The economy is bouncing back – at least, that’s what we keep hearing from employment and economic reports. But this has not translated into fewer people needing emergency food assistance. In fact, our distribution numbers here at MANNA continue to climb steadily. More people might be going back to work across the country, but North Carolinians as a whole are not. Many Western North Carolinians can only find part-time and low wage jobs, and are drastically underemployed. With affordable housing a already a challenge for families in our area, these small paychecks don’t come close to making ends meet.
As part of Hunger Action Month, we would like you to learn more about why we do what we do here in Western North Carolina. We have created a list of media resources – articles, reports, and information of various kinds – so that you can take a moment and look at what the issues of hunger are, right here in our own backyard.
Hendersonville Times-News: Demand for food from food banks continues to grow.
Sylva Herald: Jackson County School are taking steps toward ending childhood hunger.
Asheville Citizen-Times: Food prices are sky high.
Mountain Xpress: But people in our area keep stepping up to help.
Macon County News: There are so many things we can all do, like hosting a community potluck.
Asheville Citizen-Times: Or growing a community garden to feed those in need.
Mountain Xpress: Hunger hits WNC harder than even most metropolitan areas.
Asheville Citizen-Times: Food waste means more than a changed bottom line for local businesses; it means less food for people in need.
Asheville Citizen-Times: Just last year, the Hunger In America study uncovered some surprising numbers, and those numbers have only grown.
