As Thanksgiving approaches, YMCA works to ensure more WNC families have food on the table

As families across Western North Carolina begin planning Thanksgiving meals and gathering around tables filled with food, many of their neighbors are facing a very different reality: uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. 

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge throughout the region, with rising costs of groceries and other household necessities making it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to consistently access healthy, nutritious food. The YMCA of Western North Carolina is working year-round to help close that gap, bringing fresh food directly into under-resourced communities and ensuring that access to healthy meals isn't determined by a family's financial circumstances.

This year, the Y reached a significant milestone: 2 million pounds of food distributed since the start of its food access program 11 years ago. While the milestone represents an extraordinary community accomplishment, it also underscores the growing need for food assistance across the region.

Demand grew exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when widespread economic disruption left more people struggling to afford basic necessities. That need increased again following Hurricane Helene, as the storm disrupted food supplies, transportation, and household resources throughout the region. More than two years later, demand remains elevated as inflation, changes to SNAP benefits, and ongoing economic pressures continue to stretch family budgets. 

"What we're seeing is that food insecurity doesn't always look the way people expect it to. It's not limited to one neighborhood, one income level or one demographic. It's working parents trying to make groceries last until payday, older adults choosing between food and other essential expenses, and families who never imagined they would need help putting meals on the table," said Eddie Hawkins, executive director of Community Health for the YMCA of Western North Carolina. "Every pound of food represents a neighbor, a family, or an individual who had access to something nutritious when they needed it. That's what matters, and that's why we continue showing up."

Bringing fresh food directly to the community

A cornerstone of the YMCA's food access efforts is its Mobile Food Market program, which brings free, fresh produce and other nutritious food directly to community gathering places throughout Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Haywood, and Madison counties.

Rather than requiring individuals to travel to a central distribution location, the markets travel to the neighborhoods where people already live, work, and access services. Locations include libraries, community centers, churches, healthcare facilities, apartment complexes, and YMCA locations.

Among the locations served are Swannanoa Library, Shiloh Community Center, Oakley/South Asheville Library, Mills River Park, Haywood Pediatrics in Clyde, Hendersonville Family YMCA, Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler, Madison County Cooperative Extension in Marshall, Leicester Library, Crowell Apartments in Asheville, Woodfin YMCA, and the A.C. Bud Hogan Community Center in Old Fort. The Y also operates special pop-up markets, including a November 13 distribution at Mission Hospital from 1-2 p.m.

The markets are designed to feel much like a traditional farmers market. Fresh food is arranged for community members to select what they need for their households, with no cost, income qualifications, identification requirements or limits on the amount of food individuals can take.

Behind every market is a coordinated community effort. The YMCA works with grocery stores, local farmers, and MANNA FoodBank to source food, while volunteers help sort and prepare donations, remove food that isn't suitable for distribution, and organize fresh items for market days. At each location, volunteers and YMCA staff help welcome visitors, answer questions, share recipes, and offer ideas for preparing unfamiliar ingredients.

The program also goes beyond food distribution. Participants can access practical nutrition information, cooking tips and demonstrations, and Spanish-speaking YMCA community staff are available to help connect individuals with additional community resources.

By bringing food directly into neighborhoods and removing common barriers to access, the YMCA is helping ensure that more people can put healthy food on their tables while preserving the dignity and choice that everyone deserves. 

A community effort with a lasting impact

The Y's food access program is part of its broader commitment to strengthening communities and helping people thrive, recognizing that health and well-being extend far beyond the walls of a YMCA facility.

Access to nutritious food is foundational to physical health, childhood development, and overall quality of life. When families have to worry about where their next meal will come from, that uncertainty can affect nearly every aspect of their lives. 

Addressing hunger is therefore not simply about distributing food; it's about creating healthier, stronger communities where people have the resources and support they need to move forward.

The 2-million-pound milestone would not be possible without the generosity of donors, the commitment of volunteers, and the collaboration of local businesses, farmers, food partners, and community organizations that help make the markets possible.

"As we approach Thanksgiving, it's easy to focus on the meals we'll share with our own families. But it's also an opportunity to recognize that there are people right here in our communities who may be wondering how they'll provide a meal for theirs," Hawkins said. "We believe everyone deserves access to nutritious food and the opportunity to live a healthy life. That belief is reflected in the work our volunteers, partners, and staff do every week. It's not just about what we distribute. It's about showing our neighbors that they matter, that they're part of this community and that we're here for them."

The Y encourages individuals, families, and businesses interested in supporting local food access efforts to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to give. Community donations help sustain the Mobile Food Markets and make it possible to continue bringing fresh, nutritious food to thousands of neighbors throughout Western North Carolina.

To view current Mobile Food Market schedules, learn more about the YMCA's food access programs, or find ways to get involved, visit ymcawnc.org/food.

About the YMCA of Western North Carolina 
The nonprofit YMCA of Western North Carolina strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, the YMCA of WNC engages more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. It does this through seven YMCAs, dozens of program sites, and YMCA Camp Watia. As the state’s largest provider of licensed school-age childcare, it gives more than 1,000 children a day the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.