Direct Delivery of Meals & Support
Since Hurricane Helene
Rising Light Relief has provided over 15,000 hot meals - each one hand-packed and delivered to homes across Mitchell, Yancey & Avery counties.
At Our Peak,
We served 500–550 meals each week. In the first months, we prioritized elderly and disabled residents—the storm’s most vulnerable—then expanded to address wider food insecurity and community isolation. Partnering with international groups like Mercy Chefs and World Central Kitchen, Rising Light provided the critical “last mile” of care and connection in our mountain communities.
Providing More than Meals,
Our deliveries have included hygiene products, medical supplies, shelf-stable food, seasonal essentials such as heaters and fuel, clothing, boots, and cleaning supplies. Each home delivery also served as welfare checks—offering reassurance and camaraderie alongside nutrition.
Continuing to Address Food Insecurity
With Blue Ridge Rising, we’re tackling food insecurity and building community resilience through affordable meals, a free pantry, a tool lending library, and a micro-business showcase that uplifts local entrepreneurs.
One way to support this work is through the Family Meal Fund. While our family-style meals are designed to be nutritionally balanced and extremely affordable, some households still struggle to cover even that cost. The Family Meal Fund bridges that gap, covering expenses so we can provide free meals to families who need them most.