Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $9 million to MANNA FoodBank, the biggest gift in the nonprofit’s history. It comes not a moment too soon, as the organization faces a sudden rise in food insecurity and a facility pushed to its limits.
Chow Chow returns with a reset
National and local issues of injustice and imparity laid bare in 2020 guided planning for the 2021 Chow Chow reboot.
Virtual fundraiser and new partnerships keep nonprofits moving forward
Virtual fundraiser and new partnerships keep nonprofits moving forward, brewery taprooms are reopening and more local food news.
More vegan dining options are sprouting up in Asheville
Chefs and restaurant owners whose menus support plant-based choices have witnessed a steady increase in interest and responded in kind.
What’s new in food: Local book releases, markets and garden dining take wing in spring
New WNC cookbooks hit the shelves and ASAP’s Local Food Guide hits the stands, Hendersonville Farmers Market at the Historic Train Depot kicks off its second season, Meadow Market Sundays resume at Highland Brewing Co. and more Asheville food news.
Pandemic popularity of CSA memberships holds steady in 2021
As the world returns some sense of normalcy, the desire for the reliability and convenience of a CSA is holding fairly steady, and Western North Carolina growers have refined systems and made adjustments accordingly.
Food events abound as spring blooms
The Asheville Ben’s Friends chapter hosts a crawfish boil, Western North Carolina AIDS Project gets set for Dining In for Life 2021, Chow Chow announces its 2021 festival schedule and more local food news.
Restaurant groups help owners manage growth
An increasingly popular national model, hospitality and restaurant groups typically invest in and support chefs or restaurateurs with big dreams and small budgets in opening new concepts or growing an original location into multiple stores.
What’s new in food: Archetype wins big in New York International Beer Competition
Archetype Brewing wins N.C. Belgian Brewery of the Year, plus a new hemp cafe, Lasagna Love and new local alcohol choices at Mother Earth Food.
Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries join recycling co-op
To help reduce industry waste, Sierra Nevada has partnered with American Recycling of Western North Carolina to create the WNC Brewery Recycling Cooperative, a drop-off site in Candler.
What’s new in food: Chefs bring on the funk in dance off fundraiser
In this week’s food news, a Food Connection dance challenge, new bakery developments and a hot-chicken discount for healthcare workers.
Local commerce organizations adapt to pandemic
While much attention has been paid to the struggles of individual businesses that have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic, Asheville’s business organizations, which provide a critical framework for entrepreneurs to network, collaborate and market their wares, have also taken a hit.
BrightFarms grows hydroponic greens in new Henderson County greenhouse
The 280,000-square-foot structure will produce over 2 million pounds of leafy salad greens a year to be shipped daily to local retailers.
What’s new in food: Asheville plans a nutritional food hub
Asheville Parks and Recreation surveys residents for a new wellness-focused food hub, April is Food Waste Reduction Month, Ivory Road Café & Kitchen hosts Macarons & Mimosas, and more local food news.
Carolina Beer Guy: Brew fest returns with new look
Hi-Wire Brewing’s N.C. Small Batch Beer Festival returns with a different look. Also, new releases, reopenings and expansions.
Tailgate markets use 2020 hindsight to roll out fresh plans for 2021
After a mad scramble to reinvent themselves last spring, WNC’s neighborhood tailgate markets look ahead to the 2021 growing seaso
WNC Food Justice Planning Initiative collaborates for system change
The initiative has identified six strategies: healthy food distribution, community gardens, agriculture networks, food waste, cooking and nutrition education, and the development of a regional food council.
Spring brings new opportunities for local restaurants and food companies
We Give a Share plans to increase its capacity, Cúrate Spanish Wine Club hosts a series of virtual wine tastings and cooking demos and chef Susi Gott Séguret relaunches her popular Madison County foraging and dining expeditions, plus more local food news.
What’s new in food: Healthy eats, tasty treats, riverside dining
In this week’s local food news, chefs Eric Morris and Daniel Rider bring farm-fresh breakfast to the ASAP Farmers Market, Asheville Beauty Academy hosts Queen Mum High Tea, Summit Coffee opens a new location in the Grove Arcade and more.
Teaching kids to cook feeds culinary curiosity and builds confidence
Local chefs and cooking instructors offer tips for helping kids learn kitchen fundamentals.
Restaurateurs battered by the pandemic keep their dreams alive
Closing a restaurant is complicated, costly and emotional say three restaurateurs who made that difficult decision in 2020 and are still navigating the after effects and determining what’s next.