Community resources
Free food, transportation and other help for neighbors in Raleigh and Wake County. These are services, not deals, so we keep them separate from the deal listings. Schedules change often, so please contact the organization before you go.
In an emergency, call 911. For help finding local services any time, dial 2-1-1.
Inter-Faith Food Shuttle: Find Food
No-cost food at mobile markets (drive-through distributions) and partner food pantries across Wake, Durham, Johnston, Orange, Chatham, Nash and Edgecombe counties. The Find Food page has maps and a downloadable food resources guide in English and Spanish.
- How to get help
- Use the maps or guide on the Find Food page, then contact the pantry to confirm hours and any paperwork. For help finding food, call the Food Shuttle.
- Area
- Wake County and central NC
- Phone
- (919) 250-0043
✔ Checked Oct 17, 2026 · Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (official)
Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC: Find Food
A network of 700+ food assistance sites open to everyone. Its Mobile Pop-Up Markets have no residency, income or ID requirements. Also offers SNAP application help, senior food boxes (60+) and school and summer meal programs.
- How to get help
- Search the Find Food & Resources page for sites near you.
- Area
- Central & eastern NC, including Raleigh
✔ Checked Oct 17, 2026 · Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC (official)
EBT Double Bucks at Wake County farmers markets
Spend money with your EBT card at a participating market and get double the amount in tokens for fruit, vegetables, meat and eggs (spend $5, get $10). Tokens don't expire. Participating Raleigh markets include the Black Farmers Market (Montague Plaza) and Midtown Farmers Market (North Hills, Saturdays through Oct 31).
- How to get help
- Go to the market's information tent and swipe your EBT card for the amount you want. The State Farmers Market accepts EBT at some vendors but has no Double Bucks match.
- Area
- Wake County
✔ Checked Oct 17, 2026 · Wake County Government (official)
Fare-free GoRaleigh bus rides (TAP)
Adults 19-64 who qualify for Medicaid or SNAP/EBT, or whose household income is below $35,000, can ride GoRaleigh buses free with a Transit Assistance Program card. Seniors 65+ and kids 12 and under also ride free.
- How to get help
- Sign up for TAP through GoRaleigh's fares page.
- Area
- Raleigh
✔ Checked Oct 17, 2026 · GoRaleigh (official)
NC 211 (United Way)
Free, confidential help 24/7 in most languages, connecting you to local food, housing, utility assistance, health care and transportation services. You talk to a trained specialist, not a recording.
- How to get help
- Dial 2-1-1, call (888) 892-1162, or search nc211.org.
- Area
- All of North Carolina
- Phone
- 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162
✔ Checked Oct 17, 2026 · NC 211 / United Way of NC (official)