The Hunger Coalition of Transylvania County addresses food insecurity through a model that combines direct food access with nutrition education — treating food not just as relief, but as a tool for long-term health. Operating five weekly mobile markets, distributing meal kits to 96 families each week, and partnering with seven local pantries, the organization currently serves more than 18,000 individuals annually — nearly double its reach from the prior year. That growth was made possible in part by the addition of 400 square feet of refrigerated storage, which expanded the Coalition’s capacity to source and distribute fresh, perishable food through local farmer partnerships.
The Healing Kitchen, the Coalition’s hands-on nutrition education program, takes that mission a step further. Participants complete a six-week cooking series focused on using whole foods to manage chronic health conditions, with skills reinforced through ongoing monthly gatherings. The meal kit program provides families with a library of 48 plant-based recipes designed for a family of four in about 30 minutes — practical tools for building food independence at home.
Lake Toxaway Charities is proud to support the Coalition’s organizational capacity-building efforts, which are focused on expanding mobile food distribution to isolated residents — seniors with disabilities, families without transportation, and those in remote areas who cannot reach existing distribution points. Grant funding will support coordination staffing, route optimization and data systems, volunteer infrastructure, and impact evaluation tools.
The Hunger Coalition coordinates closely with Sharing House, Meals on Wheels, and the Bread of Life through regular meetings to identify service gaps and prevent duplication, and co-hosts a biannual Food Security Summit bringing together community stakeholders across Transylvania County.
Learn More: www.hungerfreetc.org
