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Karen Proctor of the Swain County Chamber of Commerce presents Family Resource Center Director Melissa Barker with a check for $150 for food purchases.
Unfortunately, Swain County has traditionally faced the troubling issue of food uncertainty, and the past few weeks have been especially difficult for those families in need. The good news is that there are multiple resources available that you might not be aware of. Following is a list of those resources, as well as local businesses who are offering free meals to students. Please note that in some cases vouchers are required; these can be picked up at Swain County Human Services (DSS) at 828-488-6921.
Weekly Distribution at Local Food Pantries:
• The Family Resource Center: 828-488-7505
Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:30am, 300 Hughes Branch Rd., Bryson City
Please arrive 10 minutes early
• Bryson City Presbyterian Church: 828-488-2480
Tuesday, 6 – 8 p.m., 311 Everett St., Bryson City
Voucher Required
• Grace Baptist Church: 88-736-2472
Wednesday, 5 – 7 p.m.
Voucher Required
• Bryson City Presbyterian Church: 828-488-2480
Friday, 10 a.m. - noon, 311 Everett St., Bryson City
Voucher Required
• Grace House Food Pantry (across from the Whittier Post Office): 828-497-2393
8:30-10:30 a.m., Every Saturday except 5th Saturday, participants can only pick up once a month
Monthly Distribution at Local Food Pantries:
• MANNA Distribution/TFAP/Commodities: 828-488-6717
Usually given out once per month on Thursday
Victory Baptist Church, 1275 Fontana Rd., Bryson City
Paperwork to be filled out on site
• Living Waters Food Pantry: 918-863-4373
Locust Road, Cherokee
Bi-monthly distribution, paperwork to be filled out on site
Grab and go boxes available
• Bryson City Presbyterian Church: 828-488-2480
311 Everett Street, Bryson City
First Wednesday of the month, please call to confirm
Other Resources:
• The Giving Spoon: 828-488-2480
Hot meals served every Monday and Thursday, 4 – 6 p.m.
Bryson City Presbyterian Church, 311 Everett St., Bryson City
• Swain County School System: 828-488-3129 ext 5126 (School Food & Nutrition office)
Breakfast and lunch delivered by school bus to students
• Swain County Senior Center: 828-488-3047
Delivering meals to Swain County Seniors
Local Businesses Offering Free Meal to Swain County Students:
• La Dolce Vita Bakery: free bagel to students. 828-488-5888. 191 Everett Street, Bryson City.
• CJ’s Grille: hot dog or cheeseburger basket. 828-488-9880. 47 Depot St., Bryson City.
• McDonald’s: M-F, Breakfast: 2 pancakes or sausage biscuit (6–10:30 a.m.), Lunch: 1 cheeseburger or 4 piece nuggets (10:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) Student must be present. 828-488-8885. 180 Veterans Blvd., Bryson City.
• Iron Wok: 2 spring rolls. 828-488-9553. 33 Rector St., Bryson City.
The Swain County Farmer’s Market will be opening on Friday, May 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.. It is held at the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium/county barn site on Island Street, Bryson City. The Market will continue every Friday through the first Friday of October.
The Family Resource Center has been designated by the county as a food drop off and pick up site for Swain County citizens. You can also make a monetary donation with the funds to be utilized toward the purchase of groceries, produce, grocery store gift cards, and even larger pan dinners or breakfasts from local restaurants. The Family Resource Center is located at 100 Brendle Street, Bryson City. Please call 828-488-7505 for more information or to make an appointment for a drop off or pick up.