In the face of a tragedy like Hurricane Helene, it’s easy to feel hopeless about how to help. Food is one of the most universal human needs, and disasters often leave victims unable to cook for themselves and without access to clean water. So, one way you can help victims is to consider donating to food banks so that people in the region can access healthy food.
It is important to note that food banks in North Carolina are not currently equipped to accept consumer donations of goods. Financial contributions are a better way to help right now. For individuals, the best choice is to donate to an on-the-ground food bank or a reputable national or regional organization. Here are a few suggestions if you want to contribute.
Where to Donate to Help Hurricane Helene Victims Get Meals
MANNA Food Bank Asheville
This food bank suffered a great deal of damage from the flooding, with their central warehouse and headquarters rendered totally inoperable due to massive flooding. However, volunteers continue to serve the nearby community, and financial donations can help them rebuild and keep their operations going.
Feeding the Carolinas
An on-the-ground food bank network in the southeast that’s working to assess the immediate needs of the community and also make sure that down the line, victims will be able to replace spoiled food in their homes.
World Central Kitchen
WCK is a project of Chef José Andrés and has been providing culinary disaster relief since the 2010 Haiti earthquake. In an online statement, World Central Kitchen said that “Five full WCK tanker trucks of drinking water are on the way to families in Asheville, providing much needed relief after Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic impact on the Appalachian community.” A donation to them means investment in a quality meal for someone in need.
BeLoved Asheville
BeLoved Asheville is a North Carolina based grassroots non-profit organization that is working around the clock to deliver food, water and diapers to people in impacted areas. Donating to BeLoved means you know your contribution is going right into the communit.y.
Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs is actively serving hot meals in western North Carolina, including Asheville, Swannanoa, Flat Rock, and Marshall. They also have an outpost in Florida, another state hit by the hurricane. In total, they’ve served over 60,000 meals in response to Hurricane Helene so far.
Baby2Baby
This organization works specifically to deliver formula and supplies for some of the youngest and most vulnerable. Babies have to eat, too, and getting the appropriate food to them during a disaster can be extremely challenging. Baby2Baby makes sure that babies get what they need during this difficult time.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
A national non-profit focusing on how philanthropists can donate to all aspects of recovery from a natural disaster. They have a fund specifically allocated for the Atlantic hurricane season. And, check out their ways to financially help during a disaster guide for some specific tips.
United Way of North Carolina
The North Carolina chapter of United Way, a national community services organizaiton, has been helping with search-and-rescue efforts to help get families back together safely in the wake of the disaster. You can donate specifically to their Helene fund and learn more about their work when visiting their website.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is on the ground helping people who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene get to safety and reunite with loved ones. A donation to them means one more dollar towards efforts to both keep people safe and get sustenance and relief to displaced and injured people.
Americares
Americares is working in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee to deliver hygiene kits, antibiotics and relief supplies to partner organizations in affected areas. They’re also working to get water purification systems to people who’ve lost their plumbing systems, and funding regional hospitals to help them rebuild.
Story by Emma Riva / Photo courtesy of World Central Kitchen
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