Equal Plates Project’s
Hurricane Helene Response

We quickly mobilized to respond to the storm’s impact, providing thousands of nourishing meals to neighbors facing unprecedented need—all while staying true to our commitment to sourcing from small, local farms.

The video below captures our initial response. We’re dedicated to sustaining this level of meal support to aid WNC’s long-term recovery

Equal Plates Project Featured on ABC News 13
Equal Plates Project was featured in a news story by ABC News 13 reporter, Gracee Mattiace, about how “World Central Kitchen extends stay in Asheville, easing transition to Equal Plates Project.”

Click here to watch the full news segment

Equal Plates Project Featured in the Mountain Xpress!

We’re excited to share that Equal Plates Project was highlighted in a recent Mountain Xpress article by Gina Smith: "Food distribution nonprofits provide post-Helene safety nets for WNC farms.”

Equal Plates Project Featured in the Asheville Citizen Times!

We’re excited to share that Equal Plates Project was highlighted in a recent Citizen Times article by Tiana Kennell: "Chef-led organizations dole out thousands of free, hot meals across WNC: Where to get one."

Check out the full article to learn more about how we're making a difference and where you can find free, hot meals for those in need.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Rachel Letcher
rachel@equalplatesproject.org

Equal Plates Project Responds to Hurricane Helene: Nourishing Communities and Supporting Local Farms in Western North Carolina

Asheville, N.C. (October 7, 2024) — Equal Plates Project (EPP) staff and volunteers are working double time to share 1,000+ locally-sourced meals to public housing and underserved populations in our community each day. Since Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina, EPP has provided more than 5,000 meals to people who aren’t easily able to access other resources.

Thanks to its partners, Central United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church, EPP has access to power and kitchens allowing its team to continue and expand its ongoing vital work of preparing and delivering meals to a variety of people whose circumstances make it more difficult to get fresh, nourishing meals amid the ongoing impacts of the storm.

Similar to when EPP was established during COVID-19, local farmers are now facing market disruptions due to the storm. By purchasing ingredients directly from them at market price, EPP is making a double impact—strengthening the resilience of the local agriculture while ensuring that the meals they share are fresh, nutritious, and deeply nourishing.

Meals are currently being served to the following groups and local organizations as part of ongoing partnerships as well as new requests and needs:

  • Asheville’s public housing communities, including 1,500 residents living at Bartlett Arms, Murray Hill, Klondike, Hillcrest, Pisgah View, Deaverview, plus 350 seniors at Aston Towers & Asheville Terrace 

  • ABCCM Crisis Centers, through Mother Earth Food trucks

  • Poder Emma, supporting the Latinx community in mobile home parks

  • Medicaid clients through the Healthy Opportunities Pilot

  • Food Connection’s Free Food Truck, delivering meals to neighborhoods facing severe disruptions

  • The Safe Shelter

  • Ongoing mutual aid groups as new requests arise

The road to recovery is long, but with the support of the community near and far, EPP can continue providing critical meals to those who need them most. Donations directly help them sustain this mission, supporting both the farmers and the families devastated by Hurricane Helene.

How to Support: Donations to the 501(c)3 are tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to Equal Plates Project and mailed to:

Equal Plates Project
27 Church St.
Asheville, NC 28801

For donor-advised funds:
Legal name: Wegiveashare, Inc.
EIN: 85-2809644

To contribute via check or donor-advised fund and have your contribution added to our campaign goal meter, please email Madi Holtzman at madi@equalplatesproject.org.

Thank you for helping us support small farms and nourish communities during this critical time.

We will be updating the Equal Plates Project website. In the meantime, please follow EPP on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and ways to get involved. Sign up to receive EPP’s newsletter here. 

Contact:
Madi Holtzman
Executive Director, Equal Plates Project
Email: madi@equalplatesproject.org

Website:www.equalplatesproject.org