Asheville Poverty Initiative: 12 Baskets Cafe

Mission: To build community and promote economic justice.

A steadfast presence for over a decade, Asheville Poverty Initiative builds community and promotes economic justice from our community center at State St. and Haywood Road. Our programs, 12 Baskets Café and Realities of Poverty, prioritize inclusivity, abundance, and dignity to address hunger, housing, and poverty. Everyone has, and everyone has needs. We envision a beloved community that celebrates mutuality, abundance, and justice.

Together, we’re dismantling stereotypes, reducing fear, and empowering hope through telling stories across socio-economic difference.

At 12 Baskets Café, we embrace all walks of life—those facing hunger, seeking belonging, or eager to help. We are Community-Powered, using 100% rescued food and By-Donation, a space where everyone contributes as they can. Our surplus food comes from local businesses and is repurposed to create a shared feast. Join us in fostering a community where everyone is welcome and valued.

But we are much more than a soup kitchen. We have a community garden social space where people can rest, socialize, play chess, find out about resources, make friends. We host many community initiatives each week including: art projects, a writing group, tech tuesdays, chess club, community meetings, band rehearsals and more.