Helene has devastated WNC. Resources below are updated periodically. Check source data for the latest.

WNC Food Systems Coalition is seeking funds for emergency food distribution to McDowell, Buncombe, and Macon counties. Donations will cover the cost of purchasing food & supplies, gas and staff time to distribute. We are limited to these counties for the time being due to road closures but will expand as we are able. 

Primary locations we will be targeting include:

  • Town of Old Fort 

  • North Cove (north east of Old Fort)

  • Swannanoa

  • Black Mountain

  • Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction Center in Franklin

Primary needs at this point that we will be purchasing include:

  • Water

  • Ice (numerous folks needing ice for insulin and other medications)

  • Baby Formula

  • Shelf stable food

  • Propane for grills and camp stoves

  • Oatmeal

  • Bread

  • Hand Sanitizer and wipes

The resources below give information on response and relief efforts in the counties of WNC. To update, email jenn@wncfoodjustice.com

  • Operation Airdrop is mobilizing volunteer pilots and a diverse fleet of aircraft to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off from traditional aid routes.

    The Cajun Navy organizes search and rescue teams during natural disasters. 

    Donate at the links below. Any amount will be appreciated. 

    https://www.operation-airdrop.com/

    http://UnitedCajunNavy.org

  • Meal pickup for students will be available on Wednesday, October 2 from 11:00-12:00 at East Franklin Elementary School, Iotla Valley Elementary School, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and South Macon Elementary School. 

  • Food Distribution

    JCPS will distribute meals to adults and children at the following sites on Wednesday, October 2nd from 11:30-12:30. A hot lunch will be distributed and a grab and go breakfast for the following day. Individuals must be present to receive a meal.

    Blue Ridge School and Early College (in front of the school)

    Smoky Mountain High School (in the circle by the cafeteria and auxilary gym)

    Smokey Mountain Elementary School (in the car pick up line)

    JCPS distribuirá comidas a adultos y niños en los siguientes sitios el miércoles 2 de octubre de 11:30 a 12:30. Se distribuirá un almuerzo caliente y un desayuno para llevar para el día siguiente. Las personas deben estar presentes para recibir una comida.

    Blue Ridge School y Early College (frente a la escuela)

    Smoky Mountain High School (en el círculo junto a la cafetería y el gimnasio auxiliar)

    Escuela Primaria Smokey Mountain (en la fila para recoger automóviles)

    Volunteer Opportunities

    Jackson County now accepting local volunteers. Use this link to sign up!

    https://forms.gle/HJPRBT3f77LZKvcd8

  • Cherokee Clay Food Alliance (CCFA) is partnering with local pilots to deliver much-needed supplies to areas of western NC that have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. Please let us know if:

     - You're in an impacted area and need supplies

     - You are conducting a relief drive and/or you have a high volume of donations that you need help delivering

     - You can help deliver to western NC 

     - You can help distribute supplies on-the-ground

     - You/your team want to assist with CCFA's relief efforts

    If you fall into more than one of those categories, you may submit a form for each one. 

    FORM: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf68SSNkVv_VBGh1KtO_D24T7gcKFtkqQgSYY3jzctmeqXaaA/viewform

    Volunteer Opportunity

    If you are interested in volunteering to load and unload donated items, please sign up here and we will let you know when we are collecting donations!

    CCFA Volunteer Sign up form: https://forms.gle/URXyUyNCXB4eWSHH6

    Donations

    The CCFA is accepting financial donations here https://square.link/u/xJRddh1b for those who are able to support this effort. All funds will go to local organizations in the affected areas. 

  • Old Fort

    This afternoon (10/1), McDowell Access to Care and Health will be joining their partners Foothills Food Hub and West Marion Community Forum bringing water, snacks, and other necessities to our neighbors in Old Fort. There are many who can’t make it to food and water distributions and are running low on supplies. If you know of folks in the the Old Fort Community in need of someone to check in with them, please let us know. We will do our best.

    We will be doing a hot-meal distribution on Thursday October 3rd in Old Fort. We have the supplies and food to feed at least 100. Depending on how that goes we will try to do another one the following week.

    We are also collecting food donations to be cooked at the Davis Country Store for their weekly hot meal distribution. Contact Dana for donation coordination if you are in McDowell County