A week ago, Katie Button’s popular Asheville, North Carolina, restaurants Cúrate and La Bodega were thriving. However, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the restaurants are facing significant challenges, with access to running water potentially unavailable for up to a month.
In response to the devastation caused by the storm, Button has shifted her focus towards providing assistance to those in need. Partnering with chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen, her restaurants are actively involved in delivering meals and water to individuals who have been isolated due to the storm's impact.
Button estimates that by the end of the day, they will have prepared a total of 3,000 meals for residents in Asheville and the surrounding areas. This initiative has been made possible through the support of World Central Kitchen, which is facilitating the transportation of water for their use.
The collaborative effort between Button's restaurants and World Central Kitchen enables the preparation of at least 1,000 meals daily. These meals are then airlifted to individuals who are completely cut off from road access, highlighting the logistical challenges faced in the aftermath of the storm.
The dedication and swift action taken by Button and her team exemplify the resilience and community spirit prevalent in times of crisis. Their commitment to providing essential resources to those affected by Hurricane Helene serves as a beacon of hope amidst the challenges brought about by the natural disaster.