Last Updated on June 28, 2026 11:20 am
NEWLAND, N.C. – June 22, 2026 – It took broad support and willing hands to pack 140,522 meals for Avery County families still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Donors across the High Country, North Carolina, and the country made donations for the ingredients. More than 600 volunteers filled First Baptist Church of Newland on Saturday, June 20, to pack it, knowing every meal will stay in the High Country.
The meals were divided between two nutritious, shelf-stable No Child Hungry recipes: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal and Tomato Basil Pasta. They will move through Feeding Avery Families and several area food banks, with distribution beginning right away.
“The need here didn't end when the cameras left,” said Bonnie Clark, executive director of Feeding Avery Families. “As we approach two years since Helene, families in Avery County are still rebuilding. These meals will move through our pantry and our partners and start reaching tables across the county right away.”
Among the volunteers were several Avery County families who will also receive the meals they helped pack. They asked to put in the work themselves — sweat equity for food headed to their own tables and their neighbors'.
“Six hundred volunteers gave us a Saturday and turned it into 140,522 meals. But before anyone picked up a scoop, supporters made it all possible — companies and individuals in the High Country and people who've never set foot in Avery County,” said Mike Whitaker, COO of No Child Hungry. “The Player family, owners of Queen City Homestore, again answered the call, and in just a few weeks, their efforts made these meals a reality.”
The day drew anchor support from Charlotte-based Queen City Homestore, the Grandfather Community Foundation, and the Avery County Long-Term Recovery Group.
“Charlotte and the High Country aren't as far apart as it may look on a map — these mountains are where a lot of our people and our customers go to breathe,” said Roddey Player Sr., CEO of Queen City Homestore. “When Helene hit, sitting it out wasn't an option. We knew our neighbors were in need, which led to the first event right after Helene. And, when Feeding Avery Families reached out with a need this summer, it was an immediate, ‘Yes' from our family and our team.”
“No Child Hungry has put more than 70 million meals on tables since we started, and not one of them happened without people deciding to show up,” said William Lowry, president of No Child Hungry. “It was an impressive display of community in action.”
“My sister Kate and I were raised to believe a business is part of its community, not separate from it,” said Roddey Player Jr. of Queen City Homestore. “On Saturday, I worked alongside Avery County families, packing meals they would end up receiving themselves, and nobody made a thing of it. We all just got to work. These are our people, and they're worth showing up for. And we plan to keep showing up.”
Saturday's effort pushed the two-part Hope for the High Country campaign past 650,000 meals for Western North Carolina. Giving remains open at nochildhungry.net/hope2 and will fund continued meal support for the region.
About No Child Hungry
No Child Hungry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 84-3811937) based in Apopka, Florida, providing nutritious meals to families facing food insecurity. The organization has provided more than 70 million meals since its founding and holds a 100/100 rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. Its long-term commitment, 1BN10, is to provide one billion meals over ten years. More at nochildhungry.net.
About Queen City Homestore
Queen City Homestore is an independent appliance, electronics and furniture retailer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving the Charlotte region and the Carolinas. Founded in 1952 and led by President and CEO Roddey Player Sr., it is one of the largest independent appliance retailers in the Carolinas. More at queencityonline.com.
About Feeding Avery Families
Feeding Avery Families is a hunger-relief organization serving residents of Avery County, North Carolina, providing food assistance through its pantry and a network of community partners. It is led by Executive Director Bonnie Clark. More at feedingaveryfamilies.org.
About the Grandfather Community Foundation
The Grandfather Community Foundation supports charitable and community initiatives in the Grandfather Mountain region of western North Carolina. More at grandfathercommunityfoundation.org.
About the Avery County Long-Term Recovery Group
The Avery County Long-Term Recovery Group coordinates long-term Hurricane Helene recovery for Avery County residents, bringing together local agencies, nonprofits and faith-based organizations to address unmet needs. More at averyltrg.org.
