In response to the recent federal cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and the growing strain on local food resources, AMY Wellness Foundation (AMYWF), in partnership with Dogwood Health Trust, has awarded $100,000 in funding to help restock food pantries serving residents in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties.
The grants will support Reconciliation House, Feeding Avery Families, and Mitchell County Shepherd’s Staff, three organizations providing food support for local families and individuals in need.
“Our local partners are on the front lines of addressing food insecurity,” said Luke Howe, Executive Director of AMY Wellness Foundation. “With the recent changes to federal food assistance, we’ve seen an immediate increase in demand across our communities. This partnership with Dogwood Health Trust allows us to act quickly to ensure our neighbors have access to basic necessities, especially as we move into the winter months.”
The funding will allow each organization to replenish pantry shelves, purchase staple items, and continue providing emergency food distributions to families who may be struggling to make ends meet.
John Miller, Executive Director of Reconciliation House, shared the growing urgency of the situation:
“Since the cuts, our last three distribution days have more than doubled in the number of people we are serving,” said Miller. “Our communities were already under strain and still recovering from Hurricane Helene, so having this support from AMY Wellness Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust means we can continue meeting the rising need and make sure families don’t go without food.”
Local pantry leaders across the region have echoed this sentiment, noting that the increase in need has outpaced current resources. This funding provides a crucial bridge for families who rely on these services to maintain stability.
The AMY Wellness Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust continue to collaborate to address immediate needs and long-term solutions around health and well-being in Western North Carolina.
Residents in need of food assistance are encouraged to reach out directly to their local food pantries:
- Reconciliation House – Yancey County
- Feeding Avery Families – Avery County
- Mitchell County Shepherd’s Staff – Mitchell County
For more information about AMY Wellness Foundation and its community partners, visit www.amywellnessfoundation.org.
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About AMY Wellness Foundation
AMY (Avery, Mitchell, Yancey) Wellness Foundation was established as a result of the Mission Health System sale to HCA Healthcare to ensure health and wellness was still a main priority in our area of western North Carolina. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties by partnering with local nonprofits, fostering connections among services, and supporting programs that make our communities a healthier place.
For more information please visit https://amywellnessfoundation.org/
About Dogwood Health Trust
Dogwood Health Trust is a private foundation based in Asheville, North Carolina with the sole purpose of dramatically improving the health and wellbeing of all people and communities of 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary in Western North Carolina. Dogwood Health Trust focuses on innovative and equitable ways to address the many factors that contribute to overall health and wellbeing, with a focus on housing, education, economic opportunity, and health and wellness. Dogwood Health Trust works to create a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive, with dignity and opportunity for all, no exceptions. To learn more, please visit www.dht.org.
