Food Security

Bountiful Cities’ impact is rooted in building long-term food security by connecting people to food, education, urban agriculture skills, economic empowerment and each other.

We serve over 1,500 students annually through our FEAST program, bringing hands-on cooking and gardening education to K–8 public schools and equipping young people with lifelong skills to grow and prepare healthy food — while connecting to core curriculum and objectives in reading, math, science and technology.

Food distribution from gardens we manage and donations we solicit yield thousands of pounds of fresh produce each year — which is distributed directly to local families, school partners and resource centers. Through this network, we are working toward a more just, equitable and resilient food system.

Bounty & Soul is a community-powered nonprofit working at the intersection of food, farms and health. Its flagship program, Produce to the People, runs 10 weekly free produce markets across Buncombe County, connecting neighbors with fresh, local food and health resources. Through the Farmers Alliance, Bounty & Soul supports the local farming economy by purchasing locally grown food to distribute at the markets, while Rooted in Health provides knowledge, tools and resources to help people care for their bodies, minds and spirits.

Equal Plates Project (EPP) exists to support local farmers, address food insecurity and build community through scratch-cooked meals. By purchasing from small farms at fair prices, EPP transforms their high-quality ingredients into nourishing meals and then partners with community organizations to share thousands each week with neighbors facing barriers to food access.

Loving Food Resources is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide food and personal care items to those living with HIV/AIDS, anyone in home hospice care regardless of the diagnosis and members of the LGBTQIA2+ community facing food insecurity.

We believe no senior in our community should face hunger or loneliness alone — that’s why Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County is here. We promote the well-being of homebound seniors through the weekday delivery of nutritious lunchtime meals and friendly visits. For many, the real gift is the human connection. We serve as a safety net helping alleviate hunger and isolation, while supporting ongoing independence. Beyond meals, we provide pet food and a grocery shopping and delivery service. We have added new delivery routes to meet the growing need and now serve more than 600 meals each weekday.

Root Cause Farm is a nonprofit organization in Fairview dedicated to alleviating food insecurity and contributing to a regenerative, equitable and resilient food system and community.

Through the coordination of volunteers, service learning groups and interns, we grow thousands of pounds of organic produce each season. Everything we grow is directly distributed — at no cost — to members of our community in need, ensuring we all have access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food.

The farm operates as a community hub for education and impact: a place for members of our community to find the nourishment they need.