While Cherokee and Clay counties were spared from the destruction of Hurricane Helene, some effects are being felt locally.
The MANNA Food Bank warehouse along the banks of the Swannanoa River in Asheville was destroyed by flooding, and many non-perishable foods stored there were also lost. MANNA has been a major supplier of food banks in this region, providing food boxes to local food pantries, senior centers and Weekend Wellness Bags for students in need.
Marlana Baker, a Cherokee County family & consumer sciences agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, said the three local locations that receive MANNA Family Boxes are the Andrews Senior Center, Bellview Community Center and Hiwassee Dam Senior Center. In addition, eight schools Cherokee and Clay counties are supported with Weekend Wellness Bags for students.
The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance was able to provide 50 family boxes to the Bellview Community Center and will continue to aid as they can while shipments from MANNA are delayed. The nonprofit has also teamed up with the Town of Murphy, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and Clay County Community for Students & School personnel to fulfill the Weekend Wellness Bags.
MANNA is bouncing back quickly; officials have secured a new warehouse they are working to set up while temporarily stationed at the Western North Carolina Farmers Market. They are also working to provide food to the dramatic increase of people in need as a result of Hurricane Helene, which means MANNA may not be able to resume providing good for another few weeks.
“This is an opportunity to think about our food system and what we want that to look like going forward,” said Megan Lambert, president of the Cherokee Clay Food Alliance.
With the number of people dealing with food insecurities on the rise, Lambert and other officials would like to see the community continue to work together against this long-term problem.
“I’d love to see our energy put towards creating a future where there is less hunger and need for nutritious food on a daily basis so that we are better able to respond to emergencies,” she said.
Food donations are momentarily paused at major donation sites, like Tri-County Community College, to allow collection sites to assess the most vital needs. Locals who want to donate food can help by contributing supplies to go to the Student Weekend Wellness Bags.
Non-perishable, single-serve snacks and meals are being accepted. Drop-off locations for these items are the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in Murphy, Cooperative Extension in Murphy and Matt’s Ministry in Hayesville. Monetary donations can also be made to local food banks or the Cherokee Clay Food Alliance.