Community Engagement Markets are Back Starting Feb. 5

Do you know someone who needs help with groceries? For years, Buncombe County’s community engagement markets have been a vital resource for our neighbors. With food insecurity still a priority, we are excited to announce the return of community engagement markets starting Wednesday, Feb. 5 at Aston Park Tower. In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, many market locations were paused due to emergency response, and our partners at MANNA Foodbank lost their primary location.

“We’re excited to get back in the community and provide these services to residents in need,” says Market Coordinator Leonard Jones. “And we are so proud of the resilience our partner MANNA has displayed through their commitment to this community during this time of need.”

For many in our community, no-cost healthy meals and connection to County and partner services and resources serve as valuable lifelines. Buncombe County’s Community Engagement Markets offer free food, medical services when available, and information about Helene recovery, mortgage, rental, and weatherization assistance, as well other resources directly to those most in need by meeting them where they are.

This week’s market schedule:

• Wednesday, Feb. 5, Aston Park Tower at 165 S. French Broad Ave.; 3-4 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 7, Fairview Library at 1 Taylor Road; 3-4 p.m. (please note this location is also currently a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center)

Additional monthly market locations include Big Ivy, Shiloh, Candler, Pisgah View, and more.

A little background

In 2013, MANNA Food Bank and the County’s Community Engagement team forged a partnership to provide safe and nutritious food. As word spread about the markets’ work, other partners came on board to help provide more peripheral support and resources. Today, the County works alongside organizations such as United Way, ABIPA, YWCA, Bounty and Soul, SPARC, Big Ivy, and ABCCM.

As the markets continue to pivot to broader access and resources, please help us spread the word to anyone who might benefit from their services. We’re also always looking for volunteers and partner organizations. To get involved, sign up through United Way of Buncombe County or email Leonard Jones at Leonard.Jones@buncombecounty.org.

Markets are held on various days and at more than 10 locations from Big Ivy Community Center to the Wesley Grant Center and have recently expanded to serve Fairview. School locations remain temporarily paused. See the complete schedule at the link below and subscribe to receive updates and changes to the schedule.

To view the complete Community Engagement Markets schedule, click here.