Four Asheville chefs will get creative with winter squash at Utopian Seed Projects upcoming Trial to Table Live Fire event. Also in this week’s food news, the third annual Taste It, Don’t Waste It! Chefs Challenge, an edible plant walk at Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, a Fish Pickin’ celebration with local chefs and more.
What’s new in food: Chef’s Experience Dinner with Cleophus Hethington
Chef Cleophus Hethington returns to Asheville for a dinner highlighting the cuisine of the African diaspora. Also in this week’s food news, WNCAP’s Dining Out for Life; a star chef Fish Pickin’ event; Hendersonville’s Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend and more.
AdventHealth announces hospital location in Weaverville
AdventHealth anticipates opening the new hospital in two to three years, spokesperson Victoria Dunkle says.
New crisis line targets substance use, mental health
The phone number 855-PEERS-NC is staffed by certified peer support specialists 24/7. Peer support specialists are people in recovery who have a mental health and/or substance use disorder and can provide nonclinical support based on their lived experiences.
Former motel offers homeless folks a fresh start
Compass Point Village, a renovated Days Inn motel on Tunnel Road, will provide one-room apartments and supportive services to 85 people, many of them considered to be chronically homeless.
Shortage trickles through peach economy
WNC farmers are left with bitter losses — 90 percent for peaches in Henderson County alone, amounting to $600,000 in lost revenue, says Terry Kelley, tree fruit expert and director of the Henderson County cooperative extension.
Erica Abrams Locklear examines the evolution of mountain food
Erica Abrams Locklear will discuss her new book Appalachia on the Table with chef John Fleer at Malaprop’s on Tuesday, April 18.
As costs soar, an end to federal support leaves students and families searching for food
Federal funding that allowed schools to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students ended last year. Now, area families face rising meal costs and tight subsidy restrictions.
New meal prep program targets community health
“I wanted to address food insecurity with those who had Type 2 diabetes or hypertension and do something similar to Hello Fresh or Blue Apron, but with food pantry food,” Simuel says.
Family shelter lands at church instead of vacant school
Although Asheville has numerous shelters for the homeless population, its organizers say this particular shelter fills gaps in the city’s current system. “The focus is on intact families,” explains shelter worker Gene Ettison.
Green in brief: Conserving Carolina to expand Bracken Mountain Preserve
On Dec. 30, the nonprofit completed the purchase of 34 acres in Brevard to expand the preserve. The new land will bolster the existing 395-acre park, owned by the city of Brevard, which connects to the Pisgah National Forest.
Nonprofits strive to bring bounty to the Thanksgiving table
With the holidays around the corner, nonprofits are counting more than ever on turkey drives, financial contributions, dedicated volunteers going the extra mile — sometimes literally — and increased awareness and support from the community at large.
Green in brief: WNC Nature Center opens new exhibit
In partnership with the WNC Farmers Market, the Asheville zoo launches its Educational Farmers Market Garden starting Wednesday, Nov. 16. The new exhibit focuses on sustainable relationships between agriculture and nature.
What’s new in food: Tailgate markets segue to holiday markets
Holiday markets return throughout Buncombe County. Also: The Chop Shop expands; local chefs and bakers prepare for Thanksgiving; and plenty more.
What’s new in food: Tall John’s neighborhood tavern opens in Montford
Chef Trevor Payne celebrates the launch of his new restaurant. Plus: OWL North opens on Charlotte Street; Knuckle-Deep BBQ Fest returns; and more!
Balancing business and motherhood in WNC
The founders of three local beverage companies — Buchi, Shanti Elixirs and Sarilla — discuss the challenges and opportunities that women-led organizations face, as well as the insights parenting can offer those running a business.
Green in brief: Wildlands Network flags WNC roads for wildlife crossings
Of the 20 North Carolina sites in the new report, six are in Western North Carolina — including the nonprofit’s No. 1 site, Interstate 40’s path through the Pigeon River Gorge.
What’s new in food: Food Truck Boot Camp rolls into Cherokee
Food Truck Boot Camp aims to help chefs break into the culinary industry. Also: Mamacita’s Street Food opens in the RAD; Oaxacarolina dinner takes place at Botanist & Barrel; and more!
What’s new in food: Newstock opens brick-and-mortar in River Arts District
Newstock launched at Riverview Station. Also: Rhubarb introduces Tuesday Table; Dilbar brings Indian street food to Biltmore Avenue; and plenty more!
What’s new in food: HarvestFest debuts, benefiting ASAP
Olivette Riverside Community and Farm hosts a benefit festival for ASAP’s Double SNAP for Food and Vegetables program. Also: MANNA FoodBank’s popular Empty Bowls returns; Nine Mile bottles its salad dressings; and more!
Gardening with Xpress: Cucumbers, peppers and eggplants — oh, my!
This month’s column features tips for when to pull summer plants, ideal peppers to grow in our region and best ways to preserve eggplant.