Community Outreach Resources
Tips for Talking about MANNA
If you are a partner in the MANNA network, you are a part of the nation’s largest hunger relief charity – Feeding America. Because of partners like you, the Feeding America network is able to provide meals to more than 40 million Americans each year. Thanks for your part!
Sometimes folks get confused as to what is a food bank, what is a food pantry and what other programs are provided by MANNA. You can read about the organization by clicking here or just check out our graphic below.
MANNA and most other food banks do not directly serve needy families; we rely on pantries and feeding programs to directly distribute the food. MANNA is like the “hunter and gatherer” for the network. Our partner agencies are responsible for getting the food to the families that need it.
The MANNA network is fully committed to seeing that the food and financial donations given to us are responsibly and fairly distributed through our partners throughout Western North Carolina.
MANNA Partner Agency Logo
Show your pride in being a part of the 14+ million pounds of food distributed last year in the MANNA network! Click on the links below to find your full color or black and white Partner Agency logo.
MANNA Partner Agency logo final
Hunger in America 2014
The country’s most comprehensive report on the state of food insecurity in America is soon to be released. See previous year’s data by clicking here.
MANNA Food Helpline 1 (800) 820-1109
In our efforts to utilize every resource available to help families get the food they need, MANNA has opened a food helpline. Our helpline is open M-F from 9-4 and aims to help folks in Western North Carolina determine if they are eligible for the food stamp program and to assist them with an application or re-certification if they qualify. We can also direct them to their local MANNA partner pantries and meal providers. You can access our agency network information through our Food Finder.
Be Sure to List Your Pantry or Feeding Program with 2-1-1
United Way’s 2-1-1 is a great resource to families in your area. It is a referral service that is free, confidential, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in any 
language. Calling 2-1-1 can connect you with organizations in your area that can help with food, housing, counseling, health care, child care, as well as senior and disable services.
Please reach out to United Way’s 2-1-1 to keep your 2-1-1 listing up to date to save you and your community members time and energy when using the service.
The Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act
Partners are encouraged to seek additional food sources from businesses and organizations in the community. To help make these product donations possible, your organization can refer to the the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. The business in mind can donate fit and wholesome food to a qualifying non profit knowing that they are protected from liability when food is provided in good faith.
For donors, it is important to know that this law:
- Protects you from liability when you donate to a non-profit organization;
- Protects you from civil and criminal liability should the product donated in good faith later cause harm to the recipient;
- Standardizes donor liability exposure. You or your legal counsel do not need to investigate liability laws in 50 states; and
- Sets a floor of “gross negligence” or intentional misconduct for persons who donate grocery products. According to the new law, gross negligence is defined as “voluntary and conscious conduct by a person with knowledge (at the time of conduct) that the conduct is likely to be harmful to the health or well-being of another person.”