AmeriHealth Caritas Invests in WNC’s Future

We are deeply grateful to share that AmeriHealth Caritas of North Carolina has pledged a multi-year, $5 million community investment to grow MANNA’s Essential Foods Program. This long-term support, distributed over several years, will help strengthen food access across our region while supporting the farmers and partners who make this work possible.

This investment will help us:

• Purchase more essential foods like proteins and produce
• Source as much of that food locally as possible, strengthening our regional farming economy
• Expand community food hubs that move nutritious food to 225+ partners across 16 counties and the Qualla Boundary
• Increase regional cold storage, helping healthy food reach neighbors quickly

The check presentation took place at Flavor Full Farms in Hendersonville, a multigenerational apple farm that was hit hard by Helene. Standing in their facility, surrounded by the land and people who feed this region, underscored exactly why this investment matters. Supporting local growers not only helps nourish our neighbors today, but strengthens the resilience of Western North Carolina for years to come.

Our deepest thanks to AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina for this long-term partnership and for investing in the health, stability, and future of our communities.