Posts By: David Gwaltney

Fighting Hunger After the Storm

It’s been five months since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, creating upheaval for countless families—and for MANNA FoodBank as well. Floodwaters demolished our warehouses, food inventory, equipment, and IT infrastructure. In an unprecedented moment, MANNA became the first food bank in Feeding America’s history to experience a total operational loss. Yet in the face… Read more »

Better Together: How Partnerships Are Feeding Our Families

We want to share one example of the hundreds of partnerships that MANNA has across our 16-county region. What began as a small community market hosted by Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) during the pandemic quickly grew into a vital source of nourishment and hope. With A-B Tech stepping in to provide space, the market now stands… Read more »

Setting The Table: Ensuring Enough Food for Every Plate

Imagine a table, not just any table, but one that extends far beyond the walls of any home. It stretches across our 16-county service area and the Qualla Boundary, reaching out to our neighbors, friends, and countless others. This is the table of community, compassion, and care — a table where there is a place… Read more »

Rural Resiliency: The Beauty of Rural Communities Coming Together

Within the awe and majesty of the WNC mountains, there is an even deeper beauty that reveals itself when rural communities come together to feed their Neighbors. After driving two hours west of Buncombe County, I found myself at a MANNA Community Market along the Nantahala River in Topton, NC. There, I met Patty Waters, the site organizer… Read more »

The State of Hunger: A Note From Our CEO, Claire Neal

Today I reach out to you not as the CEO of MANNA FoodBank, but as a fellow community member deeply invested in the well-being of our neighbors across Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary. We are so grateful for you and how you faithfully come alongside to support our neighbor in need.   We want to share… Read more »

Celebrating National Nutrition Month

Nourishing Our Bodies, Nurturing Our Well-Being March marks the celebration of National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to promoting the importance of healthy eating and informed food choices. At MANNA, we recognize the pivotal role that nutrition plays in supporting the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Western North Carolina. Embracing Nutritional Wellness National… Read more »

Working for Change: How MANNA Is Helping Inmates Prepare for The Future

Hands Guide a Fork Lift

by KC Johnson [Editor’s Note: MANNA has opted to identify IWP program participants using their initials for security and privacy purposes.]  In Asheville, North Carolina, MANNA FoodBank works to provide around 20 million meals a year, along with the help of over 200 donor agencies, and hundreds of individual volunteers.  One group of six women,… Read more »

Introducing the Food Finder: A New Online Tool to Find Food Fast

It is with great excitement that we introduce our new Food Finder Tool. This online resource, now on our website, aims to better connect neighbors in need with our partner network of pantries, meal providers, and other nonprofits committed to people facing hunger in the region.  The tool is first meant to be easy to use for our neighbors… Read more »

By the Community, For the Community: MANNA’s Dedicated Partner Network

In the spirit of unity and collective impact, we wish to acknowledge our incredible Partner Network. As we work together to alleviate hunger in our community, it’s vital to recognize that our mission is made possible by the unwavering support for our neighbors and collaboration within our network. The Power of Partnership: At MANNA, we firmly believe… Read more »

Support MANNA This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving becomes more pronounced than ever. At MANNA, we believe in the power of community and compassion. From virtual turkey drives to volunteering opportunities, there are plenty of ways to make a meaningful impact. Join us as we dive into the joy of giving and spread the… Read more »