Food for the heart: Beloved Asheville connections and culture 

Image © BeLoved Asheville

In the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors flock to Asheville, famous for its beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, a vibrant arts scene, and a renowned culinary culture.  

Indeed, from Southern BBQ to tamales and tacos, you’ll find a food truck for every cuisine. And, you’ll also find one with a difference. The vibrant La Cocina de Mama (“Mama’s Kitchen”) truck serves hot, nourishing food straight from the heart. Its name honours Maggie Belle Gladden – lovingly known by the BeLoved team as “Queen Mother” – whose generosity, wisdom, and joyful gatherings helped shape BeLoved Asheville’s tradition of welcoming everyone to the table.  

Today, as always, a meal at Mama’s table is more than nourishment – it’s a place for celebration, dignity, and connection, where people come together to connect, share skills, and hand down food traditions to the next generation. 

Behind Mama’s is the not-for-profit organisation BeLoved Asheville, which seeks to reach the growing number of Asheville’s communities who are being affected by food insecurity. “With food insecurity, the beautiful foodways that bring people together are being lost,” explains Amy Cantrell, co-director of BeLoved Asheville. “At the centre of BeLoved is a table where we connect.” 

As well as reaching people through Mama’s Kitchen, BeLoved helps distribute fresh produce from farmers and grocers to people in need. “We’re replacing the canned goods, cardboard boxes, lines, and paperwork of food pantries,” says co-director Ponkho Bermejo. “Fresh produce is on tablecloth-covered tables in baskets. Tasting demonstrations, live music, and community make it a delightful and dignified way to access food.”¹ 

When Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, Asheville and surrounding areas were hit hard. Falling trees and raging rivers isolated many from help, cutting off power, water, road access, and phone service. Lower-income communities living in more vulnerable housing, such as trailers and mobile homes, were heading into a bitter winter with little protection. 

The BeLoved team swung into action – swiftly redeploying its network of volunteers, trucks, warehousing, and resources. It set up centres with essentials including food, water, blankets, and hygiene items. Hiking volunteers donned heavy backpacks and headtorches to bring supplies to survivors in remote areas. Since the hurricane, BeLoved has now rebuilt more than 140 homes, helping families regain safety and stability. 

Everything from generators and heaters to tools and temporary “tiny homes” were sourced and shared. At the peak of the crisis, BeLoved was supporting upwards of 15,000 people a day.² On Thanksgiving, Mama’s Kitchen was in action as always, serving hot, comforting meals to families who had been without power for weeks. More than a year on, the team is still helping communities to rebuild. 

Despite the loss and suffering, the hurricane has cemented the power of BeLoved’s deep and growing community connections. “This year, much of our work will be devoted to healing,” co-director Adrienne Sigmon says. “We are building something rooted in restoration, connection, and shared growth.” 

Oak supports food access projects at BeLoved Asheville through our Special Interest Programme, which connects with a diverse range of partners around the world. Click on the links to find out more!