COVID-19 Update for MANNA's Shopping Floor

Dear Partner Agencies,

We want to reassure you that MANNA is continually working on our preparedness plan to ensure we are meeting the hunger needs of Western North Carolina.

As part of our response to COVID-19 we will shifting all agency shopping from the sales floor to our online ordering system starting on March 23rd, 2020. This means that starting on March 23rd you will be able to pick up orders placed online that you normally would have shopped for in person. The produce and bread items you normally pick up on the sales floor will be available via the online ordering system.

Online orders will be available for pick up on your usual assigned day and time at our distribution warehouse. This is the building in the same lot, right beside your usual pick up location, at 623 Swannanoa River Road.

When arriving check in with staff just inside the door of the distribution warehouse and then wait in your vehicle for your order to be brought to your vehicle by MANNA staff.

Your bread, produce, and perishables will then be pick up in your usual location. Let MANNA staff know that you have arrived in the waiting room and then return to your vehicle to wait for MANNA staff to bring your order out to your vehicle.

If our online ordering system is new to you or if you need a refresher please reference this video guide that we have created to assist you. If you need further assistance with our ordering system or with your user name and password please reach out to Chris Rainwater, our Agency Relations Coordinator, with the below contact information and he will be happy to assist you with any issues you may be having.

View the Online Order Training Here

Communicating with MANNA:

It is imperative that you communicate your pantry status and any changes you many have with MANNA as frequently as possible. Our goal is that we can present clear and accurate information to all people who are in need of food assistance.

Have you changed you distribution dates or hours of distribution?
Will you be shifting to a different style of food distribution? (Example: Drive through or pre-boxed food)
Do you need volunteers from the community?

Communicate any and all changes with your Zone Coordinator or our Agency Relations Coordinator or simply reply to this email.

MANNA Agency Relations Contact Information:

Amy Sims, Western Zone Outreach Coordinator – 828-399-1147, asims@mannafoodbank.org
Kaitlyn Smith, Eastern Zone Outreach Coordinator – 434-806-9965, ksmith@mannafoodbank.org
Leah Cormier, Buncombe County Outreach Coordinator – 828-774-5915, lcormier@mannafoodbank.org
Chris Rainwater, Agency Relations Coordinator - 828-299-3663 x1272, crainwater@mannafoodbank.org

Actions to Stay Up to Date:

For additional updates, please sign up for this email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/uDQQJRq

Join our Partner Agency text alert system to receive communications right to your smart phone: Text APPLE to (828)348-5883

We have launched the following web page to provide constant and up to date information regarding MANNA operations and resources for Partner Agencies: https://www.mannafoodbank.org/covid-19/

Our highest priority is the safety of our staff and volunteers, you, our community partners, and the community we serve.

We will continue to communicate regular updates about MANNA operations and emerging best practices for food distribution to our Partner Agencies.

We wish everyone well,

The Agency Relations Team