SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After months of uncertainty, Ingles Markets has officially taken a meeting with county planners about reopening a grocery store in Swannanoa, N.C., according to Jennifer Horton, a District 1 county commissioner in Buncombe County.
Following the extensive damage in Swannanoa caused by Hurricane Helene, Ingles closed its store at 2299 US-70.
“Ingles: Communicate with Swannanoa!”
As the only native grocery store to Swannanoa, however, the extended wait for the store to reopen, combined with a lack of clear communication from the grocery chain, caused frustration, anxiety and concerns about a food desert forming in the town among its residents.
A change.org petition called “Ingles: Communicate with Swannanoa!” has garnered over 1,000 signatures, with commenters citing the lack of walkable grocery options for many in Swannanoa without reliable transportation…