Asheville Hot Spot / Homeward Bound

Food Assistance · North Carolina · Free

Community meal service and housing assistance in Asheville providing daily meals, emergency shelter, and housing stability programs for men and families in western NC. Homeward Bound operates the Hot Spot community meal program daily alongside rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing services. Call 828-258-1695 for housing program intake. Located at 235 N Ann St, Asheville. Meals served daily 12pm-1pm. Office hours Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm for housing inquiries.

Contact & Details

Address: 235 N Ann St, Asheville, NC 28801

Phone: 828-258-1695

Hours: Meals daily 12pm-1pm; office Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

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About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in North Carolina

North Carolina district courts handle family matters in all 100 counties, with some counties having dedicated family court sessions. The Child Support Services Section operates under DHHS. Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem are the largest metros. Legal Aid of North Carolina is the primary LSC-funded statewide civil legal aid program.

More Food Assistance in North Carolina

  • NC SNAP (Food & Nutrition Services) — North Carolina's food stamp program providing monthly nutrition benefits via EBT card usable at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some on
  • Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC — Serves 34 counties across central and eastern North Carolina through 800+ partner agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelt
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC — Distributes millions of pounds of food annually across 18 counties in northwest North Carolina through partner agencies and mobile pantry pr
  • MANNA FoodBank — Serves 16 counties in western North Carolina distributing food through 200+ partner agencies with emergency food boxes, mobile markets, and
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina — Serves 24 counties in the Charlotte region operating mobile pantries, Kids Cafes, and senior hunger programs distributing millions of meals
  • NC WIC Program — Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program providing supplemental foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for eligible hou

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?
Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?
Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?
Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?
USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.