The aim of the project is to support the roll-out of four new local community markets, providing nutritious food to around 8,000 people each year.
MANNA FoodBank is working to combat food insecurity in western areas of North Carolina. Collaborating with a vast network of community partners, the organisation collects, stores and distributes food to thousands of people experiencing hardship. Through innovative programmes, such as the MANNA local community markets and the purchase of local produce, it promotes equal access to healthy food while supporting the regional agricultural economy.
Formerly known as Pop-Up Markets, MANNA Community Markets (MCMs) are mobile distribution markets designed to reach people in rural or underserved areas. Each market is set up in partnership with a local organisation, which understands the food needs of its region and maintains close links with the community. These partners help to manage the local market by identifying a location for distribution, mobilising volunteers and promoting the market to people likely to be in need of its food resources.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which hit parts of the eastern and south-eastern United States in September 2024, generating colossal needs among the population and directly impacting the capacity of charities, MANNA FoodBank extended its local markets programme.
The project funded by the Audemars Piguet Foundation for Common Good aims to support the operation of four new community markets in the counties of McDowell, Buncombe, Jackson and Yancey. Each year, these markets will provide nutritious food to around 8,000 people, while helping to build a holistic support system for cohesive, resilient communities.
