Reaching Further: New Vehicles, New Hope in Ashe County
- Second Harvest
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Since its founding in 2021, Ashe Harvest Ministries has been a source of nourishment, comfort, and care for rural western Ashe County—where long winding roads and tight-knit communities sometimes mean neighbors are far from the resources they need. When Hurricane Helene hit, those needs grew overnight, but so did the community’s determination to stand together.
Thanks to generous supporters of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC's Hurricane Helene response and recovery efforts, Ashe Harvest Ministries has recently added new vehicles to its fleet—a game-changer for their ability to serve.
“One thing I wish more people understood about the work Ashe Harvest Ministries does,” says Executive Director Michael Hartzog, “is that we’re not just handing out food—we’re restoring hope. Every bag of groceries, every warm meal, every kind word at the pantry is part of something much bigger. We’re showing people in crisis that they’re not invisible.”
Expanding Reach, Deepening Impact
With tough terrain and limited transportation options in much of Ashe County, these new vehicles are helping Michael and his team reach families who might otherwise go without. That includes elderly residents living alone, parents juggling multiple jobs, and folks rebuilding in the wake of natural disaster.
The enhanced capacity is already making a difference:
Mobile Outreach: Deliveries now extend to more remote areas, meeting neighbors where they are with food, supplies, and compassion.
Pop-Up Services: The team can show up at community events or housing complexes with fresh produce and friendly faces.
Faster Emergency Response: When crisis hits, the ministry can quickly get aid to where it’s needed most.
Volunteer Support: Volunteers no longer have to rely on their personal vehicles, reducing wear and financial burden.
Partnership Power: With greater mobility, Ashe Harvest Ministries is strengthening collaboration with schools, churches, and local service agencies.
“This work is about more than logistics,” Michael shares. “It’s about love in action. These vehicles help us keep our promise to the people of Ashe County: that we will show up, especially when it’s hard.”
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