Publix Charities helps a North Carolina food bank make a lasting impact in the community

Sept. 22, 2026 - As part of our commitment to bring awareness to Hunger Action Month, we're spotlighting organizations like Bounty & Soul that have received support from Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) to help make a difference.

A $250,000 donation from PSMC helped Bounty & Soul purchase a new warehouse to expand access to fresh food across western North Carolina. The facility will include a dedicated area of the building where volunteers will sort, organize and prepare food for distribution. As part of PSMC's commitment to supporting the organization's mission and the community it serves, the area will be named the Publix Charities Sorting Space and is expected to open in early 2027.

"Bounty & Soul has been a critical resource for western North Carolina families, especially in the wake of Hurricane Helene," said Publix Charities Executive Director John Doran. "Through donations to help expand food distribution and the new sorting facility, we're helping strengthen their ability to reach more people with fresh food and support ongoing recovery and growth."

Expanding capacity to serve more neighbors

In 2025, Bounty & Soul helped provide relief to nearly 290,000 people from more than 87,000 households. Working with 65 local farms and businesses, the organization distributed over 2 million pounds of produce and invested more than $1 million in the regional food economy.

They also delivered nearly 5,000 food boxes to homebound neighbors and provided over 240 health, wellness and cooking classes. Bounty & Soul pursued the new facility after outgrowing its existing space. The facility will give the organization additional capacity to receive, prepare and distribute food throughout the region.

"When you invest in the potential of people and communities, you're doing more than providing food," said Allison Casparian, founder and executive director of Bounty & Soul. "You're creating opportunities, strengthening connections and making extraordinary things possible by investing in the future of our communities."

Supporting recovery after Hurricane Helene

Its role became even more important in fall 2024 following Hurricane Helene, which left many western North Carolina communities struggling to recover. Flooded roads, damaged homes and disrupted transportation made it difficult for residents to reach grocery stores. At the same time, local farms that help supply Bounty & Soul with fresh food were impacted by the storm, creating additional challenges.

In response, the organization expanded its mobile food pantry efforts to bring food directly into neighborhoods. To support that initiative, PSMC provided funding for a new 26-foot box truck, enabling the group to transport and distribute more fresh food throughout the region. Now in operation, the truck is helping keep mobile pantries stocked, improving operational efficiency, and expanding Bounty & Soul's ability to reach and serve more communities.

Since 2018, PSMC has supported Bounty & Soul's mission to connect communities with fresh produce and nutritious food. Serving communities throughout the Black Mountain, Swannanoa and greater Asheville area, the nonprofit has become a vital resource for neighbors facing hunger.

Learn more about how PSMC is supporting communities during Hunger Action Month.