Help a Chef Feed WNC: Allergy-Conscious Food Truck

Hello Everyone!

A little about me:

I've been a professional chef for over a decade. I specialize in allergy-conscious food.

I grew up with Celiac disease (an autoimmune disorder resulting in the inability to consume gluten), as well as being sensitive to casein (protein in dairy). I also later developed an allergy to mangoes and pineapple.

One of my siblings cannot have shellfish, soy, gluten, or dairy, and some of my family are vegan.

So during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene here in Western North Carolina, I have been self-deploying six days a week (Tues-Sun), providing meals that I cook fresh daily, that contain no gluten, no dairy, and I always have vegan options.

I have been doing this non-stop and predominantly solo since very shortly after the hurricane; even before I had power back and prior to learning that I had been laid off for an indeterminate amount of time because of lack of power and water.

In the beginning, I worked entirely out of my own pantry—as no grocery stores were open anymore because of the devastation from Helene—and as time progressed, the gravity of the situation became apparent, and the need grew. I began accepting monetary and physical donations to broaden my reach and allow me to continue doing what I do best: feeding people.

Now, almost two months later, temperatures are dropping, winds are picking up, and snow has fallen for the first time this season. Many are still homeless and demand for food/aid isn't going anywhere.

I'm biting the proverbial bullet and asking for help in the next stage of my volunteering journey: crowdfunding a food truck or trailer so I can continue to provide allergy-safe meals on a larger scale.

So please, help me help WNC!