appointment
- Get started: NeighborUp Food Assistance
Region-Wide Tools to Find Food Near You
If you need options beyond these locations, these Triangle-wide resources can help you search by ZIP code or connect with a live person:
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina FoodFinder — search pantries, meal sites, and mobile markets by ZIP code: foodfinder.foodbankcenc.org
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle — connects residents in Wake, Durham, and surrounding counties with partner pantries and mobile markets: foodshuttle.org/findfood
- NC 211 — free, confidential referrals to food and community resources. Call 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org
Know Before You Go
A quick phone call ahead of time can save a wasted trip. Ask the organization:
- Is an appointment or advance registration required?
- Does the program serve a specific county or ZIP code?
- Is ID or proof of address needed?
- Is there a pickup option for those without transportation?
Know a Triangle food pantry or distribution event we should add? Reach out through our Submissions Page and help us keep this guide current for neighbors in need.
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