American Red Cross Pledges $1 Million For Relief In North Carolina After Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helenes destruction across Western North Carolina, a new initiative backed by a $1 million grant from the American Red Cross is turning disaster relief into long-term community recovery. 

The “Relief to Resilience” project brings together five regional organizations to distribute over 63,000 meals and rebuild local food systems by purchasing directly from small family farms.

The alliance — comprising Mother Earth Food, Equal Plates Project, Grassroots Aid Partnership, FastRoots Technology, and supported by Impact Health — aims to deliver immediate nourishment while establishing a scalable model for food security and economic resilience in disaster-prone communities.

“This investment marks a critical evolution in disaster response — it creates lasting systems that give our communities the tools and independence they need to flourish after relief agencies depart,” says Andrea DuVall, CEO and co-founder of Mother Earth Food. “By strengthening these essential systems now, we’re not just rebuilding what was lost — we’re cultivating a more secure and self-sufficient future for Western North Carolina.”

Through prepared meals, fresh food boxes, and essential groceries, the project is addressing urgent hunger needs while providing vital income for regional farmers recovering from the storms impact. The model emphasizes collaboration between chefs, farms, food hubs, and tech innovators to create a network that can endure future disruptions.

The Red Cross funding comes from its Long-Term Recovery Grant Program, fueled by individual donations after Hurricane Helene, and marks a broader commitment to sustainable disaster recovery.

FastRoots Technology plays a key role by providing real-time tracking and data transparency to funders and partners.

“Technology plays a critical role in ensuring that food gets where its needed most and identifying areas that require further long-term support,” says Addison Fuller, CEO of FastRoots. “Our platform enhances collaboration, increases efficiency and provides transparency for funders, helping build trust and determine future funding needs.”

Other leaders in the initiative see the project as a shift in how disaster relief is approached.

“The Relief to Resilience Project represents a fundamental shift in how we combat hunger after a disaster — moving from temporary relief to lasting transformation,” says Madi Holtzman, executive director of Equal Plates Project. “Were not just feeding people today; were rebuilding a local, resilient food system that will sustain families for years.”