In response to the extended government shutdown, 12 Baskets Café, a program of Asheville Poverty Initiative, is reaching out to federal government workers and their families who are feeling the pinch of not receiving pay checks for many weeks.
“We at Asheville Poverty Initiative believe walls aren’t what make us safe, but knowing and caring for our neighbors does,” said Rev. Dr. Shannon Spencer, Executive Director of Asheville Poverty Initiative.
Located on State Street at Haywood Road in West Asheville, 12 Baskets Cafe serves delicious free lunches every weekday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers take individual orders from an extensive posted menu and serve the food café-style to patrons on attractive plates. Other volunteers pick up already-prepared but untouched food donated by local restaurants, grocery stores, and other food services which would otherwise have to toss it in a dumpster.
In addition to providing extraordinarily delicious food, the café offers the warmth of fellowship, the opportunity to join in interesting conversation with other diners, a shared sense of abundance, and the realization that every single person matters.
All are welcome and encouraged to come. The city bus line stops right outside the front door. Visit www.facebook.com/ashevillepovertyinitiative/ for additional information.