12 Baskets Cafe a program of Asheville Poverty Initiative - Asheville, North Carolina

Introduction to 12 Baskets Cafe

The Asheville Poverty Initiative proudly presents 12 Baskets Cafe, a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity and fostering community connection within Asheville, North Carolina. This initiative operates with a core philosophy of sustainability and resourcefulness, transforming surplus food – often destined for waste – into nutritious and delicious meals for those in need. It’s a truly innovative approach to combating hunger and promoting self-sufficiency, demonstrating a powerful commitment to social responsibility.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 610 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, United States.

Phone: 8282220393

Website: ashevillepovertyinitiative.org

What is 12 Baskets Cafe

At its heart, 12 Baskets Cafe is a community kitchen. It meticulously collects surplus food from local restaurants, grocery stores, and other businesses – food that would otherwise be discarded. This rescued food is then expertly prepared into family-style lunches, dinners, and is made available through a free pantry, ensuring that no one goes hungry. The operation is entirely powered by dedicated volunteers, highlighting the strength and compassion of the Asheville community.

Key Features and Accessibility

12 Baskets Cafe is designed with inclusivity in mind. It offers a welcoming and accessible environment for all. Here's a breakdown of the key features:

• Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: Ensuring convenient access for individuals using mobility aids.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance: Providing a smooth and easy entry point.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Seating: Offering comfortable seating options for everyone.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Toilet: Guaranteeing full accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
• LGBTQ+ Friendly: Creating a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Transgender Safe Space: Upholding a policy of respect and affirmation for transgender individuals.

Specialties and Operations

The specialties of 12 Baskets Cafe lie in its innovative approach to food rescue and distribution. They are not simply providing meals; they are building a bridge between surplus resources and those who need them most. The cafe’s operations are meticulously managed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental sustainability. The focus is on providing nutritious, culturally relevant meals that meet the diverse needs of the community.

Community Impact and Feedback

The positive impact of 12 Baskets Cafe extends far beyond the provision of meals. It has cultivated a strong sense of community, bringing together volunteers, local businesses, and individuals in a shared mission. The organization fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, strengthening the social fabric of Asheville. As evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive opinions, the cafe is deeply appreciated by those it serves and the community at large. The average opinion is a remarkable 4.8 out of 5 stars, reflecting the exceptional work being done. The dedication of the volunteers, as highlighted by one review stating, “Taking food waste and turning into family style lunches, dinners, and a free pantry Very awesome guy”, underscores the transformative nature of this initiative. Another review emphasizes, “The work these folks do and the community they provide is amazing. Keep up the great work, you are appreciated”.

Further Information

For those seeking to learn more about 12 Baskets Cafe, the Asheville Poverty Initiative website (ashevillepovertyinitiative.org) provides detailed information about the program’s mission, operations, and volunteer opportunities. You can also contact the cafe directly via phone at 828-222-0393. The organization regularly updates its website with news, events, and success stories, offering a dynamic window into its ongoing work.

12 Baskets Cafe represents a powerful example of how community-based initiatives can address critical social issues and create a more equitable and sustainable future. Its commitment to food rescue, community engagement, and accessibility makes it a truly exceptional organization.

👍 Reviews of 12 Baskets Cafe a program of Asheville Poverty Initiative

who_dat_is_ T.

5/5

Taking food waste and turning into family style lunches, dinners, and a free pantry! Very awesome guy!

Powered by volunteers!

Debra R.

5/5

The work these folks do and the community they provide is amazing. Keep up the great work, you are appreciated!

Brian R.

1/5

Pancakes are more like dry cookies, I hate hush puppies and the ones they had were even worse. Too much religious focus. Cake was the only save point and that wasn't saying much. I won't be back

Mr W.

5/5

An amazing experience. When the Universe continues to give you lessons, but your so hard headed, that it shows you this awesome place. Been going here a lot. This place is helping me on some goals that im working on and I'm content. The meals hit the spot ,and the service by volunteers are cute and satisfying.
I will continue to go here.

Michael M.

5/5

Serving hot food during the aftermath of the storm. Staff was very friendly and welcoming and helpful. We are blessed to have them here.

Beep B.

5/5

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
✝️S H A D O W S PLAY WITH L I G H T✝️
👤👤👤👤👤👤👤👤👤👤👤👤👤

12 baskets Saved me time and time again. Thank you to the two brothers( tall long brown hair/ long sliver hair ) that made 12 baskets feel like Home. Extremely comforting and loving as a traveling girl off in the world.

and the others who tend to those in need. The guitarist who lifts the spirits with music ( medium silver hair ) - a light being the older gentlemens, Dave and Tom who show up consistently with smiles and aid- Judy the rock star who stands tall in stride 🌟 - and all those who come here to serve ~ you know who you are; golden nuggets in a vast world who want to serve from the Heart, Mind. Body and Soul. You are angels who walk this earth - do not forget! And do not allow those to do so to you! I deeply admire and appreciate you.

From the day I moved here to where I am in life; I know there is a place where I can rest and never sleep hungry ; as well - a place to pay forward and serve others who have aided me. Nothing fulfills me more than to fill others stomachs and hearts.

12 baskets is a loving place that should not lose its intentions; just as any place — as I say this with love as it may aid awareness - boundaries need to be placed to be able to aid others by a reassessment of the energy coming in that is taking/ sucking the life away from the pure intention of 12 baskets. By attending to the nagging thoughts for the need of change and clearing up shop with the justice of love . this place can continue to have its magic & love in place.

I’ve seen places run down from lack of boundaries , abusing the goodness of others and enabling stagnancy with those who refuse to get out of their comfort and grow. - which builds a breeding ground for leeching and abuse to those who are there with pure intentions. I know 12 baskets will succeed and win through this spiritual warfare of shadows and light
♾️🤍⚔️❤️‍🔥🐲✌️☮️
🙌 angels deserve acknowledgement 🙌

I love 12 baskets and those in Earnestness - I’ve learned, it is best to clear the air and point at the shadows and put them in view rather than let it fester in darkness; hiding with the fear of saying it out loud and growing rapidly chocking a place that is heaven on earth; 12 baskets of Asheville

I love you

thank you so much for aiding me in my times of need and providing me the energy fuel to get back out to the world and try again. Thank you thank you thank you !

I see you; thank you for seeing me too
🦋♾️🤍🙏🤍♾️🦋

May we have clear skys & peace of mind and be free of all who have ill intent ✌️

Utmost love, Kiya Kat 🌞🌈🌝

Matthew W.

4/5

Had lunch. They were out of a few items, so timing is everything. Very friendly and courteous service, they bring you all you can eat or drink. Choice of menu items. Bathrooms always being used for long amounts of time, don't even try it.

Elena W.

4/5

No parking. All you can eat from what menu items are available or what's left in our case. Friendly service. People practically live in the bathrooms, so no chance of using those