Assist with food drives/food distribution at local food pantries/backpack programs and help meet the basic needs of those in need; media campaign, volunteering at events, help manage referrals, evaluate needs/resources, etc.

The Manna Backpack Program is a community program that helps children who do not have enough food on the weekends. Many children get meals at school during the week, but when they are at home over the weekend, they may not have enough to eat. The program gives these children a backpack filled with healthy, easy-to-make food, like snacks, meals, and drinks, so they have enough food to eat when they aren’t at school.

The Manna Backpack Program works with local schools, community groups, and volunteers to make sure children who need food get it. This helps children feel better, stay healthy, and do well in school. The goal is to make sure no child goes hungry and that they have the energy to learn and grow.

Along the intersection of the North Toe River and Highway 226, hope is as abundant as the trees for which the town is named. Here in Spruce Pine, off of Roan Road is Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, one of eight MANNA partner agencies in Mitchell County. Community partners have worked tirelessly for the past two years to grow a food ministry to meet the dynamic needs of the community.

The partners for this program include:

• Opened in February 2018, Neighbors Feeding Neighbors provided food to 3 families. In May 2020, the organization served 1,442 families, representing 2,857 individuals.
• Hosted a drive-thru pantry distribution Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 12:00-5:00 PM, as well a Community Meal every other Saturday, which has also turned into hot meals to-go, if desired . They are available for direct home deliveries and local CSA farm packs. The Senior Center delivers to Meals On Wheels clients Monday through Friday.
• Assisted people of Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey Counties who are struggling in life to get them back on their feet with food, clothing, heat, and other resources
• Dedicated to eliminating hunger by any means possible including monetary donations, volunteerism and/or food donations and is operated totally by volunteers and all of its food programs are offered free of charge