WNC Food Banks Brace for Increased Demand as Federal SNAP Cuts Loom

WNC --  August 11, 2025:  MANNA FoodBank and its partner agencies across Western North Carolina are preparing for a potential surge in demand for food assistance, following federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

The anticipated cuts are expected to strain the resources of a food assistance network already under pressure from recent economic challenges and natural disasters.

Impact of SNAP Reductions on WNC

MANNA FoodBank, a major food distributor for 16 counties in Western North Carolina, reports that the cuts could double the number of people requiring its support. This projection comes as the organization and its partners have already seen a significant rise in demand since the onset of the pandemic and following Tropical Storm Helene.

One of MANNA's partners, Bounty & Soul in Black Mountain, has reported a firsthand account of this trend. According to Deputy Director Paula Sellars, the number of individuals served by the organization tripled during the pandemic. Following the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, that number doubled again. In response, Bounty & Soul has doubled the frequency of its weekly markets and now distributes approximately 175,000 pounds of food per month.

The Role of Food Banks and SNAP

For every one meal a food bank provides, SNAP typically provides nine. This highlights the critical role of SNAP in the food security landscape. The reduction in SNAP funding is expected to create a substantial gap that food banks are not equipped to fill entirely. MANNA also anticipates losing about $4.5 million in annual funding from other U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

A Network of Support

MANNA operates through a network of over 250 partner agencies. These organizations include food pantries, soup kitchens, community meal programs, and schools. They serve as the direct point of contact for residents seeking food assistance. MANNA also deploys mobile markets to reach individuals in rural or underserved communities. This network covers the counties of Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Swain, Transylvania, and Yancey.

How Residents Can Seek Assistance

Residents of Western North Carolina can locate their nearest MANNA partner agency by using the food bank's online "Food Finder" tool. Individuals can also call or text MANNA's Food Helpline at 828-290-9749 for assistance in finding local resources.

For those who believe they may be eligible for SNAP benefits, applications can be submitted through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The NCDHHS website, or a local Department of Social Services office, provides details on eligibility requirements and the application process, which can be completed online, in person, or by mail.

WNCTimes

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