North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Friday that parents who need food assistance for their children during the coronavirus pandemic can text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.
"School closings mean no meals for some of our most vulnerable children. Now families have an easier way to find food during these times of financial stress," Cooper said in a statement.
After entering their address, parents will receive a text containing locations and serving times for nearby pick-up and drive-thru free meal sites, which have been set up across the state for families with children ages 18 and younger who rely on free and reduced-price school meals.
Parents can also call 211 to speak with an operator who will help them locate meal sites in their community. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is provided in English, Spanish and other languages.
To view a map of local school sites, community organizations and food assistance programs across North Carolina, click here.
