Swannanoa’s Grocery Dilemma: The Impact of the Ingles Closure Post-Helene
The Storm’s Aftermath: A Community in Strain
Swannanoa, NC—The closure of the Swannanoa Ingles supermarket, shut down since September following the devastating Tropical Storm Helene, has plunged this tranquil community into a state of food insecurity. As the days turn to months, the residents express a growing sense of frustration and urgency: they deserve answers and their beloved grocery store back.
The Long Journey for Basic Necessities
Without a local grocery store, residents are forced to embark on arduous trips that can take over an hour, with the closest alternatives located in neighboring towns. "It’s miserable," says one resident, capturing the discomfort many feel in having to travel up to 11 miles just to procure fresh food. This sudden lack of access has created what some describe as a food desert for this once self-sufficient community.
Community Response: Filling the Gap
Local nonprofits, stepping up in response to the crisis, are bearing an increased load. Bounty & Soul, a Swannanoa-based organization committed to combating food insecurity, has seen an astonishing 280% increase in food distribution, now serving around 34,000 people each month. “With the Ingles closed, there is no grocery store within eight to 10 miles, and certainly, the need for food has been an issue for residents,” explains Executive Director Ali Casparian.
Despite this community effort, access remains a crucial challenge. According to a 2019 USDA analysis, a staggering 353 areas in North Carolina are classified as food deserts, and Swannanoa now appears to be one of them. Residents have been relying on pop-up markets, with many relying on limited public transport options that may only run once every two hours.
Grappling with Transportation Challenges
Transportation issues add another layer of difficulty for low-income families in Swannanoa. Many residents lack reliable cars and have to rely on buses that restrict how much they can carry back home. As Maureen Berner, a professor at UNC’s School of Government, notes, “Natural disasters put pressure on both access and transportation.”
Navigating Limited Grocery Options
To mitigate this ongoing issue, Buncombe County has launched its own monthly markets in Swannanoa. The inaugural event, held at Asheville Christian Academy, saw supplies run out within just an hour. This reflects the acute demand for food access directly linked to the Ingles closure.
"Ingles has experienced significant financial losses, estimated at $35 million due to property damage in the storm," according to their Chief Financial Officer Pat Jackson. However, the future of the Swannanoa store remains uncertain.
Voices from the Community
The voices of Swannanoa residents echo a common sentiment. Jennifer Horton, Buncombe County Commissioner and native to Swannanoa, expresses her frustration on social media. “Our community deserves better than silence,” she declared, seeking clarity from Ingles regarding their plans for reopening.
Meanwhile, Amy van Gorder, a local mother, shares the challenges faced: "It makes life so much harder… battling traffic to reach other stores during a time when my kids’ schedules demand convenience.”
Moving Forward: How Can You Help?
Despite these challenges, community spirit shines through at Bounty & Soul marketplaces, where lines of eager residents wait to collect fresh produce hand-delivered from local farms. Kevin Franklin, a resident reliant on his moped for transport, exemplifies this tenacity as he navigates the grocery landscape with determination.
Where to Find Help
For those struggling with food access in Swannanoa:
- Bounty & Soul hosts weekly markets to help fill the void left by the Ingles closure. Learn more about their services here.
- The Swannanoa Communities Together pantry at 2121 U.S. 70 is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to provide additional support.
As the community awaits the return of their grocery store, they continue to foster connections and support each other.
Together, we can help mitigate the food crisis in Swannanoa.
Related Articles:
- FEMA Denies NC Gov. Stein’s Request to Extend Federal Cost Share for Helene Recovery
- Montreat ‘Doing a Good Job’ with Helene Recovery, According to Town Manager
- Asheville-Area Helene Debris was ‘Overestimated’ by Millions of Cubic Yards, Officials Say
For continuous updates on the community’s journey towards reestablishing food access, stay tuned. Join the conversation and help make a difference!
