Asheville Poverty Initiative

Our mission is to build community and educate about the realities of poverty.

We aim to dismantle stereotypes and reduce fear through telling stories across socio-economic differences. We envision a beloved community that celebrates mutuality, abundance, and equity.

12 Baskets Café & Garden

Welcome to 12 Baskets Café! Located at 610 Haywood Rd, West Asheville, our café is open to everyone. All are encouraged to come and have conversations with their neighbors.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10 am cafe opens for coffee; 11 am to 1 pm - Lunch is served and free store is open

Join us for coffee, conversation, and community in our garden beginning at 10:00 AM on the days we are open. We are rescuing 2,000+ pounds of food each week, on average, and serving 500+ community members through meals and grocery boxes.

Find out more about how to volunteer with us HERE!

A yellow plate with a salad containing mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, blueberries, purple cabbage, green beans, and two different creamy salads, one with orange topping and another with herbs.

A cheerful child standing in a cafe with arms raised, in front of a blackboard menu and colorful signs that read 'Welcome All Religions, All Sexes, All Sizes, All Ages, All Cultures, All Abilities, All Individual, All Colors, All Orientation, Love Here.'

At 12 Baskets Café, we embrace all walks of life—those facing hunger, seeking belonging, or eager to help. We are Community-Powered, using 100% rescued food and By-Donation, a space where everyone contributes as they can. Support us through cash or monthly donations, volunteering, or helping with cleanup. Our surplus food comes from local businesses and is repurposed to create a shared feast. Join us in fostering a community where everyone is welcome and valued.

A diverse group of people seated in a circle in a cozy, informal cafe setting, engaging in a discussion or workshop.

A diverse group of people, including children and adults, walking on a city sidewalk near a brick building with large windows, some wearing jackets and hoodies, with a street and parked cars in the background.

Realities of Poverty Education

Explore the Realities of Poverty through our Education Program. Partnering with those who have firsthand experience in poverty, our educators guide diverse audiences, offering insights into agency resources and daily challenges in Asheville.

Join us for a guided tour, discovering practical aspects of navigating poverty. Gain firsthand insights into available resources, and understand the impact of poverty on us all. If walking one mile is a challenge, contact us for alternative educational options. Together, let's foster understanding and empathy. Find out more here!

We are excited to announce we are now open to individuals. Learn by doing. Challenge your stereotypes. Walks will happen on the final Saturday each month - 10:30a-12:30p. $25/person (suggested donation. All are welcome!) Click here to sign up as an individual.

Make an impact today

While the food is donated, it costs Asheville Poverty Initiative a little over $5-10 per plate to cover costs like; monthly rent, our largest and most important bill, purchasing kitchen and cleaning supplies, and pay utilities, insurance, water, and operating costs (that grants don’t often cover).

Donations by check can be made out and mailed to:

Asheville Poverty Initiative

610 Haywood Road, Suite B

Asheville, NC 28806