Feeding Avery Families, in partnership with the American Red Cross, announced the expansion of its mobile food distribution program through 2026. The program provides monthly food distribution in areas of Avery County located more than 30 minutes from Feeding Avery Families’ facility in Newland, NC. Each household receives approximately 80 pounds of food, including canned goods, meat, deli products, bread, dessert, produce, and dairy.
Currently, mobile food distributions serve families in Elk Park and Old Beech Mountain. With funding from the American Red Cross, Feeding Avery Families will add new sites in communities most impacted by Hurricane Helene. To establish a mobile site, the organization partners with a local volunteer who coordinates with the Feeding Avery Families Program Manager, reminds households of pick-up schedules, and helps assess food needs. A minimum of 10 households in one area is typically required to sustain an ongoing distribution site.
“We are grateful to the American Red Cross for their support during the long-term recovery in Avery County. We know that many of our neighbors cannot access food due to a lack of transportation and/or ongoing road repairs,” said Bonnie Clark, Executive Director of Feeding Avery Families. “This mobile distribution program expands our capacity by going directly into our community with healthy food at a time when so many continue to recover and rebuild.”
The program’s expansion will support five new mobile distribution sites through 2026. Neighborhoods or groups interested in hosting a distribution are encouraged to contact Vanessa Phillips, Program Manager, at vanessap@feedingaveryfamilies.org.
In 2024, Feeding Avery Families distributed more than 700,000 pounds of food — nearly 600,000 meals — thanks to the dedication of volunteers, donors, and community partners.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that relies on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. Learn more at redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow the Red Cross on social media.