August 12, 2025
This summer, the Gardner Institute team came together in Asheville, North Carolina, for organizational development. The team spent three days together in person to work towards larger organizational goals. As a part of this work, we spent time lending a helping hand and learn more about the community. Our team visited two local organizations—MANNA FoodBank and RiverLink—working with staff and community members to support ongoing relief and restoration efforts.
At MANNA FoodBank, our team toured their warehouse before rolling up our sleeves to gather, sort, and pack food donations. Together, we helped prepare essential food supplies for distribution across Western North Carolina, supporting MANNA’s mission to provide nourishment and hope to individuals and families in the region.
At RiverLink’s Karen Cragnolin Park, volunteers took part in both education and action. We began with a tour of the park, learning about the history of the city of Asheville and the impacts of Hurricane Helene on the waterways. Along the way, we identified several unique native plant species that RiverLink works to promote and protect. Our group removed invasive plant species to help maintain and restore the park’s native ecosystem.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside these dedicated organizations, to learn more about the ongoing challenges facing the Asheville community, and to contribute in ways—large and small—that can help make a difference. Thank you to MANNA FoodBank, RiverLink, for welcoming us, sharing your stories, and inspiring us with your resilience.
About MANNA FoodBank
MANNA FoodBank, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a private, not-for-profit service organization working to end food insecurity in the 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary. MANNA links the food industry to over 200 partner pantries and other human service organizations to get food to thousands of families’ tables. We are a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization. Together we can solve hunger.
About RiverLink
RiverLink promotes the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed for all. RiverLink accomplishes its mission by improving watershed health and climate resilience, providing permanent public access to the river through conservation and recreation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use and enjoyment, empowering over 1,000 volunteers each year, and annually educating over 4,000 students, as well as the public at large, about the importance of a healthy French Broad River watershed.
