Food Assistance

Oak Ridge Baptist Church

Services: Located in the old church fellowship hall. For families living in the county east of CVS in Rutherford College, the

church provides free groceries – one allotment per household per month – on the 3rd Thursday and the Monday before

the 3rd Thursday, 1:30pm–4:00 pm. Perishable items offered weekly every Friday at noon on a first-come-first-served

basis. Families need to bring picture I.D. with proof of Burke County residency.

Salvation Army Crisis Help Center

Address: 771 4th Ave Pl SE, Hickory, NC 28655

Phone: (828) 322-2535

Services: Supports needy families in the county with clothing, food, and crisis assistance. Clothing vouchers can be

issued once every 6 months. If unable to go to Hickory, can apply over the phone for the issued voucher to be faxed to

the local store. Food bags can be issued once every 3 months and must be picked up in Hickory. Applications for clothing

and food are accepted on Mondays between 1pm and 4pm and on Wednesdays between 9am–12pm. A Loaves and

Fishes produce drive is offered every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30pm to 2:30pm in Hickory. Individuals can come

every week. Crisis assistance is available for a documentable crisis in the last 30-90 days. Applicants need to call to be

screened over the phone and then an appointment will be made with a case worker in Hickory. If unable to go to

Hickory, meetings over the phone can occur.

Waldensian Presbyterian Church (Food pantry)

Address: 109 Main Street East, Valdese, NC 28690

Phone: (828) 874-2531 Website: http://www.waldensianpresbyterian.org

Services: Operates a food pantry to assist residents of Valdese and Drexel with a gift of groceries once a month. Valid ID

required as proof that you live in the service district. Limited financial assistance available for families in crisis.

Appointments are required. Contact the church office on Thursday between 2pm and 4pm for a pre-phone interview

and to schedule a follow-up appointment if eligible.