The Little Free Food Pantry at Mars Hill UMC

Take what you need. Leave what you can. 

The Little Free Food Pantry at Mars Hill United Methodist Church has been serving neighbors since 2022. Started in partnership with local Girl Scouts, who used funds raised through cookie sales to help stock the pantry, it has become one of the area’s only food resources available 24/7/365.

Located in the heart of Mars Hill, beside Mars Hill University, the pantry is built on a simple but powerful idea: take what you need, leave what you can.

In spring 2026, the pantry grew thanks to the generous support of the Pisgah Health Foundation and WNC Bridge Foundation. A new, larger pantry was installed, increasing capacity by and making room for additional essentials such as toiletries and personal care items.

Visit the Little Free Food Pantry

Open to everyone, the pantry is available day or night, rain or shine.

The Little Free Food Pantry at Mars Hill United Methodist Church 
201 South Main Street
Mars Hill, N.C.

Take What You Need, Leave What You Can.

How to Support the Little Free Food Pantry

Neighbors are invited to help keep the pantry stocked by donating needed items. Canned meats, protein, and other shelf-stable foods are especially appreciated, along with household and personal care items.

Food Pantry Shopping List

We invite the public to contribute the following in-date items to the Food Pantry

Proteins

  • Peanut butter (or other nut butters)

  • Canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon, ham, beef, ham)

  • Canned or dried beans and lentils (black, pinto, kidney, garbanzo)

Grains and Staples

  • Pasta and pasta sauce

  • Rice (brown rice is often preferred for its fiber)

  • Whole-grain cereals, granola & granola bars, and oatmeal

  • Cooking oil (olive, canola, or vegetable oil)

  • Baking staples like flour, sugar, salt, and pepper

Fruits and Vegetables

  • Canned vegetables and fruit​

  • Shelf-stable fruit cups and unsweetened applesauce

  • Dried fruits (no added sugar)

Dairy

  • Shelf-stable or powdered milk(s) 

Meals and Soups

  • Canned soups, stews, and chili.

  • Boxed meals (macaroni and cheese, Hamburger Helper, etc.)

  • Camping meals

Laundry, Hygiene & Other Items

  • Baby food and infant formula

  • Hygiene and personal care products (soap, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, diapers, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, batteries)

  • Pet food, as many families struggle to feed their pets

  • Disposable cutlery

Make a Monetary Donation

3% Cover the Fee

Make a monetary donation to the to our food pantry

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Little Pantry is a community-based food pantry located in Mars Hill, North Carolina. The pantry is a mission of Mars Hill United Methodist Church and is also supported by food donations from the church AND the local community.  The pantry is accessible all the time – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

    The pantry’s physical address is

    201 South Main Street
    Mars Hill NC 28754. 

  • No.  The Pantry is open to anyone and everyone. Take what you need. Leave what you can.

  • No.  Come as and when you need to.  It’s anonymous, open to all of the public, and available all the time.  

  • No! Please take what you need.  The Pantry is here to supplement other food banks in the area that are better designed and funded to actually provide daily nutrition needs for our community.  However, if you need something you are welcome to it. 

  • Yes and No.  If you have a request, email the pantry at thelittlepantry.mhumc@gmail.com and we will try to keep the item stocked in the pantry.  However, we can’t guarantee any specific item will be available at any time.   

  • We hope this never happens and do our best to keep the pantry filled and ready for our community. 

    The Pantry is checked at least once a day by members of the church and the community. However, please let us know if supplies have been depleted at thelittlepantry.mhumc@gmail.com and we will respond ASAP.  

  • Anyone at anytime can stop by the pantry and donate items.  Please check the shopping list on our webpage for ideas of things to donate, but any non-perishable, non-expired, unopened, and free from damage food items are welcome.  Smaller donations can be left in the Pantry itself.  For larger bulk donations, we ask that you leave them by the doors of the church.  

Get in Touch

Have a question? Reach out and we’ll get in touch.

 
 

The Little Pantry is a ministry of love, where our community shares what we have been given with our neighbors. All food is donated and offered “as is.” While we handle everything with care, we cannot guarantee its condition. By receiving these items, you understand and accept this, and release The Little Pantry, Mars Hill UMC, and those who donated from responsibility for any illness or injury that may result.