Help Us Restore Olivette Farm & WNC's Vital Food Supply

Since 2016, Olivette Farm has been central to our community’s commitment to re-localizing food production. We currently cultivate 5 acres of diversified organic crops, supplying vegetables to farmer's markets, restaurants, and 90 CSA members, of which 55 are donated to those facing food insecurity. We partner with local non-profits like Haywood Respite, Beloved Asheville, Equal Plates Project, Southside Community Center, Feed AVL, and Bounty and Soul to distribute one-third of our produce, for free. Our goal is to continue addressing the issues of food inequity and insecurity throughout WNC for years to come, despite catastrophic disasters like the one we’re experiencing now.

During the recent rain event, combined with Hurricane Helene’s impact, our farm suffered $50,700 in crop losses. Two of our five production acres were flooded by Lee’s Creek, wiping out most of our fall crops. The flood destroyed a 50-foot section of our deer fence, flooded three greenhouses, and ruined three irrigation pumps. Our immediate needs are to continue paying staff to salvage crops, replant for winter, and repair the affected areas.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we were able to salvage remaining crops and deliver 4,000 pounds of produce to Mother Earth Foods, who then prepared and distributed hot meals to families without access to food or power. As a community and farm, Olivette is dedicated to providing people with nutrient-dense, sustainably grown and diverse foods while deepening their relationship with the land. Nearly three weeks later, as the need for fresh food is still very present in our area, we are working hard to continue to provide local produce to our incredible non-profit partners.

Our loss as a region, combined with all local farms, is much larger than we are currently aware of. Please note that all local farms are working together as a team alongside our distribution network. Any funds that come to Olivette are going to those people as well. We understand this is a significant request, but we have no choice but to ask for your support during this critical time. Your generosity will not only help us rebuild but will uplift the entire farming community.

Feel free to visit our instagram page @olivettefarm for more photos of the impact.

Thank you for standing with us,

Your Olivette Farmers