In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, the landscape of food access in Western North Carolina has been drastically altered. Before the storm, the region was already grappling with significant food insecurity issues. But now, the challenges have intensified, leaving many communities in a state of crisis.

"Helping Western North Carolina Overcome the Food Crisis After Helene"

MANNA Foodbank: A Beacon in the Crisis

MANNA Foodbank, a prominent hunger relief organization, faced a total loss when its Asheville facility was destroyed by the storm. Over 6 feet of water swept through, blowing out walls and destroying all their food reserves, equipment, and offices. Mold set in, making the building a total loss. However, they were fortunate to have moved their fleet of trucks to higher ground as a precaution.Immediately after the storm, MANNA began the arduous task of distributing food. Within three days, they brought in reinforcements from Charlotte and started operations at the Western North Carolina Farmers’ Market. Now, they have successfully moved to a former FedEx warehouse in Mills River.Last year, MANNA was feeding an average of 158,000 people per month. But after Helene, they are anticipating feeding more than 250,000 people monthly. Many of the families they serve have limited access to basic necessities like gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Some have to commute long distances to Asheville for work as there are no jobs in their rural areas.The delivery of food to the mountains was a challenging task with no cell service, water, or internet, and countless roads destroyed. Yet, they managed to deliver 900,000 pounds of food across the region in November.

Local Food Banks and Their Role

In Mitchell County, Spruce Pine’s main grocery store, an Ingle’s, has been closed since the storm. The only open grocery store is Walmart. The food organization, Mitchell County Shepherd’s Staff, is feeding more people than ever before. Every road to Mitchell County was damaged, and they are operating in emergency mode, providing meat, eggs, canned goods, and emergency supplies.In Watauga County, home to Boone, the Hunger and Health Coalition has been addressing food and medicine access gaps for 42 years. Since COVID, the number of people seeking their help has increased. After Helene, the numbers have risen dramatically. Their mobile delivery has adapted to the post-Helene terrain, with volunteers using ATVs, donkeys, or hiking to reach inaccessible homes. Fresh produce is the most requested item, along with EpiPens, insulin, and foods for those with specific conditions.

How Helene Worsened Food Access

UNC Asheville health sciences professor Fabrice Julien highlights that food insecurity rates in Western North Carolina were already higher than in other parts of the state. Helene has made the situation even more precarious. People have been forced to relocate and are displaced, lacking adequate food access.Julien, who taught a course on 'Public Health in Disasters' and volunteers at MANNA Foodbank, sees the record number of people coming to their distribution events. Food insecurity affects physical and mental well-being in multiple ways, lowering life expectancy and increasing the rates of various diseases.The storm's impact on farm production is a concern. Julien worries that it cuts off an important supply of fresh food and increases the costs of bringing in food from other areas, making produce more expensive.In conclusion, the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene has left Western North Carolina facing a long-term crisis of food insecurity. But with the efforts of organizations like MANNA and local food banks, they are working to provide relief and find long-term solutions.