FOOD ACCESS
Food Access
Reliable access to healthy food leads to broader societal-level improvements in economic stability. 2022 saw the highest price increase of household food—11.4%— since 1974, and is expected to rise another 8.6% this year. Seniors and low-income households are among the most hurt by exorbitant costs in the grocery aisle.
To combat the problem of inflation and food insecurity in our community, Sharing House offers a neighbor-choice model which includes a hybrid approach of drive-through pickup, in-person shopping, and mobile delivery. The pantry centers produce and fresh, healthy food choices. We have partnerships with local farmers and share compost to reduce food waste.
Once a month, neighbors may make an appointment to shop for enough food for approximately one week. Every neighbor is also welcome to select fresh fruits and vegetables weekly.
The pantry also offers pet food and personal items not covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), such as shampoo, toilet paper, over-the-counter medications, and more.
“The high cost of living and lean budgets have so many people in Transylvania County area struggling to keep a roof over their head and food on the table. We often think of food banks in colder months, but the reality is the summer months can be just as hard, with more mouths to feed during the days when school is out of session.”