MANNA FoodBank has opened its new freezer and cooler in Mills River, a milestone following the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene. The facility aims to improve operations and food access for Western North Carolina.
Recovery Timeline and Challenges
Hurricane Helene damaged MANNA FoodBank's original headquarters in Asheville in 2024, which impacted infrastructure and food supplies. The organization operated without permanent cold storage for nearly 500 days, using refrigerated trucks while the new facility was under construction.
MANNA FoodBank resumed operations within 48 hours of the storm and, according to the organization, acquired the Mills River property to establish temporary operations. The period without dedicated freezer and cooler capacity presented challenges.
Facility Specifications and Impact
The new 15,600-square-foot facility represents a 233 percent increase in cold storage capacity, allowing MANNA to store and distribute fresh produce, dairy, and frozen proteins across its 16-county service area. The expansion was made possible through $6.385 million in collective donations. The facility opened March 20, 2026.
The centralized facility is designed to streamline operations and improve food access through organized storage and easier distribution. Food Lion Feeds donated more than 11,000 pounds of food, including produce and dairy items, to help stock the cooler.
Regional Demand and Long-Term Vision
The expansion addresses high demand, with neighbors in need making nearly 200,000 visits monthly to access food assistance across the region's network of over 300 partner food pantries and distribution sites. MANNA officials stated the expanded capacity is designed to meet current demand while serving the region for decades to come.