Nourish Our Neighbors

December 2025

Franklin, NC — In response to growing food insecurity across Western North Carolina, exacerbated first by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and more recently by a federal freeze on SNAP payments, Nantahala Health Foundation (NHF) has launched a regional initiative to support local food security providers, made possible through a partnership with Dogwood Health Trust.

Through their “Nourish Our Neighbors Initiative,” NHF is expected to mobilize more than $110,000 to address urgent food access needs across its six-county service area and the Qualla Boundary. This funding reflects the combined support of Dogwood Health Trust and NHF resources dedicated specifically to this regional effort.

While county-specific allocations are still being determined, Foundation Executive Director Lori Bailey says they will work closely with existing community partners—food banks, food pantries, faith-based organizations, and other food security providers—to assess needs and capacity and make funding decisions accordingly.

This initiative comes at a critical time, Bailey said.

“Disruptions and delays in federal programs such as SNAP and the state’s Healthy Opportunities Pilot are not only stressful for families who rely on these benefits to make ends meet—they often result in empty cupboards and difficult choices between food, housing, and utilities,” she said “Combined with the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, these challenges have left many households struggling to access nutritious food. As winter approaches, the need is expected to rise even further, with higher heating costs and seasonal employment reductions putting additional strain on household budgets.”

Although NHF’s coverage area was not as severely impacted by the storm as neighboring communities, the primary regional food bank based in Asheville that serves our entire six-county area experienced significant damage to its facility during Hurricane Helene. This disruption created a ripple effect, straining partner programs and food security providers throughout the outlying areas that depend on its regional support.

Other factors compounding the challenge include inflation in food prices, rising housing costs, and transportation barriers that make it difficult for families to reach food distribution sites.

“Our goal with this initiative is to strengthen the safety net of local organizations that respond to these situations,” Bailey added. “We are grateful to Dogwood Health Trust for their partnership and support, and we invite others to join us in this important work to Nourish Our Neighbors.”

NHF encourages individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners to contribute to this effort. Donations to the Foundation will help ensure that food security providers have the resources they need to meet rising demand and continue serving vulnerable populations throughout the region.

Your donation today will help NHF:

• Provide nutritious meals to families in need
• Support local food pantries and distribution efforts
• Ensure continuity of services during this critical time

About Nantahala Health Foundation

Working since 2019 as a regional catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Nantahala Health Foundation seeks to partner with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary to improve health and wellness outcomes for all.

By addressing the root causes of health inequities and removing barriers to accessing quality healthcare, education and economic opportunities, the Foundation’s impact is broadly felt in its partnerships with regional change-makers. The Foundation has awarded more than $4.2 million in support to some 220 projects totaling a financial investment of more than $20 million throughout the region.

Additionally, the Foundation has invested more than $254,000 in building the capacity of 156 regional leaders, equipping them to collaborate effectively and to grow the people they serve, resulting in a richer, more inclusive, connected, and thriving community.

Those wishing to support the Foundation’s work by making a tax-deductible donation may do so by visiting their website at NantahalaHealthFoundation.org.