Mutual Aid is a grassroots approach to community aid and relief. Community members leverage their skills and strengths, often in the aftermath of natural disasters, to meet immediate and basic needs for people in their community. Federal and state programs are often slower to respond due to the bureaucratic nature of their organizations. For example, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, businesses and organizations with strong community ties and local networks could best see and determine the most critical needs within the region.

It is our belief that we need not wait for disaster to share resources. Instead, we can build these networks now which will build preparedness and resilience. Through our Mutual Aid Program we partner with Seeds that Feed to distribute farm shares to those that might not otherwise have access to fresh, locally grown produce. If you would like to help strengthen food systems and improve access in your community, you can donate any dollar amount to our Farm Share Scholarship Fund. $30 will purchase a week’s worth of fresh produce for a household of four people.