Did you know that, according to Feeding America, a nonprofit that collects and shares data on food insecurity, at least 15% of Buncombe County struggles with food insecurity? The struggle of food insecurity is an issue that has become a rather large problem within the Swannanoa community. While the issue is one that was always present within the community, it has become an even bigger problem now that Swannanoa is classified as a food desert following the impact of Tropical Storm Helene.
Since the storm, funding cuts have been primarily targeted toward government assistance programs. For example, programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka food stamps) have been more strictly limited. There has also been a strain on places like MANNA FoodBank, which offers food to hundreds of other nonprofit organizations as well as people in need. Is there anything that can be done to help the people who continue to struggle to secure food for themselves and their families?
Even if you are also struggling with food insecurity, you might be wondering: Is it even your job to help?…