A volunteer greets people as they enter the Mountain State Fair on MANNA Day.

FRESH NEWS September 2024

Monthly News from MANNA FoodBank

IN THIS ISSUE:

BETTER TOGETHER

Learn how our partnerships are helping feed families every day in WNC.

EMPTY BOWLS Tickets are going fast for this year's Empty Bowls.

MOUNTAIN STATE FAIR

MANNA Day at the Mountain State Fair was a smash success!

And don't miss:

Did You Know...
Recognitions + Gratitude
Recognizing Local Journalists

Empty Bowls is Back! Tickets Are On Sale Now

It's not too late to join us for MANNA’s 23rd Annual Empty Bowls! This beloved community gathering is MANNA’s biggest fundraiser of the year and helps put meals on the table for the 162,000 neighbors a month who are turning to MANNA for emergency food support. Guests select a bowl handmade by local artisans and take with them a seasonal meal of delicious soups, breads, and dessert, all made possible by MANNA’s incredible sponsors, culinary partners, donor potters and ceramic artists, and volunteers.

23rd Annual Empty Bowls

Monday, October 14, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville-Biltmore

115 Hendersonville Road | Asheville, North Carolina 28803

$50 ticket for one adult | $15 kid's package | $30 pet package

Tickets at https://www.mannafoodbank.org/empty-bowls/

Get Tickets

Better Together:

How Partnerships Are Feeding Our Families

Dear Friends,

Amidst the persistent staggering need for food across Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary, we know that now, more than ever, the only way that MANNA can meet these unprecedented challenges is through amazing community partnerships.

Taylor Parkins (WNNCHS) and Michele Hathcock (A-B Tech) stand proudly in front of the WNCCHS market.

We want to share one example of the hundreds of partnerships that MANNA has across our 16-county region. What began as a small community market hosted by Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) during the pandemic quickly grew into a vital source of nourishment and hope.

With A-B Tech stepping in to provide space, the market now stands as a testament to our communities coming together to uplift our neighbors in need. Volunteers, students, and staff alike share a common purpose—to ensure that no one goes hungry.

“We’ve had a lot of folks come through who picked up food for an elderly neighbor who was homebound, or a family member who just needed some extra support,” said Michele Hathcock with A-B Tech Student Services. “So, we’ve worked really hard with our partnership with WNCCHS to put this out on our campus and in the community, so that people know that this market is open for anybody who could use some assistance.”

Today, the community market serves 150-180 households a month on average, which roughly equates to around 500-650 individuals. The collaboration between WNCCHS, A-B Tech, and MANNA is more than just a way to provide food, it’s a model of how communities can meet the growing need for food assistance.

With thousands of families relying on these markets every month across WNC, our partner network of 250+ agencies offer more than just nourishment—they bring hope and a vision for a future where everyone has access to the food they need.

Please enjoy this testimonial from the WNNCHS Market:

Asheville Turkey Trot by Jus' Running: Save The Date: November 28th

We are excited to once again partner with Jus' Running for the 24th Annual Asheville Turkey Trot.

Whether you run the 5K, or do the Gobble Wobble as the whole family, there are plenty of options to support our mission. There's even a costume competition.

To learn more and register, please visit here.

RECOGNITIONS + GRATITUDE

MANNA Day at the Mountain State Fair:

22,144 lbs. of Donated Food

WOW! This year's MANNA Day at the NC Mountain State Fair was a smash success. Through everyone's collective generosity, we were able to bring in 22,144 pounds of food! With this food, we will be able to provide 18,454 meals for our neighbors.

It was incredibly heartwarming to see family after family arrive with countless bags of food. This effort is deeply appreciated, not only by us here at MANNA, but by our neighbors throughout Western North Carolina.

Thank you to NC Mountain State Fair and our sponsor Sheetz.

Affirming Our Local Journalists

Recognizing the Role of Journalism in the Mission to End Hunger

This summer, we were happy to present select local journalists with our Full Plate Awards. It is crucial that the public remains educated and aware of the need for food, and these journalists work hand in hand with us to share our mission.

First, we would like to recognize Tiana Kennell, the food and dining reporter at the Asheville Citizen Times. Tiana's dedication to ethical reporting on hunger issues and her unwavering support for our mission has been instrumental in mobilizing our communities. We're incredibly grateful for her exemplary leadership in helping end hunger.

When we showed up to present Tiana with the award, the Citizen Times had organized their own food drive and presented MANNA with a gift as well. Thank you, Tiana and the Citizen Times!

Congratulations to Gina Smith, the Arts & Culture Editor at the Mountain Xpress. Gina's outstanding reporting and commitment to highlighting food insecurity issues have made a tremendous impact in our fight against hunger. We're deeply appreciative of her strong partnership and leadership in engaging our communities. Thank you, Gina, for your dedication to making a difference in WNC!

Thank You To Those Contributing To Our Mission in August:

We'd like to thank the following Foundations for their support of our food distribution efforts:

Midgard Foundation
Publix Super Market Charities
The Louis & Harold Price Foundation

We'd like to thank the following Corporate Sponsors for their generous contributions:

Heritage Finance Co
Mariner Finance
Sheetz
Wicked Weed Brewing
Chick-fil-A Foundation
Food Lion
Superior Plus Propane

We'd like to thank the following Local Food Donors for going above and beyond in their efforts:

MilkCo
Flavor 1st
Estrada & Sons Produce
JW Johnson
Society of St. Andrews
Ingles Markets
Bright Farms
Paul Collins
Ingles Markets Reclaim Center
Apple Ridge Farms
Paul Collins
Quality First Produce, INC

We'd like to thank the following Retail Food Donors for their collective efforts:

Aldi
Bimbo
Dollar General
Food Lion
Publix
Sam's Club
Trader Joes
Wal-Mart
Whole Foods
City Bakery

We'd like to thank Ingles Markets for their support through the Ingles Reclaim Center:

Thank you, Ingles Markets, for partnering with us in our efforts to end hunger in WNC!

Did You Know...

Charitable Gift Annuities

You can earn income while gaining a tax incentive now and leave a legacy later. With a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), you receive a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.

One recent MANNA supporter shared his interest in CGAs:

"As a volunteer at MANNA FoodBank’s warehouse since 2020, like most people, I am keenly aware of how dire food insecurity is in WNC. I had always intended to leave a legacy to MANNA in my will. However, MANNA opened my eyes to the array of philanthropic options available. I have personally decided to fund a charitable gift annuity now that will benefit the community as well as offer me valuable tax breaks as well as life-long income. As my Father used to say, 'win-win!'"

~ MANNA Volunteer and Supporter, Rick Burton

To learn more about Charitable Gift Annuities and alternative ways to give, please visit:

https://plannedgiving.mannafoodbank.org/charitable-gift-annuities or contact Director of Philanthropic Engagement, Chad Conaty at cconaty@mannafoodbank.org or via phone at 828 774-5910.

We Are Hiring!

Come join a team dedicated to ending hunger in WNC! We are currently hiring for a Community Markets Manager, Executive Assistant/HR Recruitment Coordinator, Local Foods Outreach Manager, and a HR Generalist.

Please help spread the word to your network.