Jargon and Biscuit Head are navigating the restaurant shut-down by trying new concepts.
Meredith Leigh advises a DIY approach to sourcing meat
“A lot of my work right now is in helping people organize themselves and understand how they might create collaborative means of accessing meat,” says author, butcher, chef and instructor Meredith Leigh.
Community aid helps WNC food banks meet challenges
The impacts of COVID-19 on demand, supply and distribution for local hunger relief organizations were immediate and profound, thrusting MANNA FoodBank and its smaller partner agencies into a triage response.
Local meat providers find increased consumer demand
As retailers face potential shortages of large-scale commodity meats, Asheville consumers look to local farms and butchers.
Genova Diagnostics settles billing fraud claims for up to $43M
According to a complaint filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina in May 2018, the Asheville-based company allegedly sought and received payment for fecal, blood and urine tests that have not been scientifically proven to diagnose any medical condition.
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe partners with #AshevilleStrong to create specialty flavors
The more collaborations, the better for everyone,” says The Hop co-owner Greg Garrison.
Luxury chocolate maker pivots from bonbon molds to face shields
“The face shields are a necessity for people putting their lives on the line,” says Refined Designs Chocolate owner Timothy Maguire. “The chocolates are a morale booster, and we’re happy to do what we can.”
New initiative connects local farmers with residents facing food insecurity
The We Give a Share Program helps both small farms and local families struggling to put food on the table.
Quarantined residents rush to get growing
Kristin Weeks, managing partner and co-owner of the Asheville location of Fifth Season Gardening Co., says business is booming in the wake of COVID-19. “People are coming in and spending a lot more money; the average invoice has gone up, too,” she says. “People are kind of just coming in and going for it.”
Isa Whitaker builds community resilience through gardening
As coordinator of Bountiful Cities’ Asheville Buncombe Community Garden Network, Whitaker manages communication, educational programming and resources such as free seed and tool libraries for more than two dozen local gardening efforts. And after COVID-19 began impacting life in Western North Carolina, he’s seen an increase in the number of local residents interested in starting new community gardens.
Mother Earth Food expands to meet new demand
Business for the Asheville-based produce and grocery delivery service has tripled with COVID-19 social distancing measures in place, allowing it to support more local growers.
Local tailgate markets scramble to meet the challenges of COVID-19
Market organizers have gotten creative, quickly setting up new systems and online platforms.
J Bread owner Jay Seibert has a passion for sourdough rye
The Burnsville resident turned back-of-house restaurant experience and a love of bread-making into an artisan baking business.
Since leaving Buxton Hall Barbecue, chef Ashley Capps has been playing around
The celebrated pastry chef is busy collaborating with friends as she prepares for her next big step.
WNC farms showcase their products at ASAP’s annual CSA Fair
More new farmers than ever before will share information about their offerings at the 10th annual event on March 12.
Council to consider funding emergency repairs for North Fork water plant
During their meeting of Tuesday, March 10, Asheville City Council members will consider a $473,000 contract for emergency repairs at the North Fork Water Plant, the largest of the city’s three water treatment plants.
Preserving the old ways
Becky Beyer, an ethnobotanist, wild food enthusiast and cultural historian, will lead a workshop on Appalachian folk medicine Saturday, March 14, at the Black Mountain Library.
News briefs: Xpress wins for community coverage, Asheville school board affirms superintendent selection
Announced at the N.C. Press Association’s annual banquet in Raleigh on Feb. 27, Xpress’ wins also included a second-place finish in the General Excellence category for the state’s largest community newspapers and individual awards for five staff members.
Organic Growers School Spring Conference ushers in the WNC growing season
Now in its 27th year, the Organic Growers School Spring Conference welcomes growers and sustainability-minded folks of all types for a weekend of region-specific educational offerings, a trade show, seed exchange, guest speakers and opportunities for socializing and networking. This year’s conference takes place Friday-Sunday, March 6-8, at Mars Hill University.
Record-breaking turnout makes Buncombe primary picks
More Buncombe County voters — 81,887, or 41.79% of all eligible residents — took part in the primary elections that wrapped up March 3 than in any previous primary in the county’s history. Xpress outlines the winners and losers for levels of elected office from president to Asheville City Council.
Farming on faith: A look at WNC’s truffle-growing underground
Experimentation with cultivation of the prized subterranean fungus began in earnest in WNC nearly 10 years ago with a test orchard in Waynesville. But the handful of local truffles farmers are still patiently waiting to see the fruits of their labors.