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    • Asheville MANNA Receives Million Grant to Support Helen’s Rebuilding
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    Asheville MANNA Receives $1 Million Grant to Support Helen’s Rebuilding

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    ASHEVILLE – MANNA FoodBank’s main distribution center and property just yards from the Swannanoa River were devastated by Tropical Storm Helene. But the nonprofit received another major donation as part of its efforts to recover from the storm and help feed those in need as the region rebuilds as winter approaches.

    On Dec. 18, the nonprofit received $1 million from Food Lion Feeds, a charitable foundation that is the philanthropic arm of the Food Lion grocery chain. The grant will help with recovery efforts and rebuilding MANNA services in Western North Carolina, according to a Dec. 18 news release from Food Lion Feeds. The food bank lost $28 million in assets after Helene destroyed the company’s main location along Swannanoa River Road.

    Asheville MANNA spokesperson Micah Chrisman said Asheville MANNA FoodBank is “very grateful to Food Lion for this incredible gift” as the company is still working to rebuild after Helene. Currently, the company aims to rebuild 15,400 square feet of freezer and refrigerator space, Chrisman said. The project is estimated at $6.5 million.

    More: MANNA FoodBank Distribution Center Lost in Tropical Storm Helene, New Facility Acquired

    The nonprofit now uses 10 refrigerated semi-trailers instead of operating with a traditional freezer, Chrisman said.

    “Every dollar goes toward our recovery efforts and operations,” Chrisman said.

    Despite the devastation caused by Hélène, the nonprofit organization quickly activated in the first weeks following the storm that swept through WNC on September 27. Asheville MANNA distributed food to about 8,000 families in the first two weeks after the storm, Chrisman said. In November alone, the food bank distributed more than 896,000 pounds of food, or approximately more than a million meals, he said. In 2023, Asheville MANNA distributed food to an average of 158,000 families per month across 16 counties in Western North Carolina.

    On Dec. 18, the nonprofit distributed food to 800 families at the WNC Agricultural Center during a holiday meal box distribution event. The additional food will be distributed to partner agencies in surrounding counties, Chrisman said. For those looking for food while on vacation, they can head to MANNA foraging map, he said.

    This donation follows an influx of donations to the non-profit association. Including additional funding from the Duke Endowment announced on December 17. The endowment donated $2 million that will be split between MANNA Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Harvest Hope Food Bank, Golden Harvest Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank. of northwest North Carolina to support emergency food distribution following Helene’s death.

    Monetary donations can be made to mannafoodbank.org. For food assistance, call 800-820-1109.

    More: Eviction notices in hand, people flock to North Asheville church to seek rental assistance

    More: After Helene, more than 100 Buncombe and Henderson landowners seek buyout

    Will Hofmann is a growth and development reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today network. Do you have any advice? Email him at [email protected]. Consider supporting this type of journalism with a subscription at the Citizen Times.

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