Responding to Need in Real Time: Rapid Food Aid Reaches WNC Families Same Day
On Friday, November 14, Bounty & Soul received a transformative delivery of 6,000 pounds of surplus produce through the r4 Smart Food Program partnership with Sharing Excess, expanding emergency food aid to Western North Carolina at a time when many families continue to face uncertainty around SNAP benefits and the lingering impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The truck arrived at noon, and thanks to the incredible effort of our staff and volunteers we were able to unload, sort, and repack hundreds of pounds of food to head out into the community immediately. By 1:00pm, this food was already on its way to our Produce to the People no-cost community market at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, where it was immediately shared with community members.
Our market ran from 1:30–3:00pm, ensuring that the same food delivered just hours earlier was already in the hands of neighbors who needed it most. This rapid, community-powered response is exactly what makes Bounty & Soul’s model so impactful: fresh, nourishing food moves quickly and directly into the community without barriers.
We were honored to welcome several local and state leaders who joined us at the market to see firsthand how this emergency food support is making a difference:
- Terri Wells, Buncombe County Commissioner
- Martin Moore, Buncombe County Commissioner
- Al Whitesides, Buncombe County Commissioner
- Drew Ball, Buncombe County Commissioner
- Representative Eric Ager, NC House of Representatives
- Anna Stearns, Bounty & Soul Board Member and candidate for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
Their presence underscored a shared commitment to strengthening food access across Buncombe County.
Governor Josh Stein recognized the significance of this effort, sharing: “The people of western North Carolina know all about what it means to show up for your neighbors. I appreciate Smart Foods stepping up to help North Carolinians feed their families during these uncertain times. These donations will bring relief and hope to many families in western North Carolina.”
As food insecurity rises, Bounty & Soul continues to see greater numbers of families needing support. “Our community’s need has grown by 21% since the government shutdown and the uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding,” said Ali Casparian, Founder and Executive Director of Bounty & Soul. “We’re deeply grateful for the partnership with r4 Technologies and Governor Stein’s office, whose support helps ensure families across Western North Carolina have consistent access to fresh, nourishing food.”
Across the WNC region, an estimated 90,000 people rely on SNAP each month, and delays or disruptions create real hardship. Statewide, 1.5 million North Carolinians received SNAP benefits in 2024—highlighting just how essential these resources are to families.
Friday’s delivery was part of a multi-state effort driven by r4 Technologies to redirect surplus food to communities most affected by economic and climate disruptions. “This initiative reflects r4 Smart Food Program’s commitment to using our resources where they can make the greatest impact,” said Paul Breitenbach, CEO of r4 Technologies. “By delivering 27 tons of surplus food across seven states, including 6,000 pounds in North Carolina, we are helping ensure families have access to nutritious meals when they need them most.”
Sharing Excess CEO Evan Ehlers emphasized the urgency of redirecting surplus food:
“While we face a growing crisis of food access, the U.S. continues to waste nearly 40% of its food supply, throwing away ten times more food than we need to feed everyone. At Sharing Excess, we’re committed to redirecting that surplus to communities in need, and we’re thrilled to partner with Bounty & Soul and r4 Technologies to make a meaningful difference for families across North Carolina during a critical time of need.”
Friday’s same-day delivery and distribution was a powerful example of what becomes possible when organizations, volunteers, and community leaders come together with urgency and heart. We are proud to play a role in making sure fresh, nourishing food reaches our neighbors—quickly, equitably, and without barriers.