Focusing on the welfare of the people, MANNA Foodbank in Western North Carolina (WNC) has recently recorded its one millionth food pack given to local children. According to Citizen-Times, despite the massive number, the organization said that it is reaching only 10 percent of the people that actually need the program.

Kara Irani of MANNA FoodBank said, "The need is constantly increasing so that shows us that it is definitely a worthy and important program. The kids love the packs and look forward to them every week."

MANNA FoodBank's latest milestone comes as a form of reward and, at the same time, a reminder that many people are still in dire need of help when it comes to basic needs such as food. Irani also added, "It's not slowing down in our area. Despite economic growth, we're still seeing just as much need as we did just after the recession hit."

According to the organization's Hunger in America Report posted on MANNA FoodBank's website, in 2013 alone, at least 107,600 unique clients were served during the year. The appeal for food assistance came from the 16 counties in Western North Carolina.

Van Zandt News recently reported that Wal-Mart has also pledged help in the Feeding America program by donating food to the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler. The latest program appoints MANNA in Canton and Shining Light Food Pantry in Wills Point to collect the food donated by Wal-Mart in Canton.

With the help of the East Texas Food Bank, MANNA was able to get 150 pounds of meat from Wal-Mart after they made their first trip collecting donations.

"This comes at a perfect time. Grace Bible Church has been so gracious to allow us the use their chapel for the past couple of years and have now leased us the property adjacent to the chapel in which to build our own home," said MANNA's Board President Dick Patterson. "The church gave us a 30-year lease of the property with a 30-year renewal option and we will be breaking ground in February."

MANNA FoodBank started its food distribution in 1982 with the purpose of providing food for the people of Western North Carolina. It was founded by the Hunger Awareness Group in Asheville, North Carolina and currently benefited by people from all walks of life that need the support of a free food program.