Since September 27, 2024, we have traveled a road together none of us could have foreseen. More than a year ago, Hurricane Helene devastated MANNA FoodBank’s Asheville headquarters, destroying both warehouses and everything inside. In the days that followed, staff, volunteers and partners worked quickly to secure an emergency facility and keep food moving across Western North Carolina.

Today, remarkably, MANNA is operating from our new home at 99 Broadpointe Drive in Mills River, an 84,000-square-foot warehouse purchased just a few weeks after the storm. With extraordinary support from donors, foundations and partners, renovations are underway to make this space food bank ready. We are overjoyed that the construction of our 15,400-square-foot cooler and freezer is on its way to completion  and a backup generator is being installed to safeguard against future crises. These investments ensure that families across WNC will continue to have access to nutritious food, no matter what challenges come.

We are continually amazed by the unwavering heart of our volunteer community who showed up every day since the catastrophe, and continue to show up, despite the extreme heat of this summer and the unavoidable dust and noise associated with our massive construction projects.

Meanwhile, food insecurity has climbed to unprecedented levels. Neighbors are making nearly 170,000 pantry visits on average each month, compared to 158,000 before the storm. In October 2025, visits peaked at more than 215,000 — the highest in MANNA’s 42-year history. Families and individuals across our region are asking for the most basic foods that are out of reach for them: fresh produce, eggs, meat and cheese.

With your incredible help and that of so many caring individuals, corporations and foundations, we are beyond grateful that we were able to launch a three-year multimillion-dollar Essential Foods Program to consistently provide these nutritionally dense foods with a priority focus on purchasing from our local farmers whenever possible. With many of our communities that remain devastated, we are working hard to expand our MANNA community markets program to reach these high-need, under-resourced areas by meeting them where they are, removing overwhelming barriers to access.

One year later, our work remains urgent. Thanks to your generosity, WNC is not only recovering but also determined to build back stronger. Amidst all of this, what we know is that the only way forward is to be together, because it will take all of us to ensure that there is food for all.

With your continued support, we can ensure that every neighbor across the region has access to the food they need to survive and thrive today, tomorrow and for a lifetime. We are grateful beyond measure for you and all who are helping MANNA and our beloved communities Rise Together!

Go to mannafoodbank.org.