Asheville, NC — 03/31/2026 — Equal Plates Project announced they will open their flagship kitchen and campus at Haw Creek Commons in East Asheville on Monday, April 6. The new facility will expand the organization’s capacity to prepare and distribute nutritious meals to seniors, low-income families, and neighbors facing food insecurity across Western North Carolina.
With community support, the Haw Creek Commons location will:
Increase farm purchasing and meal production capacity to increase the volume of fresh, locally sourced meals served.
Upgrade kitchen infrastructure and equipment to improve efficiency, food safety, and program reliability.
Create a dedicated volunteer prep space to strengthen volunteer engagement and scale meal production.
Establish a visible, long-term home base to grow programs, partnerships, and community outreach.
Deepen nourishment services for seniors, low-income families, and communities most impacted by food insecurity.
"We are grateful and fortunate to be moving into this next chapter of the Equal Plates Project. Our dedicated staff have been working diligently on many levels for months in preparation for this move. We are committed and energized to continue to grow and deepen our relationships and our impact within our communities in Western North Carolina,” said Gretchen Brown, Board Chair, Equal Plates Project.
Why now:
Born out of the pandemic and propelled by Hurricane Helene, Equal Plates Project has grown in direct response to community needs. Across Western North Carolina, demand for meals has surged as federal and state-funded programs continue to face cuts. This new campus will allow Equal Plates Project to expand its reach and better serve surrounding rural communities.
About Equal Plates Project:
Equal Plates Project is a community-led nonprofit that prepares and distributes nutritious, locally sourced meals to seniors, families, and neighbors facing food insecurity across Western North Carolina.
Media contact:
Rachel Letcher
Marketing Manager
Equal Plates Project
Phone: 828-214-5150
Email: rachel@equalplatesproject.org
Website: https://equalplatesproject.org