Our Hurricane Helene support and relief efforts have settled into the reality of recovery: a LONG road ahead. In the last few weeks, we’ve experienced the sobering news of people dying from exposure, seeing the former MANNA FoodBank building in person, and taking in the magnitude of the storm’s impact. Frankly, we are learning to move through the overwhelming nature of the tasks ahead.

Thankfully, we have also witnessed signs of hope that are carrying us forward:

• MANNA FoodBank has moved into their new (and very empty) home – a former FedEx facility.
• MANNA is now, once again, distributing food to all 16 of their counties – an incredible feat given where they were just a couple of weeks ago!
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC is providing food in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties – which are NOT the counties they normally serve. These counties are typically served by MANNA, but Second Harvest NWNC recognized the high demand near their area and provided assistance!
• We visited North Wilkesboro Speedway and saw a great example of our friends and neighbors donating in support of the people impacted by Helene at this donation and distribution site.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina has invested close to $1 million of its own funds to build and provide food boxes for its sister Food Banks in need, without worrying about how they will replace the money spent.

These examples of ‘Feeding Hope’ – alongside the support of so many individuals, companies, and organizations who have donated to our relief efforts – are what drive us. Food Bankers are resilient folks, so we know – with a little help from our neighbors – we will come through this stronger than ever.

To continue to support our relief efforts, head to our disaster relief page.

Our deepest thank you,

Mike Darrow | ED, Feeding the Carolinas