MANNA FoodBank unveils food finder tool to tackle food insecurity in WNC

MANNA FoodBank, a prominent force in hunger relief and the sole Feeding America food bank serving Western North Carolina, proudly introduces its groundbreaking food finder tool. This online resource, accessible through the organization’s website, aims to better connect its dedicated partner network comprising pantries, meal providers, and other nonprofits to people facing hunger in the region. Along with MANNA’s Food Helpline, the Food Finder is another important step in MANNA’s ongoing work to provide food access and support for the tens of thousands of WNC families currently turning to the MANNA network for food.

As the ongoing need for food continues at unprecedented levels, MANNA recognizes that its 300+ member strong partner network is the front line of hunger relief for 16 counties in Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. These dedicated organizations play a vital role in ensuring that individuals and families facing food insecurity have access to essential resources right when they need it, providing immediate hunger relief for more than 170,000 people in November 2023 alone.

The Food Finder is designed to enhance the efficiency of this network by centralizing information on food distribution points, pantries, and assistance programs. By leveraging the collective strength of its partner organizations, MANNA aims to provide ongoing outreach and support to anyone in WNC who might be facing a grocery gap.

“Our partner network is the backbone of our efforts to combat hunger in Western North Carolina. Together, we form a united front against food insecurity,” says Dr. Claire Neal, CEO at MANNA. “The Food Finder tool is a testament to our commitment to empowering our partners while also streamlining access to food resources for our neighbors who need our help.”

To underscore the collaborative nature of this initiative, MANNA is calling on community members, businesses, and organizations to actively share the Food Finder Tool within their networks and communities. By amplifying awareness of this resource, the organization aims to strengthen the reach of its partner network and ensure that no one in the region goes hungry.

“Our partner network is an invaluable force in the fight against hunger,” says Neal. “Through collective efforts, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.”

To explore the Food Finder Tool and learn more about MANNA’s extensive partner network dedicated to hunger relief in Western North Carolina, please visitmannafoodbank.org/where-to-get-help/.

 

About MANNA FoodBank

MANNA FoodBank is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Western North Carolina since 1983. As an accredited member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, the mission of MANNA FoodBank is to involve, educate, and unite people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina. MANNA works with over 300 community-based nonprofit food assistance partner agencies in 16 Western North Carolina counties including the Qualla Boundary, and distributed 20.1 million pounds of food in 2022/2023. MANNA is a nonpartisan organization committed to sharing facts and information about issues related to hunger in Western North Carolina and how they affect those we serve. For more information, visit MANNAFoodbank.org, or call 828-299-FOOD.

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Unites States. Through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, we provide meals to more than 40 million people each year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry.