Egg Industry Teams Up for Donation to Hurricane Relief Efforts in North Carolina

In a collaborative effort to support those affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, HATCH, Rose Acre Farms, the American Egg Board and the North Carolina Egg Association have joined forces to donate thousands of fresh eggs to MANNA Food Bank in Asheville, North Carolina, and Midwest Food Bank, which is supporting distribution sites in Western North Carolina and across the Southeast. This donation will bring much-needed relief to families facing food insecurity in the wake of the storm, helping them access high-quality, nutritious protein options.

“We recognize the critical role fresh food plays in the health and well-being of our communities, especially in moments of crisis,” said Danny Leckie, CEO of HATCH. “Through partnerships with Rose Acre Farms and the American Egg Board, we can come together and ensure that families not only receive food but receive food that nourishes them during this difficult time.” 

A full truckload of eggs - 25,000 dozen eggs - is being delivered to Western North Carolina this week. The donation to Midwest Food Bank will be distributed in the area through its partner at Arm Full of Hope in Arden, North Carolina. Due to severe damage sustained by MANNA Food Bank, Rose Acre Farms is providing a trailer to remain onsite at the MANNA distribution site in Asheville to ensure the eggs remain safe and secure for neighbors being served. 

“Egg farmers are stepping up in a big way to support hurricane disaster relief efforts by donating thousands of eggs to families in need,” said Lisa Prince, executive director of the North Carolina Egg Association. “During challenging times like these, it's inspiring to see our farming community come together to alleviate hunger and ensure access to nutritious food for families who have been impacted by these natural disasters.”

The donation by Rose Acre Farms comes alongside additional donations made by egg farmers. Braswell Family Farms, based in Nashville, North Carolina, has donated thousands of eggs to residents through Pilgram’s Way Baptist Church, and Monroe, North Carolina-based Simpson’s Eggs brought hundreds of dozens of eggs to those in need in the Western part of the state.

“Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by Hurricane Helene," said Emily Metz, CEO of the American Egg Board. "In challenging times like these, it becomes clear that recovery is not something anyone should face alone. True strength emerges when we come together, united in support. We hope that our contributions, alongside those of so many others, offer a small measure of comfort as these communities begin to rebuild.”

HATCH envisions a world where every person has access to adequate nutrition and is committed to harnessing the power of the global egg industry to achieve this goal. The ongoing collaboration with Rose Acre Farms and NC Egg Association reaffirms our collective strength in making a profound impact.

Those interested in supporting HATCH’s disaster relief efforts can learn more at www.hatchforhunger.com.