The grant, totaling $975,000, will be used to purchase and distribute essential and nutritious food items, including fresh produce, proteins, and dairy. This funding is particularly important as MANNA continues to serve a population with heightened need, a result of the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm destroyed MANNA's previous facilities and inventory, leaving a significant gap in food distribution that the organization has been working tirelessly to fill.
Regarding a similar, but larger, grant, Claire Neal, CEO of MANNA FoodBank, stated, "As the sole food bank serving WNC and the Qualla Boundary, this generous investment is a shared commitment to ensuring no one in Western North Carolina goes hungry in the face of any environmental, economic, or health-related crisis. With immense gratitude to incredible partners like CFWNC and all who have come alongside us, we are beyond overjoyed to share that this project is now funded."
While the local support is a powerful show of solidarity, the food bank's efforts have been complicated by federal funding issues. The recent termination of two USDA programs has cut millions in funding that food banks like MANNA used to purchase food directly from local farmers. This has created a "kick them when they're down" situation, as it reduces a crucial source of revenue for local agriculture and a reliable source of healthy food for families in need.
Additionally, while federal disaster relief funds for Hurricane Helene have been approved, their delayed disbursement to state and local governments has created a frustrating bottleneck. The lack of these resources has left many communities and organizations, including MANNA, waiting for crucial aid to fully rebuild and stabilize.
The CFWNC's grant, therefore, is more than just a donation; it's a strategic investment in the region's recovery and a testament to the power of community-based support. It will provide immediate and tangible relief, helping MANNA to continue its vital work even as it navigates the complexities of federal funding shortfalls and ongoing disaster recovery.
WNCTimes
Image: Manna Foodbank