News

Nonprofits step up after loss of SNAP

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 29, 2025

More than a dozen nonprofit agencies and churches in Henderson County are offering assistance with food and other essential items to people in need as the federal government shutdown halts state-run food and nutrition services.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has instructed North Carolina to suspend the issuance of November 2025 Food and Nutrition Services benefits, Henderson County’s Department of Social Services announced on Wednesday. Counties will continue to accept food and nutrition applications, complete recertifications and react to reportable changes.
“We understand how concerning this can be, but please know that many wonderful nonprofits across Henderson County have prepared to help — with food, meals, diapers, wipes and other essential items available for families in need,” the DSS said. “The federal shutdown does not affect the day-to-day operations of our FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) staff, who continue processing applications, recertifications, and assisting residents with any questions or concerns. Henderson County remains committed to supporting our community during this time.”
Local non-profits and churches available to help include:

• YMCA Food Market at Blue Ridge Community Health, 2579 Chimney Rock Road, 1:30-3 p.m. every other Monday starting Nov. 9, 828-775-7081
• YMCA Food Market at Mills River Park, 124 Town Center Drive, Mills River, 2-3 p.m. every other Monday starting Nov. 2, 828-775-7081
• Calvary Chapel of Asheville, 5516 Boylston Highway, Mills River, 10-11 a.m. last Friday of the month, 828-891-4137
• Hendersonville Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2301 Asheville Highway, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, 828-840-7748
• East Flat Rock Baptist Church, 2227 Spartanburg Highway, East Flat Rock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, (call for updated schedule), 828-692-0765
• Calvary Episcopal Church Food Pantry, 2840 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, 8-11 a.m. Saturday, 828-684-6266
• The Storehouse, 1049 Spartanburg Highway, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 828-692-8300
• Interfaith Assistance Ministry, 310 Freeman Street, see website for various places and times, 828-697-7029
• Etowah United Methodist Church, 110 Brickyard Road, Etowah, see website for schedule, 828-891-4360
• Salvation Army, 239 Third Ave. W., 9 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday, 828-693-4181
• St. Paul's Episcopal Community Food Pantry, 3685 Chimney Rock Road, 2-5:30 p.m. Thursday, 828-642-4749
• Trinity of Fairview, 646 Concord Road, Fletcher, 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, 828-301-0187
• Pan De Vida, 3580 Brevard Road, 10 a.m. until, Saturday, 828-329-8260
• New Beginning Baptist Church, 29 Marlowe Drive, Mills River, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, call for appointment, 828-243-8876
• Hope United Methodist Church, 2443 Spartanburg Highway, East Flat Rock, 4:30-6 p.m., 828-697-6846
• Hendersonville Rescue Mission, 639 Maple Street, lunch served 12:15 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12:45 p.m. Sunday, 828-697-1354
• Love's Kitchen at First Baptist, 312 Fifth Avenue West, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday 843-737-1605

For more information, visit the social services page at www.hendersoncountync.gov.