TL/DR –
MANNA FoodBank has reported a record-breaking demand for food assistance in Western North Carolina, with the average number of people it serves monthly more than doubling since the onset of the pandemic. This is reflected in the experience of nonprofit Bounty & Soul, which has seen a 340% increase in participation at its thrice-weekly community markets since COVID-19 began. Factors contributing to the food insecurity include the high cost of living in Buncombe County, low wages, and rising housing costs.
Addressing Food Insecurity in North Carolina Through Community Efforts
The parking lot off N.C. 9 in Black Mountain, Western North Carolina, transforms into a hub of activity twice a week. Seasonal squash and other produce, a small part of the effort to mitigate a rapidly escalating crisis, are displayed in abundance.
According to Kara Irani, spokesperson for MANNA FoodBank, the need for food aid in the region is at an all-time high. Before the pandemic, MANNA was serving an average of 65,000 people a month – a number that has since more than doubled, with October witnessing a record 170,000 people served.
A Morning at the Market
Dozens of volunteers set up tables and tents in the shadow of the former Bi-Lo supermarket every Tuesday morning. They lay out an array of fruits, vegetables, bread, and other produce for the eager crowd. This is Bounty & Soul’s community market, a core program of the nonprofit aimed at providing equitable access to food.
“It’s a free farmers market,” said Karla Garder, director of community engagement. Much of the food is donated by MANNA FoodBank and store-level partners such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Sam’s Club.
The ‘Heart’ of Community
For co-directors of BeLoved Asheville, Amy Cantrell and Ponkho Bermejo, food forms the foundation of their work. “When you are sharing (food) with people, you start hearing their stories, and they are hearing your story, too,” said Bermejo. BeLoved Asheville offers several food-sharing programs and distributes food multiple times a week, directly addressing the issue of food insecurity in Buncombe County.
Keeping Food out of the Landfill
Food Connection is another organization that plays a vital role in combating food waste and insecurity. They salvage meals from places like the Grove Park Inn and UNC Asheville, turning leftovers from buffet-style services into valuable resources for the community. Since its inception in 2015, Food Connection has distributed over 600,000 meals and prevented 240 tons of food from ending up in landfills.
What Happened After Outcry Around a Potential Food Ordinance?
In January 2022, a document suggesting a potential city food sharing ordinance, which would limit food distribution in public parks, sparked outrage within the community. Although the city confirmed that no such regulations are currently in place, organizations like BeLoved Asheville continue to advocate against potential policies that could create further barriers to food access.
Looking for Food Assistance?
Bounty and Soul community markets
- Tuesday Market: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Bi-Lo 205 NC-9, Black Mountain.
- Latino Wednesday Market: 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m at 216 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa.
- Friday Market: 4-5:30 p.m. at Bi-Lo 205 N.C. 9, Black Mountain.
Food Connection
- Saturday Swannanoa Curbside Drive Through: 11 a.m. at 105 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa.
For additional assistance, call the MANNA FoodBank helpline at 1-800-820-1109.
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