a bit about us

2026 marks Casting Bread’s twentieth year in operation. We started as a small closet sized pantry offering only shelf-stable goods and over two decades we have grown to become the many programs, services and people who make up the community we are today.

Casting Bread proudly offers a community-centered, self-choice food pantry (free market) and a welcoming soup kitchen (Cafe). Self-choice means folks are able to shop for themselves, choosing the foods they want and leaving the rest for others.

We value and prioritize the dignity of all people and we work to reduce stigma around accessing food assistance. Every program created and choice made for our organization is centered around respect for all people and reducing harmful stereotypes which create barriers to food access by spreading shame and misinformation.

Autonomy and dignity go hand-in-hand and when people are able to choose the foods they want, there are many benefits for all. This is why we offer a self-choice shopping experience in our food pantry, rather than handing out pre-made food boxes. In this way we can support those with dietary restrictions or food related health concerns, we reduce food waste when people only take what they know they will eat, and we build valuable relationships rooted in trust, as people spend time shopping in our market.

Anyone can access food at Casting Bread. All are welcome here.

Nestled the mountains of Western North Carolina, we can be found at 194 Aho Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 -Directly off of Hwy. 321 between Boone & Blowing Rock (behind The Mustard Seed Market and next to Faithbridge UMC).

client- choice

community-centered

casting bread market

open:
wednesdays & thursdays

10am-3pm

Our Client Choice Food Pantry intends to provide an experience similar to shopping at any other market.

We believe that this less-conventional pantry model, prioritizes dignity, autonomy and respect.

Client Choice pantries reduce food waste. When people are able to choose for themselves, they only take foods they want, rather than receiving a pre-selected box.

People are able consider their own preferences, dietary or health needs, storage & refrigeration capacity, etc. when they shop for themselves.

When we invite folks in, we get a chance to know them. Many of us have been where they are. Many of us are "them". Because here, clients can become volunteers or staff. Many of our volunteers and staff have been, and may still be experiencing food insecurity themselves. College interns gratefully discover that they can be clients and people realize they are far from alone. At Casting Bread, everyone is welcome to be a part of our story, no matter how they arrived.

We will gladly provide an emergency food box to anyone.

To provide food on a regular basis, we must require income caps based on household size, and North Carolina residency.

In twenty years of operation, we have never turned someone away. Whether you're here in need, or you're interested in how you can help, we are so glad you found us.

market

casting bread canteen

In September 2024 Hurricane Helene made its devastating impact on the mountains we call home. Our building was flooded and we lost our Soup Kitchen, or Cafe space.

Many of our neighbors have come to rely on Casting Bread for more than a hot meal and Casting Bread Cafe allowed us to cultivate the parts of our mission that go beyond providing food.

Compassion and community grow from understanding, and what better way to understand a person than to share a meal with them?

We knew we had to find a creative solution to our lack of a kitchen, so Casting Bread Canteen was born! A food-safe, restaurant grade, hotdog cart equipped with a propane grill and warmers to keep food hot as we serve. And because our Canteen can be pulled behind Casting Bread's van, we can now feed our neighbors in any neighborhood!

Casting Bread Canteen has been an unexpected yet incredible blessing to our community, allowing us to DOUBLE the amount of hot lunches we serve daily.

Hot lunches are available for ANYONE! Just come by on a Wednesday or Thursday between 11am and 1pm to grab a plate. You are welcome to stay and eat at one of our picnic tables, or take your lunch to-go.

We rely on local restaurants and volunteers to provide lunches while we continue to operate without a kitchen. If you are interested in helping increase food security by providing a lunch for about 40-50 people, please contact our Cafe & Volunteer Coordinator at coordinator@increasefoodsecurity.org