“Folks who live here have to drive over 30 minutes in any direction to get food or medicine,” said Patty. “For many of these families, this is their only local access to fresh food. We knew we had to do something about this food desert, so we partnered with MANNA back in 2021 to launch this distribution site… and words cannot express how much of an impact it’s had on our community.”  

I watched as kids with bright smiles reached for bags of rice, beans, potatoes, cucumbers, and tomatoes and placed them into their carts—eager to help their parents shop for groceries. A middle-aged woman lit up when she found her favorite truffle sauce to compliment her dinner recipe that she planned to cook that evening. From basic food necessities to the simple luxuries of seasonings and ingredients, I was reminded at Nantahala that the power of community resiliency is revealed in the beauty of togetherness.

—Micah Chrisman, Director of Marketing & Communications at MANNA FoodBank

Hear Patty Waters’ Story Below:

Embracing Nutritional Wellness

National Nutrition Month serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of nutritious foods in promoting overall health and vitality. From fresh fruits and vegetables to whole grains and lean proteins, every food choice contributes to nourishing our bodies and enhancing our well-being. North Carolinians experience a higher rate of health issues than the national average, and the Appalachian region of the state again outpaces even the state’s higher rates. The connection of hunger to chronic health issues is clear: processed, sugar-laden foods are far more affordable than nutritious foods, and thus more accessible and easier on a household budget already struggling to afford basic groceries.

Educating and Empowering

At MANNA, we are committed to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and resources needed to make healthier food choices. Through our nutrition education programs, online cooking workshops, and community outreach initiatives, we provide practical tools and valuable insights to help individuals adopt healthier eating habits and lead healthier lives. Our Nutrition Works team not only works to ensure that we are providing neighbors with nutrient-dense and calorie-dense foods, but also recipes that provide clients with a tasty way to cook up the food that they are bringing home from our mobile markets.

Nourishing Our Communities

We recognize that access to nutritious foods is essential for building healthy communities. Through our network of partner agencies and community collaborations, we work tirelessly to ensure that nutritious food is accessible and available to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Western North Carolina. By addressing the root causes of hunger and promoting access to healthy food options, we strive to create a healthier and more equitable community for all.

Taking Action

As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, let’s take meaningful steps toward prioritizing our health and well-being. Whether it’s incorporating more fresh produce into our diets, exploring new recipes, or learning about healthy cooking techniques, every positive choice we make contributes to our overall health and vitality.

Together, let’s harness the power of nutrition to nourish our bodies, nurture our well-being, and build healthier communities across Western North Carolina and beyond.