Broad River Community Market FAQs and Answers

  • Broad River Community Market provides free groceries and fresh produce to anyone in Shelby and across Cleveland County.

    We host pop-up markets throughout the area where you can pick up food at no cost.

  • Yes. All food is completely free. No payment, no catch.

  • No. You do not need ID, proof of income, or SNAP benefits to receive free food.

  • Anyone who needs food assistance near Shelby is welcome. If you live in or around Cleveland County and could use support, you can come.

  • Broad River Community Market distributes free food in Cleveland County, NC at Jefferson Park in Shelby and Grover Town Hall. Check our Facebook page for current locations.

  • These are only three of the reasons we need Cleveland County food banks:

    Overall Food Insecurity Rate: ~14%–16.2% of residents.

    Child Food Insecurity: Roughly 17%–25% of children in the county live in food-insecure homes.

    Low Access to Food: 16.7% of the population has low access to a grocery store.

    Our markets help fill that gap by bringing free, healthy food directly into the community.

  • Our free food bank in Shelby, NC offers wholesome food, including:

    • Fresh fruits and vegetables

    • Eggs

    • Other locally grown food when available

    Our goal is to provide healthy, high-quality food, not just basic sustenance.

  • We ask that everyone takes a fair share so we can serve as many people as possible.

  • There are a few ways to get involved:

    • Volunteer at one of the free food markets

    • Donate to support free food for Cleveland County

    • Partner with us as a local business or farm

    Every contribution helps us reach more families.

  • Anyone qualifies for our Cleveland County food assistance. You do not need to be enrolled in any program to receive food.

  • Broad River Community Market is a nonprofit Cleveland County food bank funded through donations and community support. To donate, visit broadrivermarket.org/donate.

  • Broad River Community Market partners with local farms for the freshest, healthiest free food. Our partners include Old North Farm, LJ Peaceful Acres, A Way of Life Farm, Healy Lane Farm, and others in the Cleveland County area.