ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County officials and local organizations are mobilizing to provide food assistance as thousands of residents face losing SNAP benefits starting Nov. 1 due to a federal shutdown.

The county is partnering with MANNA FoodBank to host a food drive beginning Friday, Oct. 31, at all county libraries. MANNA serves more than 137,000 people monthly across Western North Carolina. Officials are requesting shelf-stable foods, canned fruits and vegetables, proteins such as chicken and tuna (pouches preferred), and dried beans and rice. A full list of needed items is available online.

Nonprofits across the region are stepping in to fill the gap. Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) has provided food, clothing, utility and rental assistance for more than 55 years. ABCCM operates a soup kitchen at 1543 Patton Ave. and four Crisis Ministry locations in Asheville, Arden, Candler and North Asheville.

Other local resources include:

BeLoved Asheville: Distributing EAT Cards for free meals and encouraging restaurants to offer dishes accessible to EBT cardholders.

Bounty & Soul Popup Markets: Offering free produce and whole foods across Asheville, Black Mountain, Fairview and Swannanoa.

Food Connection: Fresh meals at multiple distribution sites across the region.

Haywood Street Congregation/Downtown Welcome Table: Free Wednesday lunches by reservation.

Southside Community Farm and Free Grocery Programs: Outdoor pantries and refrigerators with locally grown produce.

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries: Serves the homeless, poor and addicted populations of Western North Carolina.

YMCA of Western North Carolina: Mobile food markets and financial assistance for memberships and programs.

12 Baskets Café & Asheville Poverty Initiative: Free coffee and lunch service Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in West Asheville.

Special programs for children

Families affected by the SNAP pause can access additional help. Davis Country Store & Cafe in Old Fort is offering free meals for children who receive SNAP benefits. The program began Oct. 26 and covers breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner available Thursdays through Saturdays). Families must show a SNAP card and ID, and the offer applies only to minors ordering from the kids’ menu. The initiative serves families in Buncombe, McDowell and Burke counties at 75 East Main St., Old Fort.

Lured Market & Grill is also stepping in to help families affected by the recent SNAP benefit shutdown. The restaurant is offering free meals for children impacted by the interruption in food assistance. No adult entrée purchase is required. Families can simply show a SNAP card when ordering at the window to receive the free meal.

More help

Additional pantries and food programs operate across Henderson, Buncombe, McDowell, Swain, Watauga and Haywood counties, offering food, hygiene supplies, and other essentials. Several organizations provide rental and utility assistance, including ABCCM, Eblen Charities, United Way and housing nonprofits.

Babies Need Bottoms, a local diaper bank, recently received a donation of multiple cases of Similac Sensitive infant formula through the Buncombe County Register of Deeds office. Families can pick up formula, diapers and wipes on the first floor of 205 College St. in downtown Asheville. The organization asks families to “take what you need, just leave some for others.”

Free and low-cost health services are available at clinics run by MAHEC, Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries, Barnardsville Fire Department, and other local providers.

Community leaders emphasized the urgency. Covenant Community Church launched “Closing the Gap on SNAP,” a program collecting grocery gift cards to support families affected by the shutdown. Organizers said $150 covers what one person typically receives in SNAP benefits each month, but all donations help.

For more information on food, financial and health assistance in Western North Carolina, visit MANNA FoodBank’s Food Finder
and related local nonprofit websites.