We know our food touches the hands of many. From the farmers who plant and pick it, to the people who package and sell it, all the way to our own fridges—there is a whole ecosystem of hands interacting with the food that graces our tables.
Recently, food packs that went out to families affected by Hurricane Helene had a few extra loving hands make those meals possible. Like many of the food packages UWABC creates, we had a business partner begin the work: breaking down pallets and boxes of food and organizing ingredients into bags. The business group, SageSure, completed this while in Asheville for only three days. They emphasized the importance of partnering with several nonprofits during their stay so they could give back to the community hosting their annual conference
But what was truly special about these food kits wasn’t just the delicious chili the ingredients made—it was the impact 
behind them.
Our A.C. Reynolds Middle School Coordinator, Carrie, saw that while SageSure organized the meal kits, the spice packets still needed to be mixed later.
And Carrie, doing what coordinators do best, made the connection back to her school. Because she helps with after-school clubs and activities, she knew that an opportunity to combine student learning with volunteerism was invaluable.
A few days after SageSure completed their portion, the Reynolds Middle cooking club was ready to add the spice—literally. With the same ingredients included in the kits, the club cooked a pot of chili together. As students took on different responsibilities in the kitchen-classroom, Carrie explained that giving back should be part of any gathering, and that their club was just as capable of supporting community members as any business or adult volunteer.
They mixed spices, explored the smells and flavors of each ingredient, practiced measuring, and learned how to work as a team. They also wrote personalized cards that would later be placed in the kits, with several students sharing how excited they were to be giving a meal they helped prepare.
Over 45 students were involved in this project across the school’s clubs and activities. This was a powerful learning experience—about more than just helping others. It helped destigmatize the food families might receive. The Reynolds Cooking Club students tasted exactly what would soon be in the hands of families still recovering from Hurricane Helene. They saw firsthand how delicious and nourishing the meal truly was, and that there is no difference between food given and food bought.
And still, the meal kits had more caring hands to pass through. A final volunteer group, visiting UWABC for a 
service project, decorated high-quality tote bags and packed all the ingredients and spices into them. Each tote was hand-painted with the message “Care that Continues Beyond the Storm.” Families not only received a hearty, nutritious chili meal but also a lasting reminder that they are seen, supported, and cared for. In total, volunteers and students created more than 100 meal kits for families—along with 25 art kits that were given to the Reynolds school art club to support creativity and connection.
These meal kits became a beautiful example of UWABC’s superpower: making connections and turning small moments into meaningful impact.
The project offered volunteer opportunities to business partners and visitors, created hands-on learning experiences for students, and strengthened community ties—while ensuring dozens of families received the comfort and security of a warm meal.
This is the power of being connected, and the reminder that our students, businesses, and families are all united in one way or another.
Don't Stop There!
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