Food Resources
Of the population of Jackson County, 24% or 7,230 residents are food insecure according to the 2023 statistics on the North Carolina Data Portal. In that population, there are 1,510 children, which is 10% of Jackson County that is food insecure. Jackson County is right below the North Carolina percentage of 33.6%. Of the total population, only 11% qualify for SNAP food benefits or the Supplemental Assistance Program to help meet those gaps. As of November 2025, our current events have been unstable with the pause of SNAP benefits. With the SNAP pause ending as recently as November 12th, leaving those who are dependent on those benefits with partial food resources.
Jackson County has pantries and churches that have food options for those that need it. These places serve hot meals or boxes of food to take home to your families. There are places to go that can help supplement some of those gaps. Circles, in addition to sharing community resources, provides a hot meal to leaders and volunteers who attend the Tuesday Night meetings in the First Presbyterian Church in Sylva. Being part of Circles and our community, we are ensuring that our families and neighbors do not go without basic resources.
Whether there is a food need, or you would like to donate time, money, or food items, know that Jackson County has food options. Below are just some of those options that our beautiful community provides:
As of November 2025, the dates of resources are current. Events are subject to change.
Community Health Assessment – North Carolina Data Portal
WNC From the Ground UP Food Donations
Kel-Save Parking Lot Thanksgiving Food Drive on Monday November 24th
38 East Main street, Sylva, NC, 28779
828-506-5414
8:30AM-12:30PM
Food Pantries or Hot Meal Events
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
22 Barlett St., Sylva, NC, 28779 (828)586-9496
Pantry Open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 5 PM-7 PM
Cullowhee Baptist Church
Hot Meals at 5:30 PM
64 Wilkesdale St, Sylva NC
www.facebook.com/cullowheevallybaptist
Cullowhee Vally Baptist Church
Food Boxes
36 Tilley Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723
Community Table
Meals on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 4;00-5:00 PM
Pantry is 11:00-5:30PM
23 Central St, Sylva, NC 29779
United Christian Ministries
Monday-Friday 9AM-4PM
828-290-9749
191 Skyland Dr, Sylva, NC, 28779
HOMEBASE (WCU Students)
Monday-Thursday 10AM-10PM
Friday 10AM-3PM
Uncomplicated Kitchen
Host free classes
87A Eastgate Drive, Sylva, NC
https://uncomplicatedkitchen.org
Ochre Hill Baptist Church-The Lord’s Closet
Food Pantry and Clothing Closet
14 Norman Drive, Sylva, NC
Unidexxs
504 Mill Street, Sylva, NC, 28779
828-771-6710
unidxswnc.org
Live Forgiven Church
45 Crown Ridge Road, Sylva, NC, 28779
Food Give Away Monthly-Everyone is Welcome to get a prepackaged bag of groceries
November 16th 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Community Garden
Space to grow vegetation and produce.
Saturday 8AM-Noon Wednsday 8AM- NOON (Volunteer times)
65 S. Painter Road, Cullowhee, NC 29723
Cornbread and Roses
1294 Savannah Drive, Sylva, NC, 28779
Pantry Hours are:
Wednesday 6PM-8PM