Dear reader,

This week’s holiday reminds us to be thankful, even as many families are struggling due to high grocery prices and changes in food assistance programs. 

In October, the government shutdown halted funding that supports food assistance programs called SNAP. Benefits were reinstated earlier this month when Congress came to an agreement on the budget. 

During the government shutdown, local nonprofits stepped up to feed people in the community. In Western North Carolina, MANNA Foodbank  expanded its food purchasing budget by 200% to meet the surge in need for the next three months. 

The Community Table, a food pantry in Jackson County, worked with 158 new families in October, according to Executive Director Paige Christie. In the first week of November alone, 89 new families accessed the program just before SNAP benefits restarted.

“We have seen zero decrease in need as the reinstatement of SNAP benefits is not an instantaneous event,” Christie said in an email on Nov. 24.  “It will take months for people to get their feet back under them after this.” 

Earlier this month, Christie gave N.C. First Lady Anna Stein a tour of the facility which includes a shoppable food pantry and cafe for community members.

“It's very concerning, it's scary, as we're going into the holidays, we're going into the cold weather. It is heartbreaking to think of families and children going hungry,” Stein said.  

The Community Table is on track to serve more than 15,000 individuals and 5,500 families by the end of 2025.

As the need remains, we created a map of food access points across the state. Find local food pantries as well as volunteer possibilities.

At NC Local, our WNC coverage is informed by what the community needs. We are excited to bring you even more in the coming months - including launching The Trailhead newsletter in December. If you like what you’ve seen so far, make sure to subscribe and share this with your friends and family.

See you on the trail!  

Lilly Knoepp 

Senior Western NC Reporter