Community Engagement Markets Serve Nearly 3,000 Students and Families During 2019-2020

Community Engagement Markets Serve Families Throughout Buncombe County

A partnership amongst MANNA Foodbank, Buncombe County Government, and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County provides free, no-contact meal boxes each month to students and families. Nearly 25 markets have been held in partnership with our organization, serving 2,709 with community volunteers showing up to unload, pack and distribute over 58,000 pounds of food to local families. When COVID-19's presence became known and schools began to close, a former meal assistance support provided through our Homework Diner programs pivoted to curbside meal box pick-up through the summer and into this school year.

Market Schedule + 211 for Community Resources

Three Community Engagement Markets are available free of charge each month at Enka Middle School, Erwin Middle School, and Isaac Dickson Elementary. We've also helped compile a list of free food resources throughout Buncombe county, which is updated daily and encourage you to dial 211, a free and confidential resource line to help connect you to community services.

Community Engagement Market Schedule:

Enka Middle School: First Tuesday, 5 p.m. -6:30 p.m.

Erwin Middle School: Second Monday, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Isaac Dickson Elementary: Third Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.