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.
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.
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.
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
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Givens Communities is our Mission Champion for the 2026 year!
Givens Communities is a nationally recognized nonprofit senior living organization based in Asheville, North Carolina. With five distinct campuses serving Charlotte through Western North Carolina, Givens Communities provides Life Plan Communities (Continuing Care Retirement Communities, CCRCs) as well as affordable and middle-income senior housing. Together, our communities offer progressive levels of care and meaningful living opportunities to approximately 2,000 older adults each year.
Our outreach programs and nonprofit partnerships strengthen our ability to support seniors and their families from Charlotte across Western North Carolina, ensuring access to high-quality care, housing, and wellness resources.
For more than 50 years, Givens Communities has been a trusted leader and advocate for older adults, promoting dignity, independence, and purposeful aging throughout the region.
Givens Communities is a ministry of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and remains committed to our mission of Creating Community and Empowering Lives.
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