Kelly’s Kitchen Launches Mobile Kitchen Initiative to Expand Food Relief Efforts Across Rural Western North Carolina
WNC — Kelly’s Kitchen is excited to announce its commitment to supporting disaster relief and food security in Western North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. With a substantial financial contribution, Kelly’s Kitchen is working with local organizers and Grassroots Aid Partnership (GAP) to spearhead a mobile kitchen initiative to deliver hot meals and community support to underserved populations across rural areas, including Buncombe, Madison, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties.
This effort represents an innovative approach to ensuring that food resources reach those most in need, particularly individuals without transportation, seniors, and people with disabilities.
The Mobile Kitchen Initiative
Kelly’s Kitchen is providing funds to assist with building and implementing a mobile kitchen and beverage bar that will serve 50 to 100 individuals with 2 to 3 hot meals per day, operating 2 to 4 days a week. The mobile model allows for flexible serviceat multiple locations, ensuring communities recovering from Hurricane Helene receive consistent and reliable access to hot meals and support.
Key features of the mobile kitchen include:
● On-site meal service: Hot meals served directly to community members and volunteers.
● Delivery services: For seniors and individuals with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes.
● Improved accessibility: Flexible locations designed to reach rural communities with limited transportation options.
Kelly’s Kitchen’s Financial Contributions
As part of this initiative, Kelly’sKitchen is providing majority funding to support the development and operation of the mobile kitchen. This funding will go towards essential supplies such as:
● 10 - 4X8 tables and 20 folding chairs for serving and seating
● 4 Thermos pumps for serving hot beverages
● Disposable hot cups and lids
● Plastic to-go containers with lids
● Pre-packaged to-go utensils for distributing meals and maintaining sanitation
● 3 Large trash cans and liners to manage waste effectively
● 10 Bus tubs for kitchen and trash consolidation to simplify cleanup and minimize strain on volunteers
● 4 Chafing dish sets and fuel
● 2 Hand-washing stations for maintaining hygiene at the food hub
● 2 Dual hot and cold water dispensers
● 2 Extra-large coolers with wheels for easy transport when full
● 8 Thermal food transport boxes
● 2 Large magnetic whiteboards with wheels for meal announcements, scheduling, and updates to the community
● Whiteboard markers to ensure meal schedules, information, and announcements are clearly displayed and accessible to everyone
● 2 Folding chair racks for transport and storage
● Honda664240 EU2200i 2200 WattPortable Inverter Generator
● 10 Addlon 102FT (96+6) Solar String Lights Outdoor Waterproof with USB Port & Remote Control
● Fiscal Sponsorship by Grassroots Aid Partnership (GAP): GAP will serve as the fiscal sponsor for this project, managing funds and providing access to a volunteer stream, a donated food supply chain, and essential equipment like Cambros.
● 10x20 Wind-Resistant, Waterproof, and UV-Blocking Pop-Up Canopy Tent to ensures safe and sheltered meal preparation and distribution.
● $430 for a 10x20 Commercial Instant Canopy Tent with Sandbags, which offers additional weather protection and stability during meal service.
Partnership with Grassroots Aid Partnership (GAP)
Through this collaboration, GAP will provide critical operational support, including access to:
● A robust volunteer network.
● Donated food supplies to reduce costs and enhance food offerings.
● Additional equipment such as Cambros to ensure meals are transported safely and efficiently.
By leveraging GAP’s resources and expertise, Kelly’s Kitchen can focus on its mission while ensuring financial accountability and operational efficiency.
Why the Mobile Model Matters
The transition from a fixed-location Food Hub to a mobile kitchen represents a significant improvement in accessibility and impact. This flexible approach allows Kelly’s Kitchen to reach more individuals in need, including those in remote and underserved areas.
The mobile kitchen will also support recovery volunteers working to rebuild communities, ensuring they receive nourishment and morale-boosting support during their efforts.
What’s Next?
The mobile kitchen is set to begin operations with regular service in 2025. Kelly’s Kitchen will continue to collaborate with GAP and other community partners to refine operations and scale its impact.
How to Support
For more information about Kelly’s Kitchen or to contribute to this initiative, please contact:
Rachel Kaplan
Director of Operations at Kelly’s Kitchen
919-593-6066
Sara Legatski
Project Coordinator