- First in a two-part series.
Topton As part of its Food Lion Feeds program, the Salisbury-based grocery chain has long worked to address food insecurity partnering with Asheville-based Manna Food Bank locally.
The program made its first visit to the mountains of western North Carolina on April 1 during the monthly food bank at Aquone Baptist Church to celebrate meeting its goal of providing 1 billion meals through its “Thanks A Billion” program.
The Food Lion Feeds program began in 2014. At first, it was created to help address food insecurity across the Southeastern 10-state area.
While the goal was at first to provide 500 million meals by the end of 2020 and was swiftly achieved, a new goal of 1 billion by the end of 2025 became their new rallying point. When meeting the 1 billion goal happened 10 months early and into the first quarter of 2025, the program decided to honor seven of its markets in cities around the region.
The program’s mission statement of sorts is, “No one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries.” To that end, between partnering within corporate ranks as well as employee volunteer hours along with strong customer support, they aim to offer 1 billion more meals by the end of 2025.
While Hurricane Helene devastated Manna Food Bank’s capacity to reach the far western counties in the latter portion of 2024, those two months were part of what cauterized Food Lion’s efforts to help those in the affected areas while working to regain access to the food pantries of our area.
Manna Food Bank has served western North Carolina since 1983. According to its website, they “provide emergency food support to more than 130,000 people region-wide each month.”
Manna typically receives allocations from both state and federal governments, along with corporate aid and individual donations. By working with various outlets to secure both product and funding they provide an intricate network of partnerships to rely upon for their varying needs.
Bridging the gap locally
Pastor Robin Stiles has been at Aquone Baptist for four years. He said this program “sort of fell into our lap. Our church’s attendance is low, but we take what the Lord sends and we make the best of it.”
Stiles refers to Topton and Nantahala as places where many people won’t ask for help, even if it’s needed.
“Mountain people are self-sufficient, and while there are lots who may need help, it’s a delicate situation to offer that,” he said. “We must be considerate of others’ feelings, while also being ready to provide assistance.”
Stiles said the church is always there to help.
“When people make their decision to reach out any stigma is taken away and they’re able to maintain their dignity. That’s where we come in and help them retain that,” he said.
“Remember, Jesus fed those 5,000 and asked for nothing in return. We’d love to see our small congregation grow, but we use what God provides for all.”
That sentiment is echoed by Patty Ann Waters, head of Aquone’s food pantry.
“I kind of took charge in 2022 and I haven’t looked back,” she said.
Waters is in charge of the ordering, which she does through Manna. She then oversees the food distribution, which occurs the first Tuesday of every month.
“There’s no paperwork to fill out,” she said. “No intrusion into your or your family’s personal life or situation. That’s important for so many people.”
Waters also corrals a herd of volunteers from the church, along with the Nantahala Community Development Club, who gather to sort boxes for delivery to those either homebound or incapable of physically visiting the church on distribution days.
“We do have some shut-ins who get boxes delivered and periodically maybe someone has suffered an injury or had to have surgery, so we reach out to them and get their boxes delivered,” she said.
“We have about 25 boxes that get delivered, and overall we serve around 150 in the community. People also drive here from Andrews and Robbinsville. We’re here to serve anyone in need. The only question asked is how many people are in your family, so I can know what to order each time.”
3,000 pounds of food
Waters said she’ll typically order 3,000 pounds of food, and whatever isn’t fresh and leftover goes into the church’s pantry, which is available upon request to anyone in need of canned goods and non-perishable items. There was a variety of canned goods – including black and green beans, canned tomatoes, grape jelly and peanut butter – shelf-stable milk, soft drinks and healthy snack bars along with pasta and soft drinks of several varieties.
Along with her husband, Mike, Patty Ann handles the crowds with two clipboards so she can tally the numbers in each family receiving food. Her handy roll of blue painter’s tape and a Sharpie is useful for writing the names of those whose boxes will be delivered.
Waters emphasizes the difference between the Aquone market and several others is that while they do pack boxes for deliveries, they allow people to “shop” for their food to make it a more personalized experience.
“They come down the tables when the weather’s good and they select what they want and they can pick up for their neighbors in need as well. We only ask how many are in the household. The shopping experience also provides them the freedom of choice, helping them retain their autonomy, their dignity,” she said.
Waters alerts people of each event on social media.
“Sometimes people visit the market and they want companionship, just to chat for a while. This socializing aspect lets them maintain their independence like the personalized shopping aspect. Our group of volunteers is usually anywhere from 12-15 people, so there’s a good chance to stay and talk with folks in our community,” she said.
“And typically, the community club brings in food for lunch here, so it’s a good chance for fellowship, too.”
Norma Zeman of Andrews said she comes every month to volunteer and help out the larger community. It’s rewarding to get to know people in Nantahala.
Next: “Thanks a Billion.”