Fresh Food for You & Your Family

We know the importance of eating healthy, especially now as we try to boost our immune system and ward off COVID-19. As a daily goal, everyone should try to have at least half of their plate as fruits and vegetables with every meal. Unfortunately for many of our local citizens, this is not realistic. For many, having access to a local grocery store or a reliable mode of transportation to take them to the grocery store does not exist. It may also be that one’s income may not allow him or her to be able to purchase fresh fruits or vegetables or the belief that they cannot afford them. There are also many of our local seniors who have underlying health issues and may be too worried to go to a local grocery store at this time.

As we face more empty grocery stores shelves, as schools remain closed, and as families suffer from losing their jobs, we have to become more creative in how we prepare meals and access food. We may also have to learn to utilize community resources in a new way by going virtual and finding community agencies/organizations that are offering food and other resources. Below is a list of community resources that may help provide food for your family and possibly ease some of the food insecurities that you may be experiencing. In addition to that, many of these local resources also offer healthier options to you and at a cost less than you might expect.

Rowan County’s Local Farmers

With spring here and summer upon us, there are many local farmers that are currently offering fresh fruits and vegetables at their farms. Please note, especially during this time, local farmers are taking special precautions to make sure your safety and health are top priority. Below is a link of local farms, the type of produce they offer, hours of operation, and the location of each farm.

View local agritourism, farmers markets, restaurants and more through Got to Be NC.

Salisbury Farmer’s Market

The Salisbury Farmer’s Market has a new home this season and will be located at 228 East Kerr Street, Salisbury (Behind Kocojava, near the Railwalk, and across from Lee Street Theatre). At the farmer’s market, you can purchase local and fresh produce each Saturday from 8 am until noon. The Farmer’s Market is open now!

Visit the Salisbury Farmer’s Market website for any weekly updates and for any changes due to COVID-19. Senior and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) vouchers, along with electronic benefits transfer (EBT), are accepted at the market.

Rowan Meals on Wheels

Rowan Meals on Wheels are currently delivering frozen meals to participants every Monday. The number of meals delivered, on a weekly basis, is based on food insecurity and the health of the individual receiving this service. Comfort calls are also offered for participants they offer a friendly reminder to eat and to check on the daily status of the participant. Meals on Wheels are also partnering with Rowan Helping Ministries to help deliver USDA Food Boxes to their clients that are at the highest risk and who cannot pick up their own box of food. For more information and/or to participate with Meals on Wheels, please call 704-633-0352 (Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Rufty-Holmes Senior Center

Rufty-Holmes is currently providing five nutritionally balanced frozen meals, plus milk & juice each Wednesday. Seniors may register for the program by calling 704-216-7702 or emailing nutrition. Reservations need to be made by noon each Wednesday in order to receive meals by the next Wednesday.

Meals can be picked up at five county-wide locations or they can be delivered to seniors without transportation by Rowan Transit System. There is no cost, but donations are encouraged.

Other Food Services Available:

Limited amounts of food pantry items are available and can be delivered to seniors in need. Please call the center for more information.
Staff and volunteers are also available to grocery shop and deliver items to older adults. This service is only for seniors paying with cash or check. Assistance is also available to help order groceries online if paying with a debit or credit card. Please call the center if you need either one of these services.

Caregiver Support Program:

Financial assistance is also available to caregivers that may need supplemental nutrition products, such as Ensure. Please call the center to place your order. Home delivery is available.

Department of Social Services

Amidst COVID-19, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHSS) is allowing some flexibility for individuals who receive Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). FNS participants will soon be able to purchase groceries online using their EBT cards through Walmart and Amazon. This service will remain in place after the pandemic has passed.

Secondly, the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) Program will soon be offered to any NC family whose children receive free or reduced lunches at school. Families do not need to apply for the P-EBT program and a new EBT card will be sent in the mail to you. Along with the card, information will be provided on how to activate and use this card.

Due to the COVID-19, all Able-Bodied Adults with Dependents (ABAWD) will be exempt from work requirements for FNS benefits. This applies to any months between April 1, 2020 and the last day of the month following the month that the COVID-19 is lifted by the state of North Carolina.

More Information

For more information on these programs and Work First Cash Assistance, please call 704-216-8330 or complete the ePass Online Application to apply for Medicaid and FNS. You may also use the above link to see if you are potentially eligible for Medical Assistance.

Rowan Helping Ministries

Rowan Helping Ministries continues to have their food pantries open and offer families, regardless of their size, a package of food. Pre-packed USDA Family Food Bags are available to most individuals that are in need.

Rowan Helping Ministries is also partnering with Meals on Wheels to deliver pantry items to clients who are immuno-compromised or elderly and have no way of picking the items up. No appointment is necessary. For special assistance or to set a pickup time call 704-637-6838, ext.125

Location/Hours Information

Salisbury – Ralph W. Ketner Center, 226 N Long Street, Salisbury, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
West - 785 Grampian Road, Mt Ulla, Fridays 9 to 11 a.m.
East - 2570 St. Peters Church Road, Salisbury through Saturdays, 8 a.m. to Noon

Jeannie’s Kitchen, located at the Robertson Stanback Center, continues to provide three meals a day to guests. To-go lunch boxes are provided to community guests at the door between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. Between mealtimes, coffee and snacks are also provided and offer a safe place to practice social distancing.

Food for Thought continues to offer weekend food bags for school children. For more information, call 704-637-6838 or visit Rowan Helping Ministries’ website.