Since 1982, Ingles Markets has been supporting MANNA FoodBank in its efforts to end hunger in Western North Carolina.  Without Ingles, thousands of men, women and children in need in the MANNA area would have gone without food. In big and small ways, Ingles has supported MANNA FoodBank, enabling them to fulfill their mission of feeding those in need.

Ingles participates in the overall operations of MANNA FoodBank in many different ways. One way is through the Ingles Giving Tree, celebrating its 14th season over the holidays. Since 1985, The Ingles Giving Tree has provided food for more than 3,317,000 meals to help people in need in WNC. 2006 marks the 14th year of Ingles Day at the Mountain State Fair. With five cans of Laura Lynn brand food products, fairgoers receive free admission on a designated day. This program has provided over 15,000 meals. The community gets involved by donating food and money. Food drives barrels are located at the Mall and all WNC Ingles stores.

Ingles also contributes to MANNA FoodBank's operations by donating equipment like power jacks, a floor scrubber and shelving. They also provide technical assistance in the warehouse and in food industry management. They donate trucking services. Ingles also sponsors food drives and advertises those through a shopping bag program. The mission of MANNA FoodBank is to involve, educate and unite people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina. "Without Ingles, we would have to say no to many people in need," stated Kitty Schaller, Executive Director of MANNA FoodBank. "We thank the people of Ingles for so generously including MANNA as one of the many ways they give back to our community. Together we work to fulfill the MANNA mission through our partner agencies."

Ingles has a first rate grocery reclamation center with MANNA FoodBank. In February 1999, MANNA substantially increased our "mutually beneficial" interactions with the for-profit sector when we began a contract with Ingles Markets to handle their distressed product form the stores and distribution center. Ingles realized an improved "bottom line" from their reclamation program, and MANNA's member agencies share in the bounty of good, clean and nutritious product. The food and groceries from the MANNA-Ingles Grocery Reclaim Center accounts for nearly 23% of the poundage that passes through the FoodBank warehouses.

MANNA FOODBANK
627 Swannanoa River Road
Asheville, NC 28805-2445
Phone 828-299-3663
Fax 828-299-3664
Email mannafb@secondharvest.org

FRANKLIN BRANCH
509 Depot Street
PO Box 1583
Franklin, NC 28734
Phone 828-369-2550
Fax  828-369-7773