Announcing the Lighting of the 29th Annual Ingles Giving Tree

The Beloved Tradition that Helps Feed WNC Continues!

Nothing can hold back the giving spirit of the holidays here in Western North Carolina, particularly when it comes to ensuring that thousands of would-be empty plates will be filled with food. At a time when more families across the mountains than ever are deeply burdened, Ingles Markets is again launching the annual Ingles Giving Tree, a benefit for MANNA FoodBank and families across WNC struggling with hunger. Right now, MANNA and their partner network of nonprofit agencies are serving more than 100,000 people each month with emergency food support.

As a way to kick off the holiday season, this year’s Ingles Giving Tree will feature a nostalgic tribute to the Giving Trees of years past, and a celebration of the incredible twenty-nine-year impact of this much-loved tradition. The live lighting will take place on Monday, November 22, in the Food Court of the Asheville Outlets, with Mrs. Laura Ingle on hand to light the tree in person. The lighting will be broadcast live on WLOS, between 5:30 and 6:00pm, and streaming live on WLOS’ website.

With the continued, elevated need for food in our region, guests attending the tree lighting are encouraged to bring healthy, shelf-stable food items to donate. There will also be an option to make a financial contribution to MANNA’s food purchase operations. For every dollar donated, MANNA can provide 4 meals to people facing hunger right now.

“Our hearts are full with knowing what this support will mean to so many who are in crisis right now in our community,” said Mary Nesbitt, Chief Development Officer for MANNA. “We are immensely grateful for our extraordinary partnership with Ingles, and for their commitment to bring our community together to help get food to those who need it most during the holidays and throughout the year.”

“Ingles is honored to keep this holiday tradition going” said Ron Freeman, Ingles CFO. “While some of the logistics have changed, Ingles commitment along with the support of our customers remains the same…helping those in need in our community.”

Robert Ingle said it best: It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Ingles Giving Tree.

Together, Ingles, MANNA, and their dedicated nonprofit partner agencies continue to ensure that the hope and giving of the season is still going strong, and serving the families who are facing their hardest moment with not just the food they need, but the hope that comes from a community that cares.