Increasing access to food is a popular project across North Carolina. In Black Mountain, one organization has been changing the way food distribution sites are set up and is giving people access to more than just healthy, local food. Bounty and Soul is a non-profit organization that provides free food and health and wellness classes to anyone in need in Buncombe and McDowell Counties. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Bounty and Soul sets up their distribution sites at various locations throughout Buncombe County. Each day has a set location, rotating from an apartment complex on Monday, to a church on Tuesday, a middle school on Thursday, and an elementary school on Friday.

Bounty and Soul does their distribution a little differently than most food banks or food ministries. Bounty and Soul sets up their display like a farmer’s market. Tables are full of baskets overflowing with almost every type of fresh produce you could find at the grocery store. Seasonal fruits and vegetables make up most of the food given away, but partnerships with grocery stores have allowed Bounty and Soul to give away nonperishable goods, spices, and meat.

Not only does Bounty and Soul give a farmer’s market-like space, it provides free yoga, Zumba, cooking demos, and health and wellness classes before and after food pick-up begins. Bounty and Soul takes food distribution to the next level to provide healthy food, classes, and spaces for all people living in Buncombe and McDowell Counties.