MANNA FoodBank Expands Cold Storage Capacity in Western North Carolina

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MANNA FoodBank, a leading food bank serving Western North Carolina, has opened a new 15,600-square-foot freezer and cooler facility at its headquarters in Mills River. The expansion, made possible through $6.385 million in collective donations, will allow MANNA to safely store and distribute more nutritious perishable foods like fresh produce, dairy, and frozen proteins to its network of over 300 partner food pantries and distribution sites across a 16-county service area.

Why it matters

The new cold storage facility is a critical step in MANNA FoodBank's recovery and expansion of services following the destruction of its Asheville headquarters by Hurricane Helene. The increased capacity will help the organization meet historically high demand, as neighbors in need make nearly 200,000 visits each month to access food assistance across the region.

The details

For nearly 500 days after flood waters destroyed MANNA FoodBank's Asheville headquarters, the organization relied on refrigerated trucks to store and distribute perishable food while the new 15,600-square-foot freezer and cooler addition was under construction. The new facility expands MANNA's freezer and cooler capacity by 233%, allowing the organization to safely store and distribute more nutritious foods to communities across Western North Carolina.

• MANNA FoodBank's Asheville headquarters was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
• Construction on the new 15,600-square-foot freezer and cooler facility began in 2025.
• The new cold storage building opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 17, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

MANNA FoodBank plans to host a grand opening celebration for the new freezer and cooler facility in the coming weeks, inviting the community to tour the expanded cold storage space and learn more about the organization's efforts to increase food access across Western North Carolina.