Family Resources in North Carolina

Dial 2-1-1 to find food pantries, emergency food assistance, and family support services anywhere in North Carolina. Available 24/7.

Serves 34 counties in Central and Eastern NC. Find food pantries, mobile distributions, and summer feeding sites for children using their partner agency locator.

Apply for monthly food assistance through NC FAST online portal or your local DSS office. Benefits loaded to an EBT card accepted at grocery stores statewide.

Free healthy food, nutrition support, and breastfeeding help for NC families with infants and children under 5. Apply at your county health department.

Serves 24 counties in the Charlotte metro area and surrounding region. Mobile markets, food pantries, and BackPack programs for kids in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.

Directory of co-ops serving the Charlotte metro spanning secular, Christian, and inclusive options. Find classes, field trip groups, and social events for your family.

Official state office for NC homeschool registration and compliance. File your annual notice of intent and download required forms here.

NC expanded its Opportunity Scholarship program in 2023. Homeschool families may be eligible for ESA-style funding for educational expenses. Check NCHE for current eligibility.

NC requires annual notice to the Division of Non-Public Education (DNPE), 9 months of instruction per year, and annual standardized testing beginning in 1st grade. Must teach at minimum: English language arts and mathematics. Homeschools are classified as non-public schools.

Statewide homeschool advocacy organization since 1983. Offers legal guidance, legislative advocacy, co-op directory, curriculum resources, and an annual statewide convention.

Support network for homeschool families in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle area. Co-op classes, social events, field trips, and parent support groups.

After-school programs providing academic support, arts, sports, and leadership development for youth in the Charlotte area.

Free after-school homework help, STEAM activities, reading clubs, and cultural events at 20 branch locations across Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

After-school programs, homework help, enrichment activities, and summer camps at Charlotte-area YMCAs. Financial assistance available for qualifying families.

Hands-on nature museum for kids in Charlotte. Free admission for all on the first Sunday of each month. Features live animals, butterfly pavilion, and nature trails.

Charlotte museum exploring the American South since the Civil War. Free admission every Thursday evening. Special kids programming on select weekends.

North Carolina State Parks offer free admission to all 41 parks. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, world-class outdoor experiences at no cost to families.

Raleigh's natural sciences museum is free and open daily. Permanent exhibits, live animal programs, and hands-on science activities for all ages.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps NC families pay heating and cooling costs. Apply at your county DSS office during open enrollment periods.

Subsidized childcare for NC working families or those in school or training. Apply through your county DSS office. Income-based eligibility.

Low-cost health insurance for NC children ages 6-18 in families that don't qualify for Medicaid. Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, and vision.

Temporary cash assistance for low-income NC families with children under 18. Apply at your county DSS office. Includes employment services and childcare assistance.