What Jill Biden Did in Asheville

ASHEVILLE — First Lady Jill Biden stopped in Asheville Oct. 25 to review local relief efforts following record flooding and devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helen in western North Carolina.

Her visit came on the heels of the former president Donald Trump speaks in Swannanoa days before, in addition to stops in Asheville in recent days from U.S. Transportation. Secretary Pete ButtigiegGovernor Roy Cooper and Air tour of President Joe Biden’s region.

Biden’s plane landed around 11:30 a.m. Friday at Asheville Regional Airport. She made no comments at the airport before heading downtown.

More: World Central Kitchen, Hearts with Hands is distributing food and water in the Asheville area.

Jill Biden meets with volunteers at World Central Kitchen in Asheville

Biden visited World Central Kitchen on Cox Avenue in Asheville early in the afternoon, accompanied by Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and others. The field kitchen smelled of pork loin and beans, the smells were felt as soon as you entered.

World Central Kitchen was founded by chef José Andrés.who observed the devastation caused by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. In subsequent years, World Central Kitchen provided food and relief to people whose communities were affected by hurricanes or natural disasters.

Fiona Donovan, operations manager for World Central Kitchen, told the First Lady what the organization did after the tropical storm left damage, debris and displacement in its wake.

“Thank you for what you do,” Biden responded. “What you did is incredible.”

She donned a World Central Kitchen apron and gloves and was given a spatula to stir the cooling beans in a large pot several feet in diameter.

Later, Biden and other volunteers served plates of beans in line. She asked some of them about how their families and homes lived during and after Helen.

Biden then visited the World Central Kitchen food distribution site around the corner at Ben’s Tune Up on Hilliard Avenue.

There, she, along with Cooper, Manheimer and others, packed World Central Kitchen meals and distributed them to a line of people that stretched down the block. Some people took selfies with the first lady as she handed out bags of food.

“We have to understand that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers and community leaders, not just in North Carolina but throughout the states, who are helping,” Andres told reporters on Hilliard Avenue as Biden and Cooper handed out food.

“They come and shake hands and thank the many volunteers who are part of the response. I think that’s always a good thing,” he said.

Andres has previously announced his support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election, citing her stance on climate and saying she will put “all of us, the whole planet first.”

“I have seen first-hand how natural disasters and powerful hurricanes have impacted Americans, destroying their homes and lives,” he said in a statement. recent video posted on Instagram. “Trump says climate change is a hoax. Believe me, I’ve seen the consequences. This is not a hoax.”

First Lady Appreciates Team Rubicon’s Support for Veterans Recovery Center

After stopping at two World Central Kitchen locations, the first lady stopped at Veterans Restoration Quarters, 1329 Tunnel Road. Veterans Recovery Quarter is operated by Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministries and provides housing and services to homeless veterans.

The place was severely damaged by flood from Tropical Storm Helen. Behind where the first lady spoke was a stained brick wall where floodwaters rose almost to the second floor of the building.

Team Rubicon is an international organization that provides disaster relief, cleanup and debris removal from Veterans Recovery Centers.

The First Lady spoke with Team Rubicon workers at the site amid dust and debris.

“I really appreciate you coming here and helping other veterans,” Biden said, standing in front of a mural of the American flag and portraying the volunteer efforts as a matter of patriotism.

After meeting with community members, the first lady traveled east to Fayetteville and Cary, where she attended campaign events, the White House said.

North Carolina is one of seven battleground states, and polls show the presidential race is tight.

Connor Giffin is an environmental journalist for the USA TODAY Network who writes about Helen for The Citizen Times. Contact him directly at [email protected] or on X @byconnorgiffin.