The Power of Community Mobilization

Sometimes the most powerful movements don’t start with a megaphone. They start with small, quiet acts of care. A neighbor dropping off a bag of groceries. A parent speaking up at a school board meeting. A handwritten note to a legislator. These everyday moments of showing up for one another may seem simple, but together, they become a force that drives real, lasting impact. And here in Western North Carolina, that force has been unmistakable.

This year, MANNA has been deeply engaged in nonpartisan education efforts to protect critical hunger relief programs, like the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and North Carolina’s Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP). These programs provide vital support and food access for thousands of individuals and families across WNC, and unfortunately, both have uncertain futures due to recent legislative funding cuts.

Despite these disappointing outcomes, we are not discouraged, because over these months, we witnessed something powerful. Our community showed up. You called your representatives, traveled to Raleigh to advocate, and sent legislators hundreds of hand-written messages on empty paper plates to make tangible the consequences of these future SNAP cuts. Your voices were clear, compassionate, and courageous.

That kind of community mobilization matters. Even when policy decisions fail to support our neighbors in need, our commitment to each other helps us gain momentum, awareness, and deeper connection — the fuel we need for the long road ahead.

At MANNA, our work doesn’t stop when the votes are counted.

Right now, that momentum is more important than ever. As school cafeterias have closed for the summer, many children in our region who rely on free or reduced-price school meals are facing a sharp increase in food insecurity.

1 in 5 children in WNC is food insecure, and 45% of American children rely on SNAP and/or Medicaid in some capacity. Our community faced this food insecurity well before Hurricane Helene struck our region, and now these numbers are expected to grow. Feeding America estimates that North Carolina would need to spend an extra $1 billion each year to meet the state’s existing hunger needs. Community action is more important than ever.

We will continue to stand with our neighbors in need, because every child should have enough food to thrive this summer and beyond, and every person deserves dignity at the dinner table.

Thank you for standing with us. If you’d like to be kept in the loop about future advocacy opportunities, please join our Advocacy Call to Action email list.